Volvo Cars' ongoing research into autonomous driving proved something we actually already know. During the daily commute to work people feel no joy in driving, so this is the time, when they are most willing to leave the driving in the hands of an autopilot.
With the research results in hand, Volvo developed the autonomous Concept 26, named to reflect the average daily commute to work, which is supposed to last 26 minutes. According to Volvo, some drivers would like to make use of the time during the daily commute to do something useful, while others only wish to sit back and relax, watch online media or listen to music. And this is exactly what autonomous driving could and will make possible. Concept 26 fulfills the urge for radical changes of the basic interior design, providing a space that can be used any way the driver/passenger wishes.
In the heart of the Concept 26 there is an all-new patented seat design that actively serves the driver during one of the three operating modes: Drive, Create or Relax. With these three modes, Concept 26 is based around a new autonomous drive innovation platform, capable of adapting to new needs and technologies as they appear over time. When the driver decides to leave the driving to the car, the steering wheel retracts, the seat reclines and a large display emerges from the dashboard allowing the driver to enjoy the time spent in the car as they like best.
The concept opens new possibilities for the drivers to enjoy - entertainment, service provision and much more, using the technology that has by now become an integral part of our lives. Concept 26 also shows the potential for new business opportunities and high-tech collaborations that autonomous drive will, undoubtedly, bring.