Course Recap: Intelligent Transportation Design
Industrial Design Meets the Low-Altitude Economy

The Intelligent Transportation Design course, a joint initiative by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Design Institute and SAIC Design Center, bridges academic innovation with industrial expertise. Designed for the International Industrial Design Engineering (IIDE) master’s program, the course fosters interdisciplinary talent, blending creative thinking with engineering prowess. Together, students and industry mentors explore future mobility scenarios, push technological boundaries, and redefine urban transportation in the era of low-altitude economies.

Focusing on the "low-altitude revolution," the course challenged students to design next-generation aerial vehicles spanning five themes: polar exploration, urban commuting, leisure tourism, competitive sports, and bio-inspired ecosystems. Through the program, participants engaged in end-to-end development—from user research and conceptual drawings to technical solutions, business modeling, and prototyping. The five visionary projects showcased below highlight how design can drive technological innovation and translate concepts into economic value.

During the course, students visited SAIC’s R&D facilities and attended a keynote speech by Shao Jingfeng, SAIC’s Chief Designer and Head of Innovation on Automotive Design in the Era of the Transformation of the Global Industry

Project 01: Sky Glider
Manta-Inspired Aerial Vehicle
Team: REN Ke, SONG Jiyu, ZHU Yuejia, CUI Xiaofan, TENG Jiaqi

In fast-paced urban environments, Sky Glider offers an escape from concrete jungles. Merging sleek biomimetic design with advanced tech, its translucent solar panels extend flight endurance, while a metallic glass canopy creates a sculptural, futuristic aesthetic. The minimalist cabin features panoramic views and Zen-inspired interiors, embodying the harmony of technology and tranquility.

Project 02: Polar Pioneer
Snow-Ready Aerial Explorer
Team: BAI Ruifeng, LIU Mingyu, YANG Yuchen, ZHOU Xiaoli, YANG Mengjie, HUANG Xianjing

Built for extreme Arctic conditions, Polar Pioneer combines a dual-cabin design with adaptive skis. Its central cockpit ensures precise control, while side observation pods offer 360° views. An intelligent terrain-response system enables seamless transitions between flight and ground modes, redefining polar logistics for tourism, research, and rescue missions.

Project 03: Urban Flyer
PTERO-DON: The Jetbike for Thrill-Seekers
Team: WANG Pei, WU Kefan, GUO Shanrui, GAN Si Hua, NOZIMA ASLIDINOVA, ANDREJA ZRNOVIC

PTERO-DON reimagines personal mobility for adrenaline junkies. Its foldable wings switch between Maneuver Mode (agile ground-to-air tricks) and Gliding Mode (smooth cruising). Safety meets exhilaration in this hybrid vehicle, empowering users to break free from urban constraints.

Project 04: Z-axis Racer

Hybrid Sky-Ground Speed Machine

Team: LU Guiqin, SONG Xinyuan, LI Sensen, WANG Zehan, ALIMA·Adalaiti, ZHAO Jie, TANG Zirui

By 2035, the Z-axis Evtol Sky-Ground Racing (ZESGR) will redefine speed racing event. This hybrid racer conquers multi-dimensional tracks—from high-speed ground sprints to vertical aerial circuits. Fans can experience real-time VR feeds of pilots’ perspectives, blending physical spectacle with immersive tech.

Project 05: Aquasphere
Cruise Ship’s Aerial Companion
Team: DING Yijun, LI Xiaoyue, YE Qiuyu, GUO Weitong, SUN Xinhang, CINTIA JENNIFER LIU, REN An

Inspired by dandelions and traditional Chinese philosophy,  Aquasphere elevates cruise travel.  This spherical two-seater solves the “last kilometer” between ships and shore while also offering aerial sightseeing. Its panoramic cabin and adaptive systems ensure seamless, weatherproof journeys, merging art with functionality.

Exhibition Details

These projects exemplify how young designers are shaping the future of low-altitude mobility. By merging creativity with cutting-edge tech, they expand the horizons of transportation and redefine global smart mobility.

Learn More
Explore the Intelligent Transportation Design course final projects and SJTU’s IIDE program via our official website.

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Content provided by SJTU Design Institute

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