MAIDEN VOYAGE ON LAND
Joyn the Revolution Benjamin Hubert designs an autonomous ride-sharing platform built around safety, style and sustainability.
With increasing urbanisation, rising traffic
comfort or convenience, and also engage in a
congestion and a lower rate of car ownership,
community with shared sustainable goals.”
ride sharing has grown exponentially over the
The eight-passenger vehicles – designed for
last decade. The sector is now valued at US$61.3
journeys of 30-60 minutes – are based around
billion globally, and though success is set to
the footprint of a Ford Galaxy, with the exterior
continue, there are challenges ahead when it
conceived as a smart glass bubble displaying
comes to safety, accountability and sustainability.
upcoming stops and time to destination.
As a result, Benjamin Hubert of experience
Passengers use the Joyn app to locate nearby
design agency Layer, has created Joyn, a concept
vehicles, and can instantly see what seats and
for autonomous transport that makes ride
storage space is available.
sharing more desirable. After extensive research,
Inside, the human-focused space features
Hubert identified a gap in the market and set
tactile upholstery and vegetable-leather details.
about developing a solution that offers users a
Modular seat pairs face opposite ways and are
more private, safer and eco-friendly alternative
separated by wings that can be kept closed or
to existing models. “This near-future concept
opened out to ‘joyn’ seats for passengers travelling
addresses both the need for a more comfortable
together, while seatbacks feature stowable tables
ride-share system that people actually want
with smart tech provisions including charging
to use as an alternative to private commutes,
ports and folding tablet stands.
and a growing need for environmental action
It is hoped that Joyn will become not only a
and awareness,” explains Hubert. “Passengers
simple way to book a ride, but also an exciting
using this platform could alleviate the eco-guilt
and engaging social network that creates a
associated with car travel without sacrificing
community to drive environmental action.
079
