About this project

This project explored ways in which the design of driverless vehicles of the future might offer greater freedom and independence to a growing section of society for whom traditional means of personal mobility is in some way limited or problematic.

Project background

The Royal Automobile Club sets an automotive-themed challenge to students on the Royal College of Art Masters programme each year. The challenge set in autumn 2017, in partnership with the RAC Foundation, asked the question ‘How could vehicles, services or infrastructure (digital or physical) help those who are currently excluded or poorly served by transport options in London?’

Project aims & objectives

Almost one in five people in the UK have some form of disability and by 2035 over a third of us will be of pensionable age. The aim of this project was therefore to engage the designers of tomorrow in thinking about possible solutions that could improve access and mobility for millions of people, providing better opportunities for education, employment and wellbeing.

The context for the vision of the future design solutions was to imagine London mobility in 2030, making use of advances in technology and materials including autonomy and artificial intelligence.

Project timescales

The challenge was set in autumn 2017 and final designs were presented in summer 2018. The full report can be viewed here.

Project partners

The Royal Automobile Club and the RAC Foundation commissioned students on the Royal College of Art’s Intelligent Mobility MA course to come up with the designs. The students worked with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee as well as a range of people currently coping with mobility challenges.

For more information

Please get in touch via email at [email protected]. Alternatively to receive updates about the other work of the RAC Foundation please sign-up to our mailing list. You can also follow us on Twitter @racfoundation.