Set on the futuristic design of emission free vehicle structures, 22-year-old German student Kai Clemens Liebich decided to base his master thesis on a rather innovative concept — an e-rikshaw tailor-made to facilitate smooth manoeuvring on Indian roads. We caught up with youngster who was in the city recently.
“When the idea was proposed to me by the Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions (RBEI), I was keen on inventing something that was different from the rest. While there are a couple of e-rikshaw makers in the market, I was certain that a promising product would garner the right kind of attention,” states Kai, who goes on to explain the salient features of his innovation.
“On an average, e-rikshaws move about in the speed of 20 km/hr. But keeping the Indian roads in mind, we have decided to manufacture the product by infusing powerful electric motors to make wheels stable and facilitate better road grip. The charger-run rickshaw can be charged to 80 per cent in four-five hours via any common wall plug,” states the young electrical engineer from Karlsruhe, Germany, who is pursuing his masters in embedded systems in Pforzheim, Germany.
While it has been about six months since the start of the project, Kai asserts it was the amicable atmosphere that fostered growth and learning at the same time. “It was very interesting technically and culturally – I learnt a lot about the auto and local traffic conditions. I had complete independence on the project, which I think is an incomparable experience of freedom and accomplishment.”
Talking about his recent stint with the city, which also happens to be his first visit to the country, he says. “ I've read up a lot about India, and I know there’s so much to explore and discover. I’m fortunate enough to visit the world’s largest democracy.” He goes on to explain “ It’s roughly been about a week in Bengaluru and I must say I love the food especially the masala dosas and butter chicken. But the traffic and the roads can surely be improved,” opines the PhD student who's also an ardent reader.
Elucidating about what lies ahead, Kai is quick to add how there’s still a long way to go. “At present I am wrapping up my part of the project, which was to do a proof-of-concept by creating a working model. Future interns working on this project have the liberty to take it forward as their imagination and creativity allows. I am going back to University in Germany to submit my thesis.” He signs off.
