Page 25 - 3DA Mag N° February2018 -EN+

3D Adept Mag

Local Motors

will improve the development
of its 3D printed autonomous
“Olli shuttle” by raising over $1 billion

Local Motors is a ground mobility company focused on shaping the future of transport. The
company began low volume vehicle manufacturing of open-source designs using multiple
micro-factories. However, since inception, it has debuted the world’s first 3D-printed car,
self-driving, cognitive and electric vehicle, Olli. For the company, Olli is the answer to a
sustainable, accessible transportation solution for all.

ocal Motors collaborated with Elite Parking manufacturing. Indeed, traditional cars require
Services, and Texas-based Xcelerate to secure deep investments in tools and production facilities
Lthird party operational support as well as vehicle especially for a unique design whereas in this case,
financing for their autonomous shuttle, Olli. the method allows flexibility in the design.

Customers who have existing relationships with Regarding for instance a University campus’ needs,
transit companies will have the ability to finance just the manufacturers explain that “the large automaker
the vehicle with Xcelerate for up to 84 months and can’t alter their vehicle, but [we], Local Motors can
continue to work with their existing operations and simply change the file, and print a batch of Ollis that
monitoring partners. fits best with the campus’ needs.” Its components
are created by a Cincinnati Inc BAAM printer and
The solution of EPS to support the development of Olli a digital design file which varies according to the
consists in a routine maintenance, warranty service, specific demand of each client.
insurance, monitoring, management, operations
and many more. For these customers who engage Improvements still need to be made by the manufac-
EPS’s services, EPS is also offering up to $1 billion turer which is looking forward to implement smart
in financing. features so that users with reduced mobility, sight,
cognitive or hearing disabilities could get a better
In addition to funding from EPS, Xcelerate has agreed access.
to provide up to $20 million in Olli Vehicle financing.
First trials of the company were carried out at the
Investors attracted by manufacturing and beginning of the year in Germany (Berlin) through
innovation? a collaboration with Deutsche Bahn. The driverless
vehicle then transports passengers from work to the
Olli is an autonomous 3D printed transit vehicle. Its nearest Deutsche Bahn rail station.
production is different from conventional automobile

Magazine / February 2018 25