KARMATE
"Designing for the edge opens the road for everyone. A Level 5 autonomous service built on the foundation of inclusivity."
The Strategic Pivot
During the conceptualization of KARMATE, I initially resisted focusing exclusively on riders with mobility disabilities. I argued that a niche focus would limit our addressable market and complicate commercial scalability.
The "Bradley" Realization
An advisor shared the story of the Bradley Timepiece—a watch designed for the blind that became a mainstream design icon. This shifted my entire perspective. I realized that accessibility isn't a niche, rather it's a forcing function for excellence. By solving the hardest mobility challenges first, we created a superior, more resilient experience for everyone.
The Problem
1 in 4 adults in the US live with a disability, yet automotive design has remained largely stagnant for decades. Traditional vehicle modifications are clunky and prohibitively expensive, often costing upwards of $80,000. This creates a massive freedom gap for an aging and disabled population.
The Solution
KARMATE is an on-demand, Level 5 autonomous vehicle service. By removing the driver, we optimized the interior space to focus entirely on the rider’s comfort and accessibility. The service features automated wheelchair assistance and a custom OS that allows users to configure their seating and environment before the car even arrives. The service is delivered via a subscription-based model, making high-end mobility affordable and convenient.
Business Model & Alliances
To ensure feasibility, we architected a strategic alliance with Waymo for the AI driving stack and Divergent 3D for local, generative manufacturing in Los Angeles. This tiered subscription model ($9/mo base + per-mile usage) allows users to replace the high cost of vehicle ownership with a seamless utility.
