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Berlin-based design studio nFrontier GmbH demonstrated useful prototypes of its PYLO airbag-equipped bicycle helmet, and UILA electrical automobile (EV) idea ultimately month’s IAA Mobility motor present in Berlin.
nFrontier has additionally introduced new investments from three “former prime managers” throughout the automotive business. Franz Linner, Dr Bernd Welzel and Dr Rolf Scheffels will turn out to be shareholders and advisory board members on the firm, providing technical experience and entry to their broad networks throughout worldwide automotive markets.
Based again in 2020 by former BigReb and NOWlab executives Dr Stephan Beyer, Daniel Buening, and Pervin Adiyaman, a key nFrontier aim is to extend the adoption of rising applied sciences together with industrial 3D printing.
Present nFrontier prospects embody automotive producers Motherson and BMW, Railroad tools producer Vossloh, and main aerospace firm Airbus.
“We’re very comfortable about our new advisory board members and shareholders and thank them for his or her belief. With their appreciable community and expertise, they may actively drive nFrontier ahead on its development path,” commented Buening, who’s nFrontier’s CEO.
“This funding places us able to single-mindedly drive nFrontier ahead and take it to the subsequent stage. For instance, we’re particularly planning extra places in Germany and past – wherever our prospects are on the lookout for options with the assistance of progressive applied sciences.”
3D printed airbag-equipped bicycle helmet
nFrontier’s PYLO helmet incorporates a 3D printed nylon construction optimized to soak up deep impacts at the next stage than typical polystyrene helmets. Launched final 12 months, the PYLO helmet contains what is claimed to be the world’s first face defend airbag designed for a bicycle helmet. Throughout an accident, this airbag mechanically blows up, defending the person’s face.
A 360° LIDAR-powered encompass security system can be included into the PYLO helmet, that includes an audio warning system warning the person of harmful dead-angle conditions or automobiles approaching at excessive speeds. This technique operates with 3D immersive sound, providing a free-range 360° scanning zone. The Lidar alerts a directional and clear overlay warning sound, indicating the precise location and path of a menace.
LED head and back lights and LED indicators are additionally added to supply extra security in heavy city site visitors environments. The person can activate these options by double-tapping the left or proper facet of the helmet, with included gyro sensors mechanically detecting the rider’s actions to activate the brake lights.
The entire PYLO’s options could be managed by a smartphone app, which additionally permits customers to manage headlights and join wi-fi headphones.
nFrontier’s UILA EV idea
Launched throughout Formnext 2022, UILA is basically a cross between a small EV and a cargo bike.
nFrontier leverages 3D printing within the manufacturing part to scale back prices and optimize manufacturing sustainability. This contains 3D printer producer Stratasys’ powder-based Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) providing and 3D printers from California-based 3D printer supplier Origin One. nFrontier claims that this expertise permits for native manufacturing utilizing fewer elements and supplies, lowering provide chain challenges and transportation emissions.
The UILA employs a chainless electrical drive prepare, and might speed up to a prime velocity of 25 km/h, and might carry a complete payload of 250 kg as much as 60-70 km in a single cost. The EV can be compact, measuring simply 230 cm lengthy and 90 cm excessive. nFrontier claims that, sooner or later, the UILA App will allow the person to name the parked EV in order that it autonomously drives to them, and even follows them as they stroll on foot.
“PYLO and UILA are game-changing mobility options for a few of at the moment’s most urgent challenges corresponding to extra sustainable city transport modes and site visitors security. On the similar time, each ship a featured set of digital features and property by far exceeding present business requirements, turning them into transferring digital units,” defined Dr Beyer, nFrontier’s CFO.
3D printing and the automotive business
Additive manufacturing is actually rising with the automotive area. Earlier this 12 months, it was introduced that world automotive producer Peugeot has built-in Stratasys’ 3DFashion expertise into the inside design of its new Inception idea. The inside known as “revolutionary” by Peugeot, and options superior supplies made with Stratasys J850 TechStyle 3D Printers.
Elsewhere, German automotive producer Volkswagen Group has acquired a second MetalFAB steel 3D printer from Netherlands-based 3D printer producer Additive Industries. The MetalFAB 3D printer options full-field lasers and automatic construct changeovers, enabling high-productivity charges and lights-out operations.
Volkswagen has additionally invested in parameter growth, implementing MetalFAB’s Powder Load Software and Powder Restoration Station to scale back waste and improve manufacturing effectivity.
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Featured picture exhibits a render of the UILA EV. Picture through nFrontier GmbH.