Here's How Ford Plans on Hiding the Steering Wheel and Pedals in a Self-Driving Car
A new Ford patent application has been published for a removable steering wheel and pedals.
Ford is aiming to offer self-driving cars by 2021, and the American automaker plans to not have a steering wheel or pedals in those cars. But until then, they’re necessary for testing purposes as Ford continues to develop its self-driving tech.
The company’s patent application for a removable steering wheel and pedals is interesting because it accounts for the fact that driver-side airbags are in the steering wheel. For safety purposes, especially during testing, removing the steering wheel means there’s no longer a driver-side airbag. Ford’s patent application addresses the issue by using a filler module that includes an airbag when the steering wheel is removed.
SEE ALSO: Ford Aiming for Self-Driving Cars by 2021 with No Steering Wheels or Pedals
Although the patent application seems targeted towards test vehicles where a human may need to intervene, Ford does mention the idea that “some vehicle owners may prefer the familiarity of being in a vehicle having a steering wheel,” suggesting that Ford may offer the option of manual control with its first-generation of self-driving cars.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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SOME vehicle owners MIGHT prefer the familiarity of being in a vehicle having a steering wheel? ... SOME MIGHT? ..... I'd think the average driver would be HORIFIED to be in a self driving vehicle that they have absolutely no control over. The unexpected happens all too often. A deer jumps out in front of you, the other driver that you T-bone because they turned into you while texting, the systems failure, the blowout. If I can't easily take control, I don't step into, let alone purchase that vehicle. RE-think your position FMC, your making a serious mistake that'll wind up costing you millions.