The Jaguar Land Rover 'Sensory' steering wheel is a new development from the automotive brand that was created through a collaboration research project with Glasgow University. The new technology harnesses the power of thermal cue technology to warn the driver of upcoming changes in the road including when they need to make a turn by heating and cooling sections of the wheel. This could potentially also be used as a way to alert drivers if the weather up ahead is changing, if the visibility is reduced or if they are running low of fuel, for example.
Jaguar Land Rover Electrical Research Senior Manager Alexandros Mouzakitis spoke on the new Jaguar Land Rover 'Sensory' steering wheel technology saying, "Research has shown people readily understand the heating and cooling dynamics to denote directions and the subtlety of temperature change can be perfect for certain feedback that doesn't require a more intrusive audio or vibration-based cue."
Temperature-Changing Steering Wheels
The Jaguar Land Rover 'Sensory' Steering Wheel is Advanced
Trend Themes
1. Thermal Cue Technology - The use of thermal cue technology to indicate upcoming changes in the road or weather changes presents an opportunity for further innovations in automotive safety and comfort.
2. Sensory Steering - The development of a 'Sensory' steering wheel could potentially create a new subclass of automotive features, catering to drivers with a preference for this type of tactile feedback.
3. Integrating Driver Alerts - The integration of driver alerts, such as low fuel warnings or changing weather conditions into automotive features offers opportunities for innovation that enhance driver safety and comfort.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Technology - The development of temperature-changing steering wheels in the automotive industry presents opportunities for tech companies to capitalize on the growing trend towards smart and safe driving.
2. Automotive Safety Technology - The use of thermal cue technology for steering wheels in the automotive industry creates opportunities for manufacturers of navigation and collision detection systems to create integrated products for improved driver safety.
3. Automotive Accessories - The development of new automotive accessories, such as sensory steering wheels, presents opportunities for companies to create new high-end products that appeal to luxury car buyers.