From astrophysics research and artificial intelligence to vehicle design, Dr. Tran The Trung has chosen a distinct approach for the Aves Future Mobility 2026 competition. Instead of focusing on aesthetics, he submitted three design concepts aimed at addressing the limitations of traditional two-wheelers while expanding their functionality.

Dr. Trung previously won a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad, graduated from the University of Melbourne (Australia), earned a Master's in Astrophysics from Paris 6 University, and a doctorate in the same field from the University of Versailles (France). Currently, Dr. Tran The Trung serves as the Director of FPT Technology Research Institute (FPT University) and Deputy Director of AI Products for FPT Smart Cloud (FPT Group).

Protective cabin for rear passengers

In his submission AVES0221, Dr. Trung highlighted the inherent drawbacks of two-wheelers: their susceptibility to tipping over in incidents and the rider's direct exposure to sun, rain, dust, and noise. To address this, he proposed a future two-wheeled vehicle with a dedicated protective cabin for the rear passenger, targeting groups such as children being chauffeured by parents or customers using ride-hail services.

Design of an electric motorbike with a protective cabin for the rear passenger. *Photo: Organizers*

Diagram of the connection mechanism between the passenger cabin and the vehicle frame. *Photo: Organizers*

The author details the connection mechanism. *Photo: Organizers*

The enclosed cabin for the rear passenger has a connection mechanism to the frame to prevent tilting when the vehicle falls. *Photo: Organizers*

According to the design, the operator sits in front, while the passenger is in an enclosed compartment with a door and a windshield for weather protection. This compartment can integrate air conditioning, air filtration, sound insulation, a USB port, Wi-Fi connectivity, and optional safety features like seatbelts and airbags.

A notable feature is the connection mechanism between the passenger cabin and the vehicle frame. The author proposes a suspension system that allows the passenger compartment to limit its tilt relative to the vehicle body when the motorbike falls, based on the principle of balance with the center of gravity placed lower than the suspension axis.

He also suggested adding a spinning flywheel to assist in stabilizing the passenger compartment's posture, leveraging the principle of angular momentum conservation.

The goal of this design is to retain the compact advantage of two-wheelers while increasing protection for the rear passenger. However, the anti-tilt and impact-resistant mechanisms, along with safety equipment, require further research and testing to assess their real-world effectiveness.

Air-conditioned electric motorbike with special kickstand mechanism

In his second submission, Aves AirCool, Dr. Trung further developed the concept of a two-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cabin, this time focusing on the rider's experience. The proposed vehicle features an enclosed cockpit, a climate control system, air filtration, and sound insulation. This allows the rider to avoid sun, rain, and reduce exposure to smoke and dust during daily commutes.

However, adding an enclosed cabin presents a technical challenge: the rider cannot put their feet directly on the ground to maintain balance when the vehicle stops.

Design drawing for the Aves AirCool model. *Photo: Organizers*

The roof can be opened. *Photo: Organizers*

Design of the vehicle floor area. *Photo: Organizers*

The author describes the operating mechanism. *Photo: Organizers*

The hood can be detached. *Photo: Organizers*

To solve this, the author proposes two pedals on the cabin floor, corresponding to where the rider's feet would typically be placed on the ground. When pressed, a hydraulic or electric power-assist mechanism activates an external kickstand, helping the vehicle stand upright.

According to the description, the system could also automatically deploy the kickstand when the vehicle decelerates below a certain threshold. Riders could also use the pedals to adjust the kickstand's extension in specific situations. The author suggests optional equipment such as airbags, seatbelts, an audio system, and a storage compartment.

Unlike common electric motorbikes, Aves AirCool prioritizes creating a more comfortable travel space while maintaining a two-wheeled structure. This presents a significant design challenge, as the enclosed cabin and balancing system will need verification regarding mass, stability, control, and operational safety.

Electric motorbike concept for passive income generation

Among Dr. Tran The Trung's three submissions, Aves RidePay offers the most distinct approach, as the author not only modifies the vehicle structure but also proposes a service model based on an electric vehicle network.

Electric motorbike equipped with a charging pad for UAVs. *Photo: Organizers*

The system uses electric motorbikes in traffic as mobile transfer points. *Photo: Organizers*

When necessary, the UAV can fly to another motorbike to get closer to the delivery point. *Photo: Organizers*

The "leapfrog" travel method leverages existing vehicle routes to reduce the distance UAVs must fly independently. *Photo: Organizers*

Under this concept, electric motorbikes are equipped with charging pads for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), combined with a GPS navigation system and central coordination software. Instead of UAVs flying the entire delivery journey independently, the system uses electric motorbikes already in traffic as mobile transfer points.

For instance, if a package needs transport from point A to B, the software identifies electric motorbikes with charging pads moving along a suitable route. It then directs the UAV to fly to one of these motorbikes, dock on its charging pad, and travel with the vehicle.

When needed, the UAV can continue its journey by "leapfrogging" to another motorbike to get closer to the delivery point. The author calls this the "leapfrog" travel method, which leverages the existing routes of vehicles to reduce the distance UAVs must fly independently.

A key feature described by the author is that vehicle owners do not need to alter their daily schedules. As proposed, users can continue their commutes to work or school, or travel as usual, while the system charges a fee based on the time the UAV uses the charging pad on their vehicle. This fee is expected to generate additional income for vehicle owners.

For operation, the system requires AI to predict the routes of participating vehicles, track their real-time positions, and adjust delivery plans as traffic conditions change.

However, this remains a proposed model. Its implementation depends on various factors such as the accuracy of the navigation system, the safety of UAV takeoff and landing on moving vehicles, energy consumption, and regulations concerning unmanned aerial vehicle operations.

A common thread across all three submissions is the author's approach: starting from a specific problem and then finding solutions using mechanical principles, control systems, and smart technology. In his submission to the Organizers, Dr. Trung stated that he used OpenSCAD to build the frame model for one concept, combining it with pencil sketches and Google Gemini to create 3D illustrative images.

The author also clarified that these designs do not prioritize aesthetics but focus on demonstrating functionality, structure, and operating principles.

Quang Anh

The Aves Future Mobility Challenge 2026 is a competition seeking vehicle design ideas suitable for Vietnamese people, with a total prize value of up to 265 million Vietnamese dong. The competition offers opportunities for various participants, from those who can develop application designs with detailed drawings, structures, and specifications, to those with only creative ideas for future vehicles. Participants are permitted to use AI to support their idea development and presentation processes.

The Organizers will accept submissions until 27/10. Community voting will be open from 28/10-4/11. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 5/12 in Hanoi.

The competition is organized by Aves Green Technology and Energy Joint Stock Company, which focuses on three areas: smart electric vehicles, renewable energy, and IoT devices. In the vehicle sector, Aves plans to develop lines of two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and electric bicycles, with launches anticipated in early 2027.