Volvo is using drive-by-wire technology to develop a system that allows the steering wheel, dashboard and a series of switches to slide from one side of the interior to the other. This is a very novel invention that subverts the definition of a driver's seat.
The patent, released in September 2020, specifically describes a "car with multiple driving positions." Since the steering wheel is mounted on a track that spans the entire center console, it means the driver can sit on the left side of the car, as in most countries, or on the right side, as in Australia, the UK and Japan. What's weirder is that this patent even allows you to sit in the middle of the front driver's seat.
According to officials, when users drive a semi-autonomous car, sliding the steering wheel away allows them to enjoy more space. For example, if you're stuck in traffic, you can knock the steering wheel aside and read a book or play a game. This concept car-like steering wheel is much simpler and cheaper than the retractable dashboard design.
For this technology to work, all of the vehicle's controls would need to be replaced with drive-by-wire components, which doesn't sound like science fiction since Infiniti has been using steer-by-wire technology for years, and Brake-by-wire technology is slowly gaining popularity in the automotive industry.
As for the footrest settings, Volvo explains that they can be replaced by pressure-sensitive pads, hydraulic or pneumatic sensors, or something else entirely. In any case, they are installed in the two front footwells, with the system automatically activating the footwell on the steering wheel side.
Although this is a very high-tech feature, keep in mind that it often takes years for the things described in patent applications to be finally implemented and displayed. What remains to be proven is that, at scale, and getting it approved by regulators around the world, it will cost less than building a different car for the left- and right-hand-drive market.
A simple joke here, if you are checking for drunk driving in China, can you throw the steering wheel to the co-pilot at any time? This way you avoid responsibilities you don’t want to take on!
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.