Concept description
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VLOT is a self-driving electric water bus used to connect the northern and southern regions of Amsterdam more flexibly. To achieve this, the ship was designed to be smaller in size to accommodate narrow canals and to avoid obstructing other ships when charging or waiting for passengers. However, since the Netherlands has the highest average height in the world, the ceiling height of the ship was not affected when the size was reduced. The uniqueness of this design lies in the built-in rotating mechanism of the platform, which provides a comfortable operating experience in a narrow space. Another highlight is the suspension system connecting the skateboard and the cabin, which formulates an anti-wave experience for the rider. In addition, VLOT can also filter garbage floating on the water, because this is also a serious environmental problem in the city.

Designed by: Studio TZEN,Nienchen Lee,Fei Shieh
Year:2022/May

Intelligent internal space
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VLOT is equipped with screens inside and outside, showing real-time locations and upcoming destinations. The latest schedule for the next change, such as:, trains, trams, subways... these screens can also be used for lighting purposes. The interior design is highly modular; the artificial intelligence arrangement system will identify the types of passengers, such as whether there are commuters carrying bicycles, wheelchair users, and provide different internal settings for each route.

Filtration system
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Each water bus is equipped with an interchangeable filtration system, providing a mobile solution to the serious problem of eutrophication of rivers and canals. Studies have shown that it is possible to achieve this goal by removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus from runoff water. The design also includes a hot plug mechanism to speed up the change process.

Charging & Boarding
The modular port is convenient and fast to operate, can be expanded and contracted, and can also adapt to tides and waves. Each module is equipped with a wireless charging function, and will start charging the ship after they are safely connected. Considering the height difference between the street and the water level, the port also includes wheelchair/bicycle-friendly boarding options (adjustable bicycle racks and platform lifts).