An electric smart scooter that features integrated AI and machine learning systems.
Made in a collaboration between London-based design studio LAYER and Chinese electric vehicle company NIO, Pal is an innovative prototype that offers a convenient and flexible “last mile” travel solution. Revealed at Salone del Mobile in Milan, LAYER X NIO Pal is an electric smart scooter and near-future concept. Apart from an integrated AI system, Pal also features a range of practical features.
Pal has a “lean steering” system, allowing the user to control the speed and the direction through body movement. Leaning forward speeds up the smart scooter, while leaning backward slows it down. Lightweight but incredibly strong, Pal features a graphene-coated carbon fiber chassis and steering column. The electric smart scooter folds to occupy minimal space and to make transportation convenient. The battery is also easy to charge at home, office, or in a NIO car. Thanks to the Integrated NIO AI and machine learning system, Pal adapts to the needs of the user.
“PAL is a near-future concept for a nimble “last-mile” electric vehicle that addresses the growing congestion and population density of our cities and offers a possible solution to these challenges. The vehicle has been designed to express lifestyle values and sensibilities, rather than with an overtly tech-driven language, creating harmony between the way people think about their home and transport in the future,” says Benjamin Hubert, LAYER founder.
Named NOMI, the AI system learns the user’s routes and preferences to ultimately become autonomous. The user can control Pal through a wireless Bluetooth earpiece and give simple voice commands. Finally, this smart electric scooter will also come with a range of accessories. These include bag and basket attachments as well as a shopping cart accessory. All of these optional accessories attach to an electromagnetic panel located on the scooter’s steering column. Photographs© LAYER.