Autoliv and Tensor showcased a foldable steering wheel for autonomous vehicles
Companies Autoliv and Tensor introduced a foldable steering wheel for self-driving cars. This control element is designed for vehicles with the fourth level of autonomy, when the car can drive itself in most situations. In such a mode, the steering wheel is removed, freeing up space in front of the driver.
What is known
The system provides for different scenarios for airbag operation. When the steering wheel is folded and the car is driving autonomously, the passenger airbag integrated into the dashboard is used. When switching to manual control, the airbag directly in the steering wheel is activated.
The foldable steering wheel is integrated with the Tensor Robocar autonomous driving system. Cars with this platform are planned to be sold in the US, European Union, and Middle Eastern markets.
Autoliv Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Fabien Dumont noted that modern safety systems can no longer be built on a universal principle. According to him, collaboration with Tensor has created a solution that adapts to the driving mode and takes into account the driver's needs without compromising safety and comfort.
Tensor CEO Jay Xiao emphasized that fully autonomous technologies open up new opportunities, but many users still want to control the car themselves in certain situations. According to him, the dual-mode foldable steering wheel combines both approaches and gives the driver more freedom of choice.
Source: Autoliv
