TRW has unveiled a new steering wheel concept offering features to help drivers during semi-automated and automated situations.
The concept – demonstrated on automotive think tank Rinspeed’s XchangE showcar – has a number of multi-functional elements such as hands on and off.
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“Rinspeed’s steer-by-wire XchangE vehicle featuring TRW’s steering wheel system opens up a world of possibilities to the driver,” said TRW division Mechatronic group leader, new technology, Guido Hirzmann.
Using the integrated hands on/off sensor and positioning of the wheel, the driver can choose whether to drive the vehicle himself, pass control of it to the front passenger, or have the car drive itself in automated mode.
“With the increasing number of electronically controlled functions in the vehicle, certain controls can be eliminated or packaged into the steering wheel, offering more space and flexibility for the car interior,” said Hirzmann.
“For example, with the XchangE vehicle, we have been able to remove the centre console and integrate the gear shift into the steering wheel.”
