Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - January 2022 - 7

Cover Story
Automated vehicles designed to transition between fully automated mode or human-piloted operation may incorporate retracting steering
wheels, as shown in this Yanfeng Automotive concept, to permit maximum adaptability of the cabin configuration.
International Automotive Components (IAC) envision
technology integration into " traditional " vehicles
surfaces - door panels, for one - that will facilitate
interaction with ADAS and AV functionalties.
IAC's spin on the glass-heavy trend underway
(arguably started by Tesla) in a number of new luxury
and electric vehicles (EVs) extends to visual aids in
a technology demonstrator door panel, for one. It's a
vivid bridge between current design and functional
considerations and future capabilities for AVs.
" We're putting in back backlit translucent surfaces
[in door panels], " said David Pascoe, IAC's chief technical
officer. " That's user interface stuff that we see
[coming soon]. A lot of these things track right across
traditional vehicles, but also to autonomous vehicles
and to rideshare, ride-hailing-type vehicles as well.
So, you can find them right across the board. " Pascoe
added that use of light also is likely to serve a new AV/
rideshare purpose: Indicating that ultraviolet (UV-C)
cleaning of surfaces is underway or has taken place.
" You can kill viruses in a number ways, " he
said " By additives, UV light, key durable cleanable
surfaces and then the list goes on. But we focus on four
different areas for that, which is additives, heat, UV
and cleanable. " It's widely believed occupant concerns
with COVID and other sanitary issues will have a
lasting impact on cabin material and technology
shared by commercial and private vehicles alike.
" We know that our OEM customers are interested
in this space and we know that they're trying to
sort out how they're going to address it, " said Pascoe.
" They haven't given us a clear direction that said, 'I
want a heated surface, I want a UV surface, or I want
materials in the surface that kills viruses,' because
they'll perform a little bit differently and they all have
a different price point - but they all have a different
kind of 'wow' factor. " He added that already-desirable
surface-heating features that allow EVs to conserve
vital battery capacity can be designed to do future duty
to kill bacteria, as high heat isn't necessary.
Expect antibacterial/antimicrobial surfaces to be
front and center in the emergent class of SAE Level
4-5 roboshuttles like those now in operational pilot
programs in many places around the globe. Pascoe
said current technologies have demonstrated up
to 99.9% antibacterial efficacy. And as automakers
search for and apply new materials for seating and
other surfaces, there are possibilities for developing
bacteria-resistant fiber blends - another endgame
that dovetails with current trends being addressed
by automakers - saving weight and offering a socially-responsible
alternative to leather.
The Lucid Air, with first customer
deliveries in October 2021,
is an EV anticipating
occupant needs in a
Level 4 future
with a rear seating
area intended for
maximum
relaxation.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING
January 2022 7
Yangfeng
Lucid Motors

Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - January 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - January 2022