# Self-Driving Electric Pods Careem and Next Future Transportation are Introducing Modular Units By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-07-20 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/careem References: [techinasia](https://www.techinasia.com/uber-rival-careem-self-driving-pods) & [careem](https://www.careem.com/dubai/node) Careem is a [transportation-booking service](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-and-may-mobility) that operates across the Middle East and North America that has its eyes on the future. The company recently announced a deal with US-based start-up Next Future Transportation that will introduce a series of [modular self-driving pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/azr-quad-go) to the public. Each [autonomous pod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-shuttle-service) is just under three meters in length, with space to transport up to 10 people at a time, much like a bus would, but in smaller segments. As of now, a full-scale pod prototype is in development, but a working version has yet to be created. Before that happens, Next Future Transportation has expressed that the teams are ready to power their creation with the assistance of an investor. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Self-driving Pods:** Innovative transportation solution that enables people to travel in smaller segments and will lead to a reduced carbon footprint - **Modular Units:** Modularity and scalability of electric pods offer ample opportunities for customizability and the further development of smart cities - **Autonomous Transportation:** A technological breakthrough that will revolutionize the transportation industry and redefine traditional modes of transport ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** Development of autonomous units, along with eco-friendliness, will foster growth and innovation within the automotive industry - **Smart Cities:** Self-driving pods and modular units are transformative to urban infrastructure and offer endless possibilities for Smart City development - **Transportation:** The advent of self-driving electric pods disrupts traditional forms of transportation, leading to a shift in the way mobility is portrayed ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Transforming Autonomous Transportation Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arrival-chemie.md) - [Lifestyle-Conscious Transportation Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-pod-concept.md) - [Accesible Autonomous Transportation Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-mobility-service.md) - [Reconfigurable Travel Pod Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pix-robobus.md) - [Cab-Less Transporter EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-transporter.md) - [Electric Transportation Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-transportation-concept.md) - [Socialization-Encouraging Travel Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/agorae-mobility-concept.md) - [Interchangeable Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/driverless-transportation-system.md) - [Autonomous Pod Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homm-autonomous-experience-pod.md)