Daimler Trucks has taken a new initiative to test and develop the new digital operating menus and apps. The German CV manufacturer has involved the truck drivers to test the digital system on-board the new Mercedes-Benz Actros.
The company has provided truck drivers to test prototypes of future digital operating menus and new app in the mobile simulator. Feedback from these tests will help the company to improve the digital vehicle system that will be available in a large range of trucks from the manufacturer in the coming days.
Speaking about the initiative, Christian Ballarin, Head of Advanced Engineering Daimler Trucks for Active Safety, Autonomous Driving and Connectivity, Daimler Trucks, said, “Feedback from the truck drivers after initial test runs is positive. A big advantage of our mobile test lab is that it brings us to the drivers, not the other way round.”
“By having drivers test in their professional environment, their feedback is even more authentic. This represents a huge benefit for our development work,” he further added.
During the testing process, the mobile simulator is fitted at the rear of a Mercedes-Benz V-Class. This enables the Daimler experts to meet the drivers in their usual working environment ensuring ensures reliable test results to enable the developers and address more truck drivers for the tests in a shorter time.
The simulation also uses virtual reality technology with 3D models and measurement sensors. While testing, the truck drivers wear VR headset with 3D glasses enabling them to see a digital image of the truck cockpit and driving situations. The drivers physically hold the related truck multifunction steering wheel in their hands, which is linked with the 3D simulation system.
Two experts from Daimler Trucks were present during the tests in the mobile simulator to observe and record the reactions and statements of the truck drivers, as the company says in a release. The sensors also record movements of the drivers, which allows further conclusions about the user-friendliness of the system.
