Using Modular Model Cars to Drive Innovation and Learning

Abstract

Because of climate change and other problems there is an urgent need for increased innovation in the carmaking industry. The computer industry has a very high innovation rate. Switching from integrated cars to modular cars could make the carmaking industry more like the computer industry and could provide a number of advantages for cars and the carmaking industry, including increased innovation, more pervasive use of clean, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy sources, and promoting sustainability in carmaking and reparability of cars. Until modular cars are built, those advantages are theoretical advantages. Building modular model cars is a way to start to move from theoretical research on modular cars to practical research and development. Modular model cars are a great teaching tool, and students can contribute to the process of increasing innovation in carmaking.