For this project, our domain was ‘digital infrastructure’. More specifically we focused on smart mobility. How can we make public transport of the future holding sustainability and technology in account? That’s how the Atlantic express was born. A hybrid means of transportation. Scroll down to read more about our project!
The Atlantis Express stands as a beacon of Ghent’s ample history and its lasting commitment to innovation and a greener community. Inspired by the role of waterways in Ghent, this new way of transport seamlessly combines historical significance with cutting-edge technology to merge the Ghent we know today with a sustainable future.
Ghent’s waterways have been at the heart of the city’s success, even from the beginning. The Atlantis Express pays homage to this heritage by embodying the spirit of exploration and trade that thrived along the Scheldt and Lys rivers. As a nod to the historical importance of these waterways, the Atlantis Express effortlessly transitions from water to land with advanced retractable wheels, drawing a direct line from Ghent’s past to its pioneering future.
Sustainability has always been a core value in the city of Ghent, developing and fine-tuning itself now and in the years to come. Beyond its transformative capabilities, the Atlantis Express is designed to echo the environmental consciousness that has defined Ghent’s legacy. Fueled by sustainable energy sources, including solar panels and a dynamo, the train ensures that the city’s commitment to eco-friendly practices remains at the forefront of its transport and infrastructural innovations.
The Atlantis Express integrates high-tech features into its interior, including a secure fingerprint scanner and a state-of-the-art live tracking system. This propels it into a future where connectivity, sustainability, and autonomous transport harmoniously coexist. These cutting-edge technologies not only enhance passenger safety and convenience but also contribute to the overall efficiency of the transportation system.
The live tracking system allows precise scheduling and optimized routes, reducing environmental impact and congestion. The Atlantis Express is at the forefront of a transportation revolution, where intelligent design and eco-friendly practices converge to shape a more seamless and sustainable future for smart mobility.
Image (left) by 652234 from Pixabay
The Atlantis Express, a masterpiece of technology and engineering, combines the power of a ship with the mobility of a mainland train. Once ashore, the Atlantis Express reveals its hidden capabilities. With advanced retractable wheels, it smoothly glides from water to land, ready to continue its journey without any interruption. This seamless transition is facilitated by a perfectly balanced system of hydraulics and mechanics, making the shift from water to land a streamlined experience.
But the transformation of the Atlantis Express goes beyond mere appearance. The interior is infused with cutting-edge technologies that elevate the travel experience to new heights. A fingerprint scanner ensures secure access to the train, while solar panels and a dynamo provide a sustainable energy supply, making the Atlantis Express environmentally friendly and efficient.
A high-quality live tracking system constantly monitors the position of the Atlantis Express, keeping passengers and crew always informed about their location and progress. This not only provides peace of mind but also unparalleled connectivity, even in the most remote areas.
However, what truly sets the Atlantis Express apart is the fact that it is entirely digitally controlled. No traditional steering wheels or levers, but an advanced system of computers and sensors that coordinate every movement with unparalleled precision. This not only results in a smooth and safe journey but also opens the door to a future of autonomous transport on both water and land.
The transformation of a boat into a train is a masterpiece of technological innovation. At the core of this metamorphosis lies an advanced system of modular components and smart materials. The hull of the boat is designed with special connections and mechanics that allow it to be transformed into a train carriage.
The heart of this transformation is a complex network of hydraulic and electrical systems. These systems work together to move and change the structural elements of the boat to make them suitable for railway use. Advanced sensors and AI algorithms coordinate the transformation seamlessly, with each component moving at precisely the right moment.
Furthermore, the vehicle’s energy supply is revolutionary. It utilizes a hybrid system that harnesses both electricity and hydrogen cells. This combination ensures efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion, both on water and on land. Thanks to this technological advancement, the boat-train hybrid can smoothly transition from water to land and vice versa without any interruption in service.
The introduction of the boat-train has had a profound impact on society. Previously separated by bodies of water, coastal cities and island communities are now seamlessly connected to the mainland. This has not only brought economic benefits, such as boosting tourism and trade, but has also fostered social and cultural exchanges.
The boat-train has increased mobility and made remote areas more accessible. People can now easily travel back and forth between different regions, leading to an enrichment of cultural diversity and exchange of ideas. Additionally, it has strengthened local economies by creating new opportunities for employment and investment.
This technological advancement has also led to greater connectivity among people. Sharing travel experiences and meeting people from different backgrounds during the journey has contributed to a greater sense of solidarity and understanding between communities.
For those who use the boat-train, it has been a true blessing. Travelers now experience the best of both worlds: the adventure of traveling by water and the comfort of railway transport. The transition from boat to train is seamless and comfortable, with modern amenities on board to make the journey enjoyable.
For the crew of the boat-train, this technological innovation has created new opportunities. They are trained to operate both maritime and railway systems, allowing them to be flexible in their duties and adapt their skills to the needs of the journey. Moreover, the boat-train has brought a sense of pride and identity among the people involved. It is not just a technological feat but also a symbol of progress and connectivity. Those involved in its development, operation, and use feel proud of their contribution to this groundbreaking project that has forever changed the way we travel.
