Renault’s U1st Vision: popping up to prioritise you

And now for something completely different; a ‘pop-up’ with a Renault badge on the front. From bike repairs to healthcare solutions, this collaborative concept has you in mind.

Before we begin: U1st is pronounced ‘you first’, not ‘yew-ist’ or ‘yew-one-st’ — yes, that has tripped a couple of us up. 

So, what is this beluga-esque concept vehicle, which couldn’t look any more conceptual if it tried? Based around the vision of “technology that benefits the user” the U1st Vision is effectively a rolling pop-up shop tech demo, which aims to flip ‘mobility services’ into ‘services being mobile’. Why go to the shops, when the shops can come to you?

Despite the label, this technically isn’t just a Renault, this is a Software République vehicle, a collaborative business project made up of seven core partners. However, the key French contributor has managed to stick its geometric diamond on the front, so we’ll roll with that.

Another 15 companies mucked in to create this project, including new EV venture Flexis who developed the electric skateboard platform onto which different ‘pop-up’ modules can be installed to serve the public. Bike repair shops, civil self-service support, and electrical goods recycling modules all fall within the concept’s potential uses, but it was the healthcare service variant which took centre stage at the public demo. 

Ambulance-favoured models such as the Renault Master and Fiat Ducato needn’t fear, the U1st Health Pop-Up is not here to change-up the emergency response sphere. This module is designed to help tackle ‘medical deserts’, setting up stations for preventive care, diagnosis, and disease monitoring in areas which currently lack access to such services.

This would relieve pressure and demand on existing clinics and hospitals, all while having a minimal environmental impact due to its EV foundations — a win-win situation if you ask us. 

Now, you don’t get a name like The Software République without some pretty serious tech backing. The module is run by a medical assistant to enable consultations with healthcare professionals over a data-secure network, no matter where, or when. To make this possible the unit has 21 medical parameters, 12 of which have been dubbed “innovations”, and even include an AI-powered avatar. Very sci-fi indeed.

As with any concept, we won’t hold our breath as to whether the U1st Vision will be popping-up in the real world any time soon. But would you like to see this people-first concept become reality?

Hero image credit: Renault