ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - January 2023 - 12

UX/HMI
Research by Informa
Tech/Ward's Intelligence
indicates most-desired
attributes for " smart "
cabin materials.
Consumers overwhelmingly indicate they want
more - and larger - screens, but the newest technology
almost paradoxically aims to tone it all down. " The idea
that you can turn off some of this distraction is a big
deal " for the future of in-cabin displays, said Winter.
Motivating materials
The industry is well underway with efforts to improve
the recyclability of cabin materials, particularly seat
fabric and foam, which account for the bulk of a vehicle's
non-recyclable content. Automakers and suppliers
have heard the customer voice regarding more sustainable
materials for inside the vehicle.
Winter said Volvo is proving to be one of the most
assertive automakers in introducing sustainable materials,
with Rivian and BMW also breaking new ground.
BMW's all-new iX EV uses sustainably-grown wood and
For the increasing number of buyers eschewing leather, Volvo's new EX90
electric SUV offers sustainably produced wool-blend seat upholstery, as well
as Nordico, its own textile made from a blend of recycled materials.
Informa Tech research shows screens per vehicle
proliferating through at least 2028. But with the goal of
mitigating distraction, displays are becoming smarter.
Continental's Switchable Privacy Display and ShyTech
technology show the way: Although both unashamedly
boast A-pillar to A-pillar coverage, they use technology
that in many instances activates the display only when
required. The Switchable Privacy Display uses a variation
of the concept, angling potentially distracting
images or content such that it only can be viewed by
the front-seat passenger.
" a high proportion of recycled plastics in the surfaces of
the door panels, seats, center console and floor coverings,
plus floor mats made from recycled nylon waste material, "
the company claims. Volvo's new EX90, mentioned above,
also boasts a variety of sustainable cabin materials.
Continental recently introduced its Benova Eco Protect, a
robust but premium soft-touch material with a low VOC
profile and a low carbon footprint - that also happens to
be 20% lighter than comparable conventional materials.
Winter said that some of the knowledge gained
from applying new alternative and sustainable materials
will transfer to commercially operating AVs such
as roboshuttles and rideshare vehicles, where durability
and ease of cleaning are paramount concerns. " First it
was just a COVID response, " he said, " but people are
just more germ-conscious now. " ■
12 January 2023
ADAS & AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING
Volvo
Ward's Intelligence
ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - January 2023

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