# Autonomous 3D-Printed Cars The SmartCart Showcases the Best in 3D-Printing and Autonomous Tech By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-07-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartcart References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-autonomous-cars/38392/) & [ns.umich.edu](http://ns.umich.edu/new/releases/23006-u-m-will-test-3d-printed-autonomous-smartcarts) The SmartCart is an [autonomous 3D-printed car](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tensor-robocar), developed by Local Motors, that is being tested at the [University of Michigan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermapping-autonomous-boats) as part of a year-long trial. One of three vehicles being put together for the university's study, the car will be used to research and learn more about low-speed autonomous features. The SmartCart is powered by a golf-cart motor but features a bespoke fiber-reinforced body. It will be used to develop an [Uber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-and-may-mobility)-style mobile interface that will allow students to summon a car for transit across campus. While a university campus is a significantly smaller and more controlled environment than the chaotic real world, this project still offers a whole bunch of interesting basic and complex applications that could change transportation as we know it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Autonomous 3d-printed Vehicles:** 3D-printing and autonomous technology are coming together to create inexpensive and customizable vehicles. - **Campus Transportation:** The SmartCart is being used to develop campus transportation systems of the future with an Uber-style interface. - **Low-speed Autonomous Features:** Research and development of low-speed autonomous features will lead the way in making transportation safer and more efficient. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** The automotive industry could make use of 3D-printing and autonomous technology to create vehicles faster and with better customization options. - **Education:** Universities and schools could benefit from autonomous transportation systems to facilitate student mobility across campuses. - **City Transport:** The development of low-speed autonomous features could disrupt the transportation industry, leading to safer and more efficient city transport systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open-Source Self-Driving Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openpodcar.md) - [Streamlined Two-Seater Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-electric-car-concept.md) - [Hybrid Design Commuter Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-city-car.md) - [Autonomous Golf Trolleys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ixi.md) - [Technical Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gocar.md) - [Smart Mobility Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strutt-ev1.md) - [Steering Wheel-Free Autonomous Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innerspace.md) - [Low-Speed Golf Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cru.md) - [Autonomous Food Delivery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-mobile-robot.md)