Xenia

Project information

The project begins with a question: when the driver disappears, who takes care of the passenger? Today, conventional ride-hailing and taxis already struggle with inconsistent service quality, limited comfort, and high operational costs. By 2040, as autonomous shared vehicles replace them, a new problem emerges—passengers will be left entirely alone to solve every issue that arises during the journey, from loading heavy luggage to simply needing a helping hand. 

To ground the concept in real needs, research focused on wheelchair users—their requirements for dignified boarding, simple mechanisms, low floors, and journey-long assistance represent the toughest test for any in-cabin service system. Interviews and online community analysis identified key priorities: compact spaciousness, easy low-floor access, ride quality with secure wheelchair fixing, and compatibility across chair types.

The result is a compact two-seat vehicle (3.9 m) with a one-box proportion. Batteries placed at the front and rear enable an ultra-low floor. A central spine organizes the exterior, while two-stage gull-wing doors and side-hinged windows suit tight urban spaces. Interchangeable panels allow customization for ride-sharing, rental, or corporate use.

Inside, a robotic seat handles practical tasks via a multi-degree-of-freedom arm, while a comfort seat is dedicated to relaxation. The robotic seat folds away when not needed, and a magnetic floor enables rail-free movement. A second arm in the instrument panel assists, and a glovebox stores water, cleaning supplies, or a coffee machine—restocked at dispatch centres. The system can receive and secure luggage, serve as a table, clean the cabin between rides, and assist wheelchair users with boarding and chair loading.

Human-robot interaction relies on multi-modal perception (eye-tracking cameras, microphones, radar, seat sensors), a ceiling projector that previews arm movements, a centre-console status screen, an emergency stop, and load-indicator lights. The design deliberately avoids humanoid features, as a clearly recognizable robot wrapped in soft materials is more approachable.

The design process spanned Umeå and Shanghai—research at UID, creative development at the XPENG studio with colleague support in design quality and model making. Ultimately, Xenia argues that autonomous shared mobility should not just remove the driver but actively redefine how service lives inside the cabin, aiming for a balance between efficiency and inclusion.