Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR - control by means of thoughts!

Select the navigation destination using mind control, change the ambient light in the interior or change the radio station: brain-computer interfaces (BCI) enable this new type of machine control. They will not be available in everyday life tomorrow. But they are no longer science fiction either. In medical research, for example, BCI applications are seen as a future-proof option to help people with physical disabilities to become more independent. Mercedes-Benz is now integrating the first BCI approaches into its groundbreaking VISION AVTR concept vehicle. At the IAA MOBILITY from September 7 to 12, 2021 in Munich, the brand with the star will be presenting the functionality of BCI technology and for the first time giving an outlook on mind control as a new dimension of human interaction with the vehicle. After a short calibration, a BCI device attached to the user's head analyzes the measured brain waves and triggers a defined function. At the Munich stand in Hall B3, visitors can experience controlling the user interface in the vehicle with their own thoughts and interacting with it in real time.

Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR

“With the research and development of brain-computer interface applications in cars, Mercedes-Benz is setting another milestone in the merging of man and machine. BCI technology has the potential, for example, to increase driving comfort even further in the future, ”says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for sales. “Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer for intelligent, innovative solutions in order to offer our customers the best product and service experience. The BCI technology works completely independent of language and contact. This opens up revolutionary possibilities for intuitive interaction with the vehicle. "

"With the continuous further development of our 'Hey Mercedes' voice assistant and the zero-layer concept of the MBUX Hyperscreen, we have already radically simplified vehicle operation," says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO. “The BCI technology can make it possible to relieve the user even more so that they can focus on what is happening on the road. The VISION AVTR underlines the courage and pioneering spirit of our brand and is exactly the right concept for testing and further developing BCI applications. This concept vehicle impressively describes the future of mobility, in which people, nature and technology are in harmony with one another. "

Live experience at the IAA: Controlling the user interface in the vehicle through brain activity

With the integration of the brain-computer interface technology, Mercedes-Benz is continuing the revolutionary history of the VISION AVTR. The biometric interaction with the vehicle is supplemented by a direct connection with the human brain. At the IAA, the brand with the star is demonstrating the first approaches to mind control based on visual perception in the visionary seat box of the VISION AVTR. For this, points of light are projected onto the fully digital dashboard. A BCI device with portable electrodes attached to the back of the user's head records brain activity and, after a one-minute calibration, establishes a direct connection to the vehicle. The brain reacts to the visual stimuli on the dashboard. The BCI device measures the neural activity on the cortex in real time. It analyzes the measured brain waves and recognizes which points of light the user directs his focus and full attention to (attention-sensing interface). The neural activity increases in line with the strength of focus. The device then triggers the targeted function in the vehicle.

Using several functions linked to BCI technology, trade fair visitors can experience this pioneering type of interaction with the vehicle live. You will learn how quickly your own brain connects to the vehicle. Similar to the neural connection between the Na'vi and nature in the visionary Hollywood blockbuster "AVATAR". By focusing on points of light, you can control the digital VISION AVTR worlds that are displayed on the dashboard and perform various functions: for example, generate wind, let plants grow, select charging parking spaces or turn day into night.

VISION AVTR - inspired by AVATAR

The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR was presented for the first time at the CES 2020 (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. It is the result of an extraordinary global collaboration between one of the most innovative brands in the entertainment industry, Disney, and the eight most valuable brand in the world, Mercedes-Benz (according to the Interbrand 2020 ranking). The name of the pioneering concept vehicle stands for ADVANCED VEHICLE TRANSFORMATION and embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future. The biometric connection enables a completely new interaction between man, machine and nature in the autonomously driving concept vehicle.

The stretched “one-bow” design and the organic design language combine the exterior and interior into an emotional whole. Sustainable materials like vegan DINAMICA^® Recycled leather, fast growing karuun^® (Rattan), which can only thrive in biodiversity, and an organic, compostable battery technology create a closed circular economy. 33 bionic flaps on the rear of the vehicle can communicate with the driver and through the driver with naturally flowing movements in subtle gestures with the outside world. Instead of a conventional steering wheel, the VISION AVTR has a multifunctional control element in the center console. When you place your hand on the control element, the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognizes the passenger by their heart rate. A simple lifting of the hand projects a menu selection onto the palm, through which the user can intuitively choose between different functionalities.

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Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR: Operate the user interface with the power of thought
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

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