Rinspeed Snap self-driving microbus concept set for CES 2018

Swiss concept car creator Rinspeed is known for its unusual, quirky designs for cars of the future that can go underwater or shrink into parking bays. In its latest futuristic automotive vision, it’s come up with a fully connected autonomous microbus for the upcoming CES show. Unlike some of Rinspeed’s previous efforts, the Snap might not be too wide of the mark.

The Rinspeed Snap is a self-driving vehicle with computer hardware and software built into the chassis. The passenger cell is a separate entity from this high-tech platform, which results in greater flexibility for the design. The pod, for example, can be removed and used as a makeshift gazebo separate from the chassis.

• 25 years of crazy Rinspeed concepts

Rinspeed has filled the Snap with an array of sensors so that it functions properly as a fully autonomous self-driving machine. In order to keep occupants entertained, the interior contains lots of useable tech such as 5G WiFi and Bluetooth providing connectivity for smart devices and the on-board tablet computers.

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TomTom provides the Snap with high-definition maps to help the autonomous vehicle navigate through cities. The Snap utilises six projectors to communicate with other motorists when out on the road with commands such as ‘right of way’ projected onto the windscreen by two display units.

Options on most cars includes leather seats and a semi-auto gearbox, but for the Snap, customers can opt for a ‘personal assistant’ in the form an autonomous robot that can be tasked with doing chores.

Rinspeed will unveil its Snap autonomous vehicle with more information at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month with a Geneva Motor Show display also in the works from the Swiss manufacturer in March 2018.

What do you think about the Rinspeed Snap? Let us know in the comments section below…