Orbit VR1

2021

Orbit vr 1 is an autonomous electric powered snow blowing robot that consists of a brush, salt spreader, and heat lamps ensuring a safer journey for VEO scooter and bike users.

 

Problem Statement:

How may we provide safer travel for E-Bikes and E-Scooters in undesirable winter conditions?

Concept:

A snow blowing robot to clear bike lanes and sidewalks of snow, ice, and other objects that would otherwise prevent people from a safe journey.

Secondary Research:

Biking:

34% of 18-24 year olds expect to use bikes in the coming years. -

(Financial Times, 2021)

  • Increase use of bikes 

  • More sustainably friendly

  • Increased use of bike lanes

E-Scooters:

23% of 18-24 year olds plan to utilize e- scooters in the future. - 

(Financial Times, 2021)

  • Easier to transport

  • Cheaper method of transportation

  • Less maintenance 

Walking:

70% of Gen Z consumers do not have their drivers license and 30% have no intention of getting one. - 

(Allison + Partners, 2019)

  • No cost 

  • Healthier transportation method

  • No dependance on external products or systems 

Secondary Research:

Sustainability:

“87% — of Gen Zers report being worried for the environment and the planet, according to a study by the communications firm Porter Novelli/Cone.” - 

(The Annie F. Casey Foundation, 2021)

“Me to We”

Younger generations are shifting from the idea of individually driving for convience to more socially engaging means of mobility. 

Winter Mobility:

Travel by bike is less likely if protected bike lanes are not treated as seriously in snow removal as main roads are.

“Estimated 20 - 25% of the existing cycling population continues to cycle in winter” - 

[Gladkiy, 2020)

Maintenance:

There is less city initiative and resources to properly remove snow from highly travelled bike lanes.

“The DRPA [ Delaware river port authority] does not have a separate, smaller snow plow for getting into the bike lane”-

[LoBasso, 2017)

  • Brian

    • Age: 22

    • Syracuse University Alumni

    • Has a car but used to walk to class everyday

    • Lived 10 minutes off campus

    “Walking to class is annoying because the sidewalks are not shoveled enough. It becomes slippery and the paths aren’t wide enough for multiple people”.

  • Jillian

    • Age: 22

    • Student at Drexel University

    • lives 25 minutes away from campus (walking)

    • Rides her bike to class and around the city of Philadelphia

    “When I ride in the winter im usually stressed trying to avoid large patches of snow or other obstacles like trash in the road”.

  • Daren

    • Age: 21

    • Student at Syracuse University

    • lives .5 miles away from campus

    • Biking enthusiast- rides his bike to and from campus

    “Unfriendly environment for cyclist. Snow plows throw snow into the bike lane so I have to ride closer to the cars when this happens”.

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Previous

LIPI
Next

HIVE