ZF's Advanced Steering Wheel Concept Is For Autonomous Autos And Driver Interaction

ZF has rolled out a new steering wheel concept that will support Level 3 and higher autonomous driving. The wheel also has displays on it to enhance the communication between the driver and the vehicle when a human is piloting the car. The wheel concept uses gesture control to trigger various functions chosen by the vehicle manufacturer.

ZF says that a single tap on the cover could activate the horn and a double tap could activate other functions. Drivers could also make swipe gestures on the rim of the wheel to control the climate system. The gestures would be supported and confirmed on the center display with graphics and lights.

The center of the wheel is a 7-inch LCD and the wheel could have an LED strip that would show when the vehicle is in autonomous mode. The wheel has ten capacitive sensors on the outside of the rim where the driver grips it. One other sensor would be inside the rim to sense if the driver is gripping the wheel appropriately. ZF says that is critical for Level 3 and higher autonomous capability.

Presumably, this would fix the current issue where drivers don't maintain hands on the wheel and eyes on the road with autonomous driving. With a big LCD in the center of the wheel, a new airbag design was required.

ZF has created an airbag that deploys from the back of the wheel thought the rim and covers the display. This protects the driver from the screen in an accident.

SOURCE: ZF