VLOT - Waterbus

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Concept Description

VLOT is an autopilot electric waterbus designated for connecting Amsterdam's northern & southern districts more flexibly. To achieve this, the boat is designed in smaller dimensions to fit in narrow canals and avoid obstructing other watercraft while charging or awaiting passengers. However, since the Netherlands has the tallest average height globally, the boat's ceiling height was not compromised when downscaling. A unique feature in this design is the rotational mechanism built into the skateboard platform, providing comfortable experiences for maneuvering in narrow spaces. Another highlight is the suspension system that connects the skateboard and upper compartment, formulating a counter-wave experience for the riders. Besides, it can also filter eutrophication and floating litter on the water surface - since it's likewise a serious environmental problem in the city.

Design by: Studio TZEN，Nienchen Lee，Fei Shieh
Year：2022/May

Current Solution

There are multiple public ferry routes used currently in the city; however, people often complain about its low agility, non-flexible schedule, and inadequate ferry stops. Similarly, research on transport preferences among Amsterdam residents shows that people see as more important is the ability to get from A to B easily, whenever they like. These are the values that current public transport underperforms or cannot provide.

Smart Interior

Both in/outside of the boat are equipped with screens displaying its real-time location and upcoming destinations. The most up-to-date schedule for the next transfer(e.g., train, tram, metro) can be seen from the larger display inside. These screens can also be used for lighting purposes from time to time. The interiors are highly modular; an AI-powered arrangement system will identify passenger types(e.g., commuters with/without bikes, wheelchair users) and suggest different interior setups tailored for each route.

Filtration

An interchangeable filtering system is equipped on every waterbus, offering a mobile solution to tackling the severe issue of eutrophication in rivers and canals. Research has shown that it's possible to achieve this by actively removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus from runoff water. The design also includes a hot-swap mechanism to speed up the changing process.

The Charging & Boarding Port

The modular port can be easily deployed, up/downscaled, and adapt to the tide. Each module is equipped with a wireless charging function and will start charging the boat after they're securely connected. Concerning the height differences between street & water levels, the port also includes wheelchair/bike-friendly boarding options (adjustable bike rack and platform lift).