"By supporting the MONOCAB project, we are sending a strong signal about the innovative strength of the Lippe region. This project not only underscores the importance of scientific innovation for the future of mobility. It also positions the Lippe region as a driving force behind modern transportation technologies and strengthens Lippe's position in the competition among other regions," says District Administrator Dr. Axel Lehmann, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lippe District Location Security Foundation.
The MONOCAB project is the result of a successful collaboration between the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Lippe district, the Fraunhofer Institute IOSB INA in Lemgo, and Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Through joint efforts and voluntary commitment, a local idea has given rise to an innovative flagship project that is setting new trends for the mobility of the future and is being noticed far beyond the region's borders.
To make the vision of MONOCAB even more vivid and tangible, a 1:1 model is currently being developed. This transportable "white model" should be available soon.
Once completed, it will serve as a projection surface for videos, animations, or "projection mapping," in which light and images create effects. So-called mixed reality applications, which combine real and virtual representations, are also possible with the model as a three-dimensional projection surface.
Whether at trade fairs, events, or in local science dialogues, the 1:1 model is much more manageable than the original, which weighs several tons, and offers an impressive opportunity to showcase mobility innovations in an eye-catching way while also sparking interest in STEM careers. Interactive technologies are intended to get the younger generation excited about technical professions in order to strengthen the region's skilled labor pool in the long term. In short, the model makes it possible to present the idea and concept to a much wider audience than has been possible to date, while demonstrating sustainable mobility through state-of-the-art technology.
The MONOCAB project, led by a consortium headed by TH OWL, shows how important it is to combine research, science, and regional support for forward-looking ideas. Thanks to funding from the Lippe District Location Security Foundation and close cooperation between the university, the district, and volunteers, MONOCAB is becoming a flagship for innovation and science in rural areas.
The basic idea behind the MONOCAB vehicle concept is to reactivate disused railway lines. The compact driverless rail vehicles run on a single rail with gyroscopic stabilization. MONOCABs are designed to run in both directions on a single track and can transport up to six people in a barrier-free manner.
The MONOCABs are battery-powered, can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, and place only minimal requirements on the rail infrastructure. Thanks to its on-demand operating concept, the MONOCAB is an individual public transport system that can be operated efficiently even with low passenger volumes.