Agritechnica 2017: Grammer innovations for the “Smart Cab”

Amberg, November 12, 2017 - At this year's Agritechnica, Grammer will be presenting as part of the CAB Concept Cluster (CCC) an innovative, ergonomically optimized operator system comprising a suspended driver seat with electrically adjustable features, multifunctional armrests and two 12' multitouch screens for controlling all vehicle and comfort features. The 'Smart Cab' has been developed by the CAB Concept Cluster (CCC), an alliance of global players, innovation-driven OEM suppliers, renowned research institutes, designers and industry associations. They have all contributed their expertise and decades of practical experience in cabin design.

'As the lead cluster partner for interior/human-machine interface (HMI)/assistance, we attach particular importance in conjunction with our cluster partners to achieving ideal ergonomics for the driver at the HMI, via which the vehicle with all its functions is controlled,' says Ralf Hoppe, Vice President, Strategic Product Planning at Grammer AG. 'Because we are a supplier of integrated systems comprising the seat, multifunctional armrests, displays and graphical user interfaces, we were able to make a crucial contribution to the integration of functions in the cabin interior.'

Focus on individual driver comfort
Under the motto 'human-centered design', development of the interior components focused solely on the needs of the driver, who is able to control all vehicle and comfort functions intuitively and ergonomically via the multifunctional armrest and the multitouch displays. Accordingly, the 'Smart Cab' driver's seat has numerous electrically adjustable comfort features with a memory function: functions such as fore/aft adjustment, height adjustment, backrest tilt adjustment, seat cushion depth adjustment, seat angle adjustment and the shoulder rests are set electrically, offering the driver maximum ergonomic seating comfort while operating the vehicle. These functions are conveniently controlled using the multitouch display fitted to the multifunctional armrest. This obviates the need for conventional manual controls on the seat. In addition, the seats has an integrated headrest, a three-way seat belt with height adjustment, variable side contour adjustment, seat climate control and heating and - for the ultimate in comfort - even a massage function. One particular highlight is the illuminated company logo in the backrest that can also be used as an individual optical design element.

Safe and convenient navigation thanks to multifunctional armrests
One priority in the agricultural machinery industry involves working towards future-proofness through the ability to integrate new components. In this complex environment, the user interface plays a key role in helping the driver to communicate with the machine and the other components. For this reason, the clear and simple HMI system fitted to the 'Smart Cab' has two multifunctional armrests integrating all main functions: the right-hand multifunctional armrest has operating elements and a 12' multitouch display for controlling the vehicle functions and seat settings. The left-hand multifunctional armrest features an integrated mini steering wheel. The second 12' multitouch display is fitted above the windshield to the cabin ceiling and is used to control functions such as the vehicle lighting, cabin climate control, the camera and smartphone connectivity. It can also be used to display camera images, thus ensuring safe navigation in every working situation.

Convenient and user-friendly multitouch displays
Grammer is also responsible for the architecture of the graphical user interface (GUI). The aim here was to create an innovative, user-friendly user interface for the multitouch displays. Working with Dresden Technical University and Embility, Grammer designed an intuitive and easy-to-use touch interface for maximum cockpit ergonomics. Thanks to the modular design of the multifunctional armrest it is possible to install standard components such as joysticks, keyboards, fingertip switches and push-and-rotary switches in accordance with specific customer requirements. In this way, a bespoke HMI system can be developed for each customer depending on the application. The redesigned joystick allows the vehicles to be controlled very conveniently. The pleasant horizontal hand position with the ergonomically placed buttons for the thumb and the index finger ease the strain on the driver's hand in the interests of greater productivity. In addition, rotary knobs for use by the driver can be fitted to the joystick.

Smart farming a trend of the future
The trend in off-highway vehicles is pointing the way towards maximum and efficient system integration. Looking forward, smart faming applications will play an important role. This calls for greater digitization of machinery and cabins. At the same time, there are demands with respect to safety, ergonomics, efficiency and comfort as well as heightened expectations regarding style and recognizability in international markets. As an innovative system supplier of driver seats, multifunctional armrests and displays, Grammer is addressing this trend, contributing its expertise and experience in this area to CAB Concept Cluster.

Company profile
Located in Amberg, Germany, Grammer AG specializes in the development and production of components and systems for automotive interiors as well as suspension driver and passenger seats for onroad and offroad vehicles. In the Automotive Division, we supply headrests, armrests, center console systems and high-quality interior components and operating systems to premium automakers and automotive system suppliers. The Commercial Vehicle Division comprises seats for the truck and offroad seat segments (tractors, construction machinery, forklifts) as well as train and bus seats. With over 12,000 employees, Grammer operates in 19 countries around the world. Grammer shares are listed in the SDAX and traded on the Frankfurt and Munich stock exchanges via the electronic trading system Xetra.

Download Press information