Two Faurecia's cockpit of the future solutions awarded at the 2018 German Innovation Award

Faurecia has won two German Innovation Awards for its “Morphing Instrument Panel” and “Immersive Sound Experience”

Both innovations provide a unique and personalized user experience for the connected, predictive and versatile Cockpit of the Future.

Founded by the German Parliament and supported by German industry, the German Innovation Award recognizes products and solutions across industries that differ from previous solutions especially in terms of user experience and added value. The Innovation Award is presented by an independent and interdisciplinary jury from industry, science, institutions and the financial sector.

The morphing Instrument Panel

Faurecia has drawn on its expertise in mechatronics, kinematics and design for its Morphing Instrument Panel. When the driver changes to the autonomous driving mode, the display adjusts to a central position. At the same time, the shape of the dashboard customizes to its new position. When the driver switches from driving to autonomous mode, the display glides from the driver’s side to a central position and simultaneously the instrument panel surface smoothly adapts its shape. Both movements are managed by Faurecia innovative know how in micro-mechanisms and materials. During driving mode, the display can be used as a driving cluster giving driving information and safety signals, and can also act as a central screen for navigation and media. During autonomous mode the display will become the large entertainment screen visible for all passengers.

Immersive Sound Experience

Acoustics contribute to the comfort and well-being of the driver and passengers. Faurecia has integrated innovative technologies and advanced software algorithms to create two individual sound bubbles, allowing each occupant to listen to something different or receive a telephone call without being overheard. Sound surfaces create omnidirectional sound directly from the interior surface without integrating any loudspeaker. The system offers higher degrees of design freedom by reducing packaging space and weight compared to traditional speaker systems.