Hackrod was a pioneering digital manufacturing company that emerged briefly around 2018 with a bold vision to revolutionize the automotive industry. The company was dedicated to redefining the design, engineering, and production of vehicles by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies.

Hackrod’s approach focused on rapid prototyping and manufacturing transport solutions without relying on traditional industry-level resources or substantial tooling budgets. Their methodology aimed to establish a platform for truly bespoke manufacturing, offering guaranteed engineering solutions. This process integrated advanced tools such as virtual reality for design, machine learning and IoT for continuous improvement of engineering systems, and industrial 3D printing for producing hardware. Hackrod envisioned a future where the consumer could become the creator, with every vehicle design tailored to individual tastes and needs.

One of Hackrod’s flagship projects was ‘La Bandita,’ touted as the world’s first car designed in mixed reality, engineered by AI, and produced through advanced manufacturing techniques. This speedster served as a proof of concept, showcasing the integration of disparate technologies into a new manufacturing paradigm. Hackrod aimed to validate this approach through a ‘concierge’ process, with plans to further automate key tasks and bring the vision of consumer co-creation in vehicle design closer to reality. Despite its short-lived presence, Hackrod’s ambitious endeavor represented a significant leap towards merging tradition with innovation in the automotive world.