U-Shift

U-Shift

The autonomous, driverless, U-Shift electric vehicle concept enables a new type of modularity by separating the driving module from the transport capsule, thus creating new intermodality, new products and business models.

Bundesgartenschau 2023

U-Shift at the Bundesgartenschau (BUGA) 2023 -Research operation starts at the Federal Horticultural Show in Mannheim.

U-Shift Jobs

Our scientists at the Institute of Vehicle Concepts research innovative vehicle concepts and technologies for road and rail. They design, construct, calculate and simulate novel drive systems, efficient energy conversion concepts and advanced lightweight construction concepts for the trains and cars of tomorrow.

The concept

The drive module can be used in combination with various capsule types to transport both passengers and goods. Examples of applications include autonomous, electromobile night delivery, autonomous intra-logistics and barrier-free passenger transport.

Driveboard

The autonomous drive module integrates all components and systems necessary for driving. In addition to the electrical drive, battery and automation components, the Driveboard has an integrated lifting system for easy and quick replacement of different types of capsules. The capsules are changed ‘on-the-road’, i.e. during operation, to enable new transport and mobility services.

Autonomous (SAE5), flexible, standardisable
Electrical drive system
High utilisation factor (24/7) and quiet night operation

U-Shift Driveboard
Image: 1/4, Credit:
DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
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U-Shift - recording the passenger capsule
Image: 2/4, Credit:
DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
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U-SHIFT ON-THE-ROAD MODULAR VEHICLE
Image: 4/4, Credit:
DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
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Capsules

The capsules are equipped with only the most essential technical equipment and can therefore be produced cost-effectively.

Customised and flexible
Needs-based: A variety of capsules used in passenger transport (people mover, private capsule) and in commercial transport (delivery transport, service, recyclable material capsule).
‘Simple’, light and cost-effective

The first prototype of the U-Shift vehicle concept
... on the move
Credit:
© DLR. Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Automation

The automation is much more closely linked to the infrastructure than today's Cooperative Automated Driving (CAD) approaches. U-Shift takes automation to the next level – Managed Automated Driving (MAD) is a key element of this:

Protection via infrastructure sensors
Management via traffic control centre
Optimised use of road infrastructure

Video: A look back at six months of U-Shift research operations at BUGA 23
Prof Tjark Siefkes, Director of the DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts, and Dr Marco Münster, U-Shift Project Manager, take stock of DLR's appearance at the BUGA 23 Federal Garden Show in Mannheim and give an outlook on the next steps in the U-Shift project.
Credit:
© DLR. Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Current project initiatives

U-Shift II - Development of a research carrier for the investigation of vehicle-specific U-Shift research question
MAD Urban - Concept development and demonstration of MAD - Managed Automated Driving