Sci-fi technology allows drivers to direct all modern vehicle systems from their steering wheel.
Modern automobiles are more loaded with technology than ever before. There are also some disadvantages to this convenience. These systems can be hard to use while moving, which can lead to distracted driving that is definitely dangerous for all road users.
This is the reason for this futuristic-looking steering wheel. It is called the Origo Steering Wheel Concept and was created by a Finnish consortium to keep drivers’ hands on it at all times. The steering wheel has familiar tactile and three-dimensional touch surfaces that can be reached easily with thumbs. These surfaces can be connected with a variety of smart controls within the vehicle. This allows the driver to adjust climate settings, activate turn signals, and other complicated features without having to take their hands off the wheel.
Miika Heikkinen (lead designer for Northern Works), one of the consortium members, stated that the Origo steering wheels were designed to challenge the status-quo [Human-Machine Interface] of existing steering wheels and not simply convert analog controls into digital versions. Our lives are cluttered with information and overwhelmed with choices. We wanted to make the driving experience easier by creating a steering wheel that provides only the essential functions.
This innovative wheel design has been well-received. The German Design Council awarded it the 2021 German Design Award, which focuses on the human-machine interface. Although future applications of the wheel are not known at the moment, technology in automobiles seems unstoppable so it is likely that at least some features from the wheel will end up in production models.
Juha Kokkonen CEO of Canatu Oy, said, “We are all proud of this new, jointly-developed HMI solution that has drawn great attention and has been awarded with such an prestigious prize.” “The Origo Steering Wheel demonstrates the value of reimagining user experiences through innovative design, 3D touch surfaces and cutting-edge software.”