30 HP - Future roadmap for haptic feedback in the automotive industry

Background:

Recent trends in the automotive industry show that manufacturers move away from traditional switches/buttons as the chosen user interface between the driver and the vehicle and instead is replaced by display based solutions with or without haptic feedback.

This may lead to a decreased user satisfaction or even have safety critical implications by reducing the ability to utilize blind operation (use without taking the eyes of the road). Furthermore, the utilization of display based solutions may be contradictory to the intent of the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR).

Assignment:

Investigate and suggest how SCANIA should relate to the future landscape of haptics and trends on the market in relation to commercial vehicles. This is expected to benefit future development of haptic elements and steer the innovation management which could have an positive impact on the useability for drivers.

The output of the degree project would be to develop a test bench for evaluating haptic feedback for the future covering interfaces for both physical switches (passive haptic feedback) and display based solutions with and without active haptic feedback.

With the use of the test bench, the thesis worker(s) is expected to investigate and present the most ideal haptic preferences* to benefit user needs based on existing SCANIA requirements and possible integration to current and/or future component development.

*Input force and stroke (passive haptic feedback) / vibration strength (active haptic feedback)

Potential benefits:

Increased safety for the driver.

Innovation management improvement within a technology intensive industry.

Take aways:

- Highlighting the safety aspect of having digitalized solutions (without haptic feedback) in commercial vehicles where the driver needs to access critical vehicle functions with blind operation.

- Aid and steer future development of haptics in the automotive industry (mainly covering commercial vehicles).

Test bench requirements:

       3 interaction interfaces with:

• Adjustable force input (1-10N)
• Adjustable vibration feedback

Profile:

· Currently enrolled in a master's program within mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics engineering or product development

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Contact:

Philip Åkerblom, Development engineer EEPCH – philip.akerblom@scania.com

Mattias Dahlqvist, Group manager EEPCH – mattias.dahlqvist@scania.com

Application:

Your application must include a CV, personal letter, and transcript of grades.

The project will be carried out at Scania Technical Centre (STC) in Södertälje.

A background check will be conducted for this position. We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.

Thesis Worker