Bubblic Public stood out due to its creative design and impactful potential, prompting its further development as an inter-laboratory collaboration. This collaboration aimed to transform the project from a classroom concept into a groundbreaking on-demand public transport solution. The inspiration behind Bubblic Public is as ethereal as its name suggests. Like bubbles that appear momentarily and leave no trace, this project envisions a public transport system that is flexible, adaptive, and minimally intrusive. The core of Bubblic Public’s design is its single-module concept, featuring an extendable chassis and inflatable bubbles. This allows the vehicle to serve multiple purposes, from passenger transport and delivery services to mobile smart farms. The adaptability of Bubblic Public ensures it meets the varying demands of users and service providers throughout its lifecycle.
Traditional public transport systems are often limited by rigid infrastructure, making them inaccessible to certain areas and populations. In contrast, Bubblic Public offers a flexible solution that can dynamically respond to the needs of different communities. Its modular design means it can be customized in size and functionality, providing a tailored transport experience. This versatility addresses the systematic accessibility issues that arise from the one-size-fits-all approach of existing public transport systems. Bubblic Public operates with a simplicity and elegance inspired by nature. Its bamboo stem-like chassis and inflatable TPU bubbles are designed for both functionality and aesthetics. The bubbles, reminiscent of children’s play, bring a sense of delight and surprise to urban environments. Despite their playful appearance, these bubbles are made from durable, military-grade materials and can be easily replaced if damaged. This modularity not only ensures longevity but also enhances user comfort and safety.
The user experience with Bubblic Public is seamless and intuitive. Through a dedicated app, passengers can join rideshare groups or find the nearest available BP vehicle. The vehicle can be summoned like a taxi or sent to a predetermined location. Inside, the seating layout is flexible, with a seat matrix on the floor allowing for easy rearrangement based on the number of passengers and their needs. The inflatable bubble seats offer a comfortable and robust seating solution, making ingress and egress effortless with their adaptive design. In addition to passenger transport, Bubblic Public is designed for efficient delivery services. When used for logistics, the seating modules are replaced with reusable package bubbles, optimizing space and protecting the contents. This dual functionality highlights the system’s versatility and efficiency, catering to a wide range of uses while maintaining sustainability. The design ensures that both people and goods can be transported with minimal environmental impact.
Positioned uniquely between traditional public transport and personal mobility vehicles (PBVs), Bubblic Public leverages its compact size and autonomous technology to offer localized on-demand services. This flexibility extends to various operational levels, from passenger transport and logistics to innovative uses like mobile smart farms. The aesthetic appeal of Bubblic Public, combined with its practical benefits, establishes it as a forward-thinking icon in urban mobility solutions. Ultimately, Bubblic Public is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing road networks without requiring substantial infrastructure changes. Its simple chassis and modular components facilitate easy maintenance and long-term sustainability. By enabling clever part-swapping and multi-use components, the system not only enhances business efficiency and profitability but also significantly reduces environmental impact. This innovative approach ensures that Bubblic Public is not just a transport solution but a step towards a more sustainable and versatile future in urban mobility.