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English   EBSF: the future of public local transport comes a step closer
03.11.2012 von admin


The test series comprised interviews, analytical data collection (e.g. measuring the selected seat and cockpit settings), test drives and observations made in the 3D simulator, as well as a follow-up survey of the test drivers. The newly designed driver's cockpit (mock-up) enabled the test drivers to try out a wide variety of adjustment options. This helped to ensure that the individual needs of the drivers were taken into account: whether it was a case of adjusting the instrument panel, the steering wheel or the driver's seat suspension system. It also guaranteed that all possible physiological factors - large, small, male or female - would meet with the same levels of driving and working comfort in the cockpit. As part of the test drives, the drivers "drove" along virtual regular service routes through Dresden and Rome in a specially developed driver's cockpit in a 3D simulator.

Insights from the European driver's cockpit project

Despite the different requirements imposed by a variety of European cities, it was still possible to explore real needs in a synthetic environment. In conjunction with the driving simulator, the static driver's cockpit (mock-up) enabled realistic minimum and nominal dimensions to be defined and typical sequences of movements and ergonomic standards to be determined.

During the subjective assessment of the driver's cockpit mock-up which was implemented, it became clear that in general drivers place a great deal of value on stowage spaces and stowage options. Marked differences specific to certain countries were determined when assessing features relevant to safety (e.g. access protection). The individual adjustment options for the instrument panel, steering wheel and seat were consistently classified as positive. Also assessed as extremely positive by the test drivers was the executed design of both the driver's cockpit and the simulation.

The participants in the project provided some important input into which of the visionary cockpit features could be transferred to a standardised European driver's cockpit, and which specific local features it would be worth including.

Conclusion of the EBSF project

Some 48 project partners made up of vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, operators, official bodies, researchers and consultancies have shaped the EBSF project over a four-year period. Together they were looking for trailblazing, combinable vehicle, infrastructure and operational designs, as well as possibilities for technical harmonisation and standardisation. In addition to the commitment from EvoBus, other manufacturers also provided their visions of the future of local public transport, and ultimately brought them to life by building demonstrator vehicles. Plenty of good ideas – and the EBSF project management is certain about this – will soon be adopted by suppliers and manufacturers, and also incorporated into their development and production processes. Other approaches to solutions, on the other hand, while proving impressive in theory, actually failed when implemented in practice. In some cases such ideas failed due to small technical details, but also due to regulatory circumstances. Yet in fact such "problems" also gave rise to new areas of activity. The EBSF project has shown how effectively and innovatively manufacturers, suppliers and operators can work together when they think and act in a networked way. In view of this, the future of public local transport is likely to be based on a joint decision.


Photos and text:
Daimler AG


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