As with the other propositions for this year’s “Design LA” contest that we showed you earlier today, we won’t pretend that we completely understand the details behind GM’s Onstar Ant concept. From what we managed to absorb from GM’s press release, the pyramid-shaped device opens up like a flower and it can be configured on any vehicle providing environmentally friendly mobility. Well, at least that’s what we think it is. We’ll let you read the press release after the jump and decide for yourself. -ContinuedGM-Onstar ANT
Much like the self-regulating traffic system found in nature’s best commuter, the ant, OnStar enabled vehicle-to-vehicle communication and ubiquitously embedded intelligence allow GM’s ANT to act independently yet communicate with other vehicles to optimize traffic flow. Quantum computing power also allows each ANT to virtually recreate a highly personalized space for any occasion or personal need.
Omni-directional propulsion, provided by three independent Nanorb wheel systems, operate as independent robots and can arrange themselves in different configurations, turning virtually anything into a mobile device. Layered, environmentally friendly, single-walled, carbon-polymer nanocomposites form the flat surface panels, which incorporate the carbon nanotube battery.
All body panels are connected with electro-active polymer actuators (a.k.a. artificial muscles), allowing the easy and silent reconfiguration of body panels, depending on their optimal street use.
General Motors Advanced Design,
