Animal like movement, pulse rate in the seats, intuitive control – much of the VISION AVTR sounds utopian, not to say fantastic. How much of it is realistic vision of the future, how much of it is pure science fiction?
“The aim of the VISION AVTR is to show us a signpost for a livable future, even if it will probably never be built. The VISION AVTR makes speculative science visible and tangible. As researchers and scientists evolve new theories or develop existing ones, they depend on their imagination. They leave the ground of what can be proved today and enter an area of speculation – a scientifically substantiated “What if?”. This is exactly the approach we have taken with the VISION AVTR. We started from the current state of development and used our imagination to elevate our current view of “human-centered innovation” into the projection of a world in which man is embedded in the entire biosphere. The sooner we tackle this, the better.”
– Alexander Mankowsky, futurologist at Mercedes-Benz
The name of the groundbreaking concept vehicle stands not only for the close collaboration in developing the showcar together with the AVATAR team but also for ADVANCED VEHICLE TRANSFORMATION. This concept vehicle embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future. The VISION AVTR shows a completely new interaction between human, machine and nature.
The holistic concept of the VISION AVTR combines the design disciplines interior, exterior and UX on an unprecedented scale. The distinctive inside-out design structure combines inside and outside into an emotional whole and was inspired by several creatures from the movie AVATAR. With its stretched “One Bow” design and organic design language, the VISION AVTR offers a visionary outlook on the design of the future.
Instead of a conventional steering wheel, the multifunctional control element in the centre console allows human and machine to merge. By placing the hand on the control unit, the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognizes the driver by his or her heartbeat and breathing.
By simply lifting the hand, a menu selection is projected onto the palm of the hand, through which the passenger can intuitively choose between different functionalities. For example, real-time 3D graphics can be used to explore the fictional world of Pandora from different perspectives. The curved display module creates the visual connection between passengers and the outside world.
For the first time, the VISION AVTR concept vehicle is using a revolutionary battery technology based on graphene-based organic cell chemistry that is completely free of rare earths and metals. The materials of the battery are compostable and therefore completely recyclable. In this way, electric mobility becomes independent of fossil resources. As a result, Mercedes-Benz underlines the high relevance of a future circular economy in the raw materials sector.
The 33 “bionic flaps” on the back of the vehicle are reminiscent of scales of reptiles. They can communicate with the driver and through the driver with their outside world through naturally flowing movements in subtle gestures. Due to the possibility to drive the front and rear axles in the same or opposite direction, the VISION AVTR can move sideways by approx. 30 degrees, in contrast to conventional vehicles. The so-called “crab movement” gives the concept vehicle an animal-like appearance even in its movement.
The seats of the VISION AVTR are refined by vegan DINAMICA® leather. DINAMICA® is the first and only microfiber that guarantees environmental sustainability throughout the entire production cycle. The floor is decorated with an innovative wood called Karuun®. The raw material for Karuun (Rattan) grows very fast as a natural raw material and is harvested by hand in Indonesia. The material gives the interior warmth and radiates naturalness.
Stay tuned to these pages for more information about what the future may look like for Mercedes-Benz owners and enthusiasts.
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
