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    Welcome to the future

    Interactive mechatronics: Marquardt introduces the cockpit of tomorrow

    04.04.2019

    Test driving in the future: The Marquardt DemoCar makes innovations in vehicle interiors a hands-on experience.

    Rietheim-Weilheim, Germany, April 2019. What will the interior of a premium automobile look like in the future? How will the user interface change?  And which new functions can be integrated? Mechatronics expert, Marquardt, lets visitors travel into the future to experience its innovative products in a hands-on environment with its DemoCar.

    At trade shows, job fairs, tech shows and customer visits, the DemoCar reveals what is possible. The international family enterprise is also looking to gather feedback from users and encourage discussions to help advance future developments.

    A symbiosis of design, comfort, and safety

    Marquardt is approaching the trend towards digital cars and autonomous driving with integrated solutions that are not only modern and comfortable, but increasingly intelligent and safe, as well. New generation HMI controls play a central role in the cockpit of the future. Touch screens, for example, are equipped with sensor aids. The test user can lock the door, adjust the seating position, or open the windows using the “seat & door control panel” on the inside of the driver’s door. The panel senses touch and signals with a pulse when the finger is in the correct position. Once gentle pressure is applied, the desired function is activated. These responsive technologies don’t imitate the passive haptics of mechanical switches, but rather, send a response to the user.

    “We create a genuine interaction between the HMI Module and the person behind the wheel, thus preventing operating errors,” says Dr. Frank Stier, Head of Innovation. The multifunctional steering wheel operates with a similar pressure sensor. On the left side, only menu items such as music or navigation are selected. With the right hand, the user then operates the respective sub-functions, such as music albums, titles, or driving routes.

    Elegant screens

    The eye-catcher at the center of the cockpit is the large touch screen and high-quality 3D real glass console with interactive control panels. This makes Marquardt the first company to shape a glass surface of this size for a car interior and equip it with interactive electronics. The glove compartment is on the right side of the cockpit. Here, Marquardt is appealing to the trend for self-contained surfaces with functions that are initially out of sight. Handles and buttons are nowhere to be seen. A gentle swipe of the surface in front of the passenger seat, however, opens the compartment as if by magic – but not for everyone: A personalized access code can be entered on request. When entering the code, numbers appear as light projections on the surface. This function is displayed only as needed and has a range of input options. As a result, different displays are possible in the same surface area.

    Light as an operating device

    The application light along the inside door panels provides much more than ambient lighting. The LED animation also performs assistance functions, such as warning light or collision control. In addition, a touch film is integrated into the light strip. A slide of the finger controls the current in the air conditioning system. The light then changes from blue to red depending on the intensity and temperature level.

    With lighting effects, the DemoCar also displays the new car access systems from Marquardt. For example, MIDAS, the keyless, anti-theft system that is already in production. A light on the driver’s door changes color as the driver approaches, showing that the radio waves are working. The feedback indicates the distance between the key and the vehicle. Marquardt is also developing certificate-encrypted access via a smartphone. “Such smart technologies are in high demand in the Asian market, but car sharing services, holiday renting companies and the building services industry are also showing interest,” explains Dr. Frank Stier. That makes the DemoCar an exciting development, not only for the automotive industry, but for other business sectors, as well.

    Download Press release (6 MB, ZIP)