It is not usual for a home design blog to feature an automobile. But I guess it depends on what your definition of an automobile really is. Ever wondered about a day when your entire home is nothing but an evolved version of the 'automobile' itself? Sure, we have all seen self driving cars with cozy interiors in sci fi movies, but I think this concept by Mike and Maaike (a San Fransisco based industrial design studio) takes it to a whole new level. They envision the car of tomorrow to become a moving habitat that you live in and not just merely a machine to drive on. They call it ATNMBL a (short for Autonomous Automobile). Mike and Maaike feel that:

Today's car industry is brainwashed by its own car culture, with its obsession for speed, styling and fantasy. The car business has become one of repackaging, steering people's focus towards style and a narrow definition of performance, not on our true needs.

Moving away from the beaten down track of high speeds and accelaration, they emphasize that the performance criteria of tomorrow's cars would be measured in terms of time-saving, quality of life, and increased exploration that it enables its users. Freed from the monotony of driving, people would be able to enjoy quality time while in transit: socializing, gaming, movies, business, videocalls, web surfing, sleeping or discovering new places with powerful voice controlled search and navigation.

Passengers enter ATNMBL from the curb side through an electric glass sliding door into a standing-height entryway.

Inside, the seating arrangement is a direct reference to the familiar living-room setting of a couch, side chair and low table. Riders are oriented towards each other and to the view outside through the large floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides. Centrally oriented is a large flat display that features live trip information, maps, and entertainment. The display can slide up to reveal a bar behind. A new and comprehensive sense of control is introduced through voice recognition and a touch screen remote control (or one's personal phone), offering riders a wide range of trip planning, ride sharing and performance settings that can be very detailed for those who want elaborate control or extremely simple for those who would rather just relax and enjoy the ride.

Here is a brief summary of features the ATNMBL would have: • fully electric powered plus solar assist • driverless navigation via GPS, Lidar, radar, accelerometers • wrap-around seating for 7 • voice recognition and remote for real-time control/ input • large display for info, searches, browsing, communication • open-source software with downloadable apps for carpool and car-share through social networking, pre-loaded trips, city tours, virtual drivers, etc. • live trip info on mini display • electric door, standing height entryway • electronically tinted windows • all wheel drive with motors in each wheel • very few mechanical parts (drive by wire) • bar Our kudos to these people who push the limits! [Via]