The Future of Automotive Interiors, a free-to-attend conference running alongside the expo, will be exclusively dedicated to the study of future interior design, innovative seating, lighting, ergonomics, instrumentation, control systems, new HMI approaches, in-car entertainment and connectivity, and onboard wellness and safety challenges, as well as the opportunities and challenges offered by increased vehicle autonomy and ever more sophisticated consumers.
The need for a new generation of materials will be explored in answer to the increasing consumer demand for more sustainable and ethical solutions, solutions which are allergen-free, antimicrobial and non-toxic. The latest HMI approaches will also be examined, with an emphasis on ease of use and safety, as well as more inclusive design to meet the needs of a changing, more aged society.
The disruptive impact of ADAS and full autonomy will also be a major theme, along with a strong focus on occupant safety and well-being. The conference will offer the perfect platform to better understand the possibilities offered by exciting, new technologies such as haptic sensors, augmented reality head-up displays, 3D printing and smart lighting.
Nello Li Pira
head of physical analysis department
FCA - CRF
ITALY
Synopsis: The car of the future will display elegant and ergonomic design with embedded sensors, touch surfaces and biomimetic multi-colored components. Cars will be made more functional and will be based on more intelligent materials: dashboard, central console, knobs, panels, seats, ceiling, armrests, kick plates will be made by novel processes and materials that are more intelligent and customized. All the manufacturing phases necessary for successful integration will be evaluated regarding the materials and processes as well. An example of the application of system integration will be shown, focusing on improved functionalities and complexity.
Richard Chung
executive product manager
Toyota Boshoku
JAPAN
Synopsis: Currently, all the attention on autonomous vehicles is focused on self-driving; but what about the interior? We at Toyota Boshoku feel that the interior functions and features need to work autonomously for the occupants' comfort and convenience and a superb mobility experience. The MX191 concept for the year 2025 addresses this goal holistically, through its uniquely developed six concierge systems that take care of the occupants in the interior space.
George Kellie
director
Kellie Solutions Ltd/EDANA
UK
Synopsis: Internationally there is strong and very evident rapid growth and drive for new-generation materials offering genuinely sustainable solutions. The automotive industry is clearly faced with this challenge, at the same time as dramatic changes are taking place in powertrains, and with very demanding emissions legislation. There are some exciting solutions available that can meet many of these challenges simultaneously. Dr Kellie will focus on developments in plastics and non-woven materials in this very timely presentation.
Efrat Friedland
founder
Materialscout
GERMANY
Synopsis: We have all seen futuristic interior designs of mobility products. But we have no way of knowing if these designs will indeed be the final product we’ll see. What we do know is who will be using these products. Understanding the future users and consumers will help us bring values to the forefront of our products and brands, to create more meaningful and enjoyable experiences. This lecture will help you understand how to use materials and technologies to create an emotional bond with your product.
Eike Schmidt
researcher
Ford Research and Innovation Center
GERMANY
Synopsis: As a result of an expected increase in passenger kilometers traveled with higher automation levels, carsickness is gaining more and more attention in the automotive research community. In this talk, an overview of several studies by Ford and its partners will be presented investigating carsickness in detail. Surveys were conducted to get a basic understanding of today’s carsickness incidence, customers’ perception of influencing factors and individual differences. Controlled lab experiments underlined the relevance of motion predictability and the mitigating potential of making motion more predictable. Finally, first on-road trials evaluated an early prototype of a cueing-based carsickness mitigation concept.
