The Swiss engineers of Rinspeed are well-known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to automotive innovation. Famous for models such as the X-Trem, zaZen and iChange, the Σtos comes in as an autonomous two-seater based on BMW’s i8.
The point of making the Σtos an autonomous vehicle and focusing on this idea as a whole is to provide commuters with more time to “grab and read a book in comfort or work in a relaxed atmosphere” while the cars do all of the work. The Σtos transforms from a driver controlled car to an autonomous vehicle once the steering wheel is neatly tucked away behind the dashboard similarly to what was seen in Del Spooner’s Audi RSQ in 2004’s i, Robot.
Working together with the Harman Connected infotainment system the Σtos uses a collection of eight HD cameras positioned around the car to monitor is surroundings at all times. This provides 180 degree panoramic views and 3D images of buildings, trees, bus stops, stations and other distinctive waypoints to help aid the navigation.
E-Horizon is a feature also found in the Σtos. It is able to provide a safe and convenient journey by offering precise warnings and a gaze-tracking system which permanently monitors the driver’s eye movements and knows what the driver has seen or has failed to see to make up for human error.
The Σtos is also provided with its own DJI drone with a landing pad (which for some reason is equipped with 12 000 LEDs in case you wish to use it as a message board or a visual dancefloor). Apparently the drone comes in handy for those who wish to pick up flowers for a loved one on the way home without you having to get out of your car and provides a great selfie service for when you want to promote your Σtos experience to your friends.
Corning gorilla glass seen on most smartphones is used to compose the Σtos’s glass roof as well as automatic payment for parking via NFC, wireless cell phone charging, smart access solutions and keyless remotes for unlocking, starting and customizing the vehicle. This is an attempt to promote the Σtos as a ‘smartcar’.
Here’s a video that goes into full detail regarding the Σtos’s capabilities:
