Undercover

Those paying careful attention to the international launch of the Audi urbansphere concept may have spotted an unusual accessory in the promotional video. When acclaimed dancer, Yuan Yuan alights from the urbansphere at a function, she takes an umbrella with her from the vehicle, which, when opened, contains its own light source, bathing her in a warm light as she walks down the red carpet.

The accessory, called the Audi Light Umbrella, was in fact developed along with the urbansphere concept as a somewhat quirky nod to the fact that the vehicle was primarily developed at Audi’s design studio in Beijing and with the Chinese market in mind.

The self-illuminating umbrella, inspired by traditional Chinese umbrellas acts as a protective companion and multifunctional light source – the inner skin of the umbrella is made of reflective material, so the entire surface acts as a glare-free lighting unit. 

The Audi Light Umbrella not only gives users a better view of their path, it helps them be more visible – when crossing a street or in dangerous situations, activating a rhythmic flashing of the luminous cone by means of artificial intelligence and sophisticated sensor technology.

Although there no plans to further develop or produce the Audi Light Umbrella, it is nevertheless a clever idea and another beautiful detail of the urbansphere – demonstrating the holistic approach Audi’s designers bring to each of these design studies and looking for creative and practical ways of enhancing lifestyle and future mobility.