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In these heady days of digital disruption, you never know what odd-ball invention is lurking around the corner. Self-driving slippers? Check. Cat-shaped car vending machines? You betcha. A "snap together", modular, autonomous vehicle? Why not?

Yes, these amazing oddities are real. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Car vending machine captivates China

Count me as one of the skeptical when I first heard the news that Alibaba launched a car vending machine. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. And hey, if there’s room for a caviar vending machine, why not one for cars? Alibaba’s ultimate goal is to make buying a car as simple as buying a can of Coke, and it plans to open dozens of additional outlets across China this year. While car vending machines aren't a new concept, Alibaba's interpretation (as portrayed below) could set a new standard.



Smart slippers: Nissan extends self-parking technology

Leave it to car giant Nissan to create a system for slippers to “park” themselves at the push of a button. At Japan’s ProPILOT Park Ryokan Inn, slippers are equipped with two tiny wheels, a motor, and sensors to “drive” across the wooden lobby floor using Nissan’s ProPilot Park technology. This self-driving system is also rigged into the hotel’s tables and floor pillows. When not in use, they automatically return to their designated spots at the push of a button. Nissan says the technology entertains guests and reduces staff workload.



Rinspeed Snap turns heads at Consumer Electronics Show

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) a new concept car, Rinspeed Snap, turned many heads. Is it a giant skateboard? A pod? A wild, self-driving ecosystem? It's all of these things and more. Watch the video below and then download the report, "Rinspeed Snap and the Future of Mobility."



Disruptive technologies – like IoT, machine learning and cloud computing – are giving companies the ability to radically change business models, and create new products and services. Learn how your company can take advantage of the trends that are driving the shift to digitalization.

 

 

 
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