If my recent posts on self-driving and ”intelligent” cars weren’t enough, Physorg.org is today reporting that a company called Rinspeed is attempting to develop a new car, dubbed sQuba, that can both drive on the road and dive underwater.
Even though I live in Minnesota—the land of 10,000 lakes—I don’t really
see the practical application of this car. (Although if Al Gore is
correct and global climate change does put Manhattan underwater I guess
there could be a big market for it in the future.) Nevertheless, two
things struck be about the announcement and they might help others “jump
the curve” and innovate into the future.
For starters, one of the emerging technologies that might make this car a
reality is nanotechnology. Specifically, the manufacturer—who is also
working with Siemens Automotive Group—intends to construct lightweight
body panels made of carbon nanotubes. (If you’re interested in seeing a
more practical application of nanotechnology in the automotive industry,
check out this recent post about General Motor’s innovative work in the area of shape-shifting materials.)
Secondly, I like the fact that Frank Rinderknecht, the CEO of Rinspeed,
cites the 1977 movie, “The Spy Who Loved Me” as inspiration for his
idea. As I state in my new book, Jump the Curve,
one effective way to jump the curve is to add some science fiction to
your reading diet—it can be a great source of inspiration and
creativity.
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Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business.
He is also a frequent speaker on future technology and future trends,
nanotechnology, innovation, change management and executive leadership
to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and
trade associations.
