Swedish manufacturer Autoliv has unveiled a new steering system that combines adaptive safety with comfort, aiming to transform the driving experience in the era of automated vehicles. Their innovation enables the vehicle, when switching to autonomous mode, to completely fold the steering wheel into the instrument panel and thus hide it, so that it does not disturb the passengers.
Now you see him, now you don’t
Such a design significantly changes the dynamics of the cabin, creating a spacious and open environment. The additional space not only makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, but also opens up new opportunities for passengers to rest, work or entertain themselves during the journey, thus adapting the vehicle’s interior to the needs of users in both configurations – for manual or autonomous driving.
Despite the focus on comfort, safety remains the primary determinant of this technology through the implementation of an intelligent airbag system. Autoliv has also developed a solution that automatically adapts to the current driving style, ensuring protection regardless of the steering wheel position.
During manual steering, protection is provided by a standard airbag located inside the steering wheel itself. However, when the vehicle is switched to autonomous mode and the steering wheel is pulled, a special airbag integrated into the dashboard is activated, thus maintaining the highest level of safety for the driver.
With this innovation of the folding steering wheel, Autoliv aims to set new standards in vehicle design with a focus on passengers. The combination of protective systems with the flexibility of the cabin is a response to the evolution of mobility, where vehicles become more than a means of transport, while everything is ready for the next generation of highly automated vehicles – thus positioning Autoliv as one of the leaders in the development of systems that follow the rapid changes in the automotive industry.
