Tomorrow's truck design: everything revolves around the driver

The future of mobility

Inside out.

In order to create the perfect workplace, the designers from Mercedes-Benz Trucks have turned their focus to the driver.


Mercedes-Benz is permanently working on future models for tomorrow's trucks. Automated driving, networking, environmental regulations and electromobility are increasingly important when designing trucks – both outside and in.

Everything revolves around the driver.

The crux of this approach at Mercedes-Benz Trucks is that the development of new cockpits and controls centres around the driver – based on the principle of working "inside out". Designers like Annelie Schanz create a complete workplace. Each stage of development starts from the driver's perspective. After all, it is the driver who sits behind the wheel for several hours a day and is often in the vehicle during break times or after work, too.



The human-machine interface.

In tomorrow's truck, there will be a considerable change in the interface between the truck and the driver, the so-called human-machine interface (HMI). The next generation of Mercedes-Benz trucks will feature far greater safety and assistance system functions.

Intuitive operation is one of the core requirements in the design of a HMI. "Displays mustn't be too intrusive, but they also shouldn't be too inconspicuous either," says Annelie Schanz. The functioning of the systems must be as clear as possible to the driver and any other responsible person on-board.



Exterior.

The development of the exterior is in full swing too: in the medium term, it's conceivable that truck cabs will become longer. This would create extra space for designers to play with. "More efficient bodies and attachments can make a considerable contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, and in view of the more strict environmental requirements of the present day, they can be a highly important aspect in the improvement of trucks," said Oliver Stick, exterior and interior designer for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The way designers come up with ideas is still done in the good old-fashioned way: with a pencil and paper. Then the designs are digitised. A clay model is made, followed by a 1:1 model. Finally, a complex digital model is developed. Based on this, all the subsequent production steps can follow.


Photos: Matthias Aletsee
Video: Martin Schneider-Lau

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