BMW is developing ‘shape-shifting’ steering wheels

BMW is performing on new technology that will see steering wheels modify form just before our quite eyes.

Patents submitted by the German brand name demonstrate a wheel that can modify from a conventional round form to an oval form making use of independent rim components that can pivot in relation to each other. According to admirer web site BMWX2forum.com this could be applied to offer much more place for the driver when a auto is in autonomous method, whilst Automobile Specific understands that included protection is the main motive BMW is acquiring the technology.

BMW has historical past when it will come to ground breaking steering wheels. It’s Eyesight iNext strategy, unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Display, highlighted a squared-off steering wheel developed to permit drivers to effortlessly switch amongst autonomous and energetic driving modes. BMW claimed that its unusual shape would make it less difficult for the driver to recognise the car’s steering angle.

That steering wheel is anticipated to make it onto next year’s iNext creation auto – which could have on an iX5 badge. BMW has currently claimed that the iNEXT’s steering wheel will be fitted with optical fibres to enable the driver know when autonomous driving modes are out there for use, and alert of situations in which the driver is expected to retake handle of the car.

Having said that, the new patents reveal that BMW plans to consider steering wheel technology a stage even further, and its invention has the backing of auto protection scientists.

In 2017 scientists at Stanford University performed assessments making use of a test rig showcasing a robotic steering wheel that could modify form. Their assessments showed that drivers asked to consider handle of an autonomously-pushed car in an crisis circumstance reacted quicker to a steering wheel that mechanically modifications its form than a steering wheel that takes advantage of flashing LED lights to warn the driver.

The summary of the Stanford study was: “Drivers who skilled the robotic steering wheel carried out substantially greater than these who skilled the LED steering wheel. The effects of this study recommend that alerts utilising mechanical actions are much more effective than purely visible warnings.”

The form-shifting steering wheel is unlikely to make it onto 2021’s iNext product, but could only be a handful of a long time away from creation.

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