The Tubik is a smart vehicle of the kind most commonly seen on the roads of 2050. It has an electric motor in each wheel, a light alloy and composite body, and a hydrogen fuel cell power plant. The Tubik has been optimized for cargo carrying and is somewhat heavier than a standard family car. It has a cruising range of 350 miles.

The Tubik comes equipped with a computerized crew station (UT p. 24), an inertial compass (UT p. 74), an infrared surveillance camera (UT p. 61), a rugged personal computer (UT p. 22), small ladar (UT p. 64), a small cellular radio (UT p. 50), and an entertainment console (UT p. 51). Each occupant has a crashweb (UT p. 224). The van has a biometric lock (UT p. 104) on its doors, and the vehicle is also equipped with headlights and tail lights.