Mercedes-Benz's new VISION ATR car concept uses a brain-computer interface technology, which sends information to the car to control almost everything.
WITH technology rapidly innovating day to day, mind control still has ways to go especially in being a tool in our everyday tasks.
Cars are one of the most used technological devices that greatly affect living conditions.
With the possibility of humans getting to control with just our thoughts, this advancement would change the whole landscape of driving.
Almost a year ago, the world got a glimpse of the car, which was inspired by the James Cameron classic film the “Avatar.”
German automobile maker Mercedes-Benz unveiled the VISION AVTR which is aimed at bringing humans and machines closer than ever using its “ADVANCED VEHICLE TRANSFORMATION” platform.
Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for the Daimler Group, explains that the ATVR doesn't so much have wheels as it does "animal paws."
The paw-and-flower-inspired wheels enable the vehicles to "crab walk" at 30 degrees, which would likely be a boon for parking in tight, parallel spaces.
Mercedes has confirmed that the concept car would have vehicle systems that can be thought-controlled.
For example, the driver would be able to select a navigation destination, change the interior vehicle lighting, and change the radio station using a brain-computer interface (BCI).
While controlling vehicle systems with your thoughts certainly sounds like science fiction, BCIs are commonly used for multiple applications today.
Real-time information derived from neuronal activity at the cortex is combined with the BCI that measures if a user is interacting with prompts on the screen in front of them, and together this can be used to control the dashboard.
The dashboard can also be used to generate wind, grow plants, select parking spaces to charge, or turn day into night.
“Mercedes-Benz is setting another milestone in the merging of man and machine with the research and development of brain-computer interface applications in cars. BCI technology has the potential to further enhance driving comfort in the future, for example,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Sales.
“Mercedes-Benz has always pioneered intelligent, innovative solutions to provide our customers with the best product and service experience. BCI technology works completely independently of speech and touch. This opens up revolutionary possibilities for intuitive interaction with the vehicle.” she added.
Mercedes’ Vision ATR sports a 110-kilowatt-hour electric motor. It can produce more than 469 horsepower and an electric range of more than 435 miles.
The vehicle’s appearance, both exterior and interior, is just futuristic.
It features sustainable materials, including vegan leather made from recycled materials. Instead of a steering wheel, the driver simply places their hand on a center console control that responds to heart rate.
Though the Vision AVTR isn't going to be available anytime soon, it may possibly arrive before “Avatar 5's” scheduled 2028 release date.
Tags: #technology, #automobiles, #MercedesBenz, #mindcontrolledcar, #VISIONATR