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June Newsletter
- Jee Kim
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Dear Lit Motors Community,
Summer is here, and we’ve got another great update for you - let’s get to it!
New Subscale Demonstration Video:
You may have seen our previous videos on our subscale CMG demos. Here you’ll see our subscale CMGs controlled by the custom firmware based on Dave's algorithms, demonstrating its capability to maintain dynamic control. When the CMGs are spun up, we can tilt them inwards or outwards (precession) in order to exert a rotational force (torque) on the vehicle chassis.
In case you missed it, control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are precision devices used to control an object’s attitude or direction in space. With the help of David Bailey’s custom control algorithms, they can be used on a terrestrial application, creating the heart of our self-balancing vehicle.
This validates our control algorithm as the gyros go through a sequence of liftoff, maintain precise dynamic balance even with added and removed weight or other exterior forces, and landing.
The ‘Mini’ 1.0
Now that we’ve validated Dave’s control algorithm on the sub-scale CMGs, we’re moving forward with mounting them onto a small rolling chassis. This will allow us to test the system in real-world conditions and prepare for X-1 development, which is set to kick off soon. Stay tuned for more updates on the Mini 1.0 Development!
Key things to observe:
Lift off and reaching a balanced state quickly
Adjusting balance when disturbed by outside forces (added weight or interference)
Smooth landing achieved through gyro preset conditions; allowing it to lean over quickly, pause just before landing, then slowly continue the rest of controlled landing
New Technical Advisor: Daniel Smith
Daniel is the Head of Aerodynamics at Red Bull Advanced Technologies with 23+ years experience as a designer and leader spanning Formula 1, Americas Cup, MotoGP, WEC and the ground-breaking RB17 Track Car. He’s a leading designer in UK Motorsports Silicon Valley after 17 years as an Aerodynamic Development leader in Formula 1.
He now develops world leading high performance vehicles with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. From Red Bull’s Formula 1 beating RB17 track car, to Alinghi Red Bull Racing's Americas Cup Challenger, Daniel has developed innovative designs across Formula 1, WEC, MotoGP, Americas Cup, UCI and IVA Regulatory Frameworks. His designs have helped KTM MotoGP to the world record top speed of 366kph and set wingsuit world’s records for longest distance, flight time & highest base jump.
His focus is to bring Formula 1 technologies & aerodynamic philosophy into new cutting edge products, while harmonising the best aerodynamic performance with the very best product design talent.
Monthly Survey:
We’ve got another quick survey (linked above) for you this month, and wanted to say thanks to those of you who took the time to participate in last month’s 2 question survey. We received 84 responses from our community and wanted to share the results with you below.
Question 1: How many vehicles do you have in your garage?
Question 2: Which brand of vehicle do you own?
We just published a short form version of our Vehicle of the Future video, and would love to hear your thoughts on how we can make videos like this better for our audience and the public. Send us your feedback at social@litmotors.com
Recent Press/Socials:
More exciting updates to come. Thank you so much!
Danny Kim
How is this different from the prototypes you had self-balancing, recovering from a lateral impact, etc., several years ago? E.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPyIwY2hJ_A&ab_channel=TheNewYorkTimes