The leading international trade fair for mobility, transportation and logistics, IAA 2016, has been taking place in Hannover for the past week.
PE takes a look at some of the most exciting developments on show in Germany.
Truck Z
Iveco premiered its ‘Z’ truck, a long-haul concept truck, which anticipates the way alternative energy and automated driving will impact on drivers’ lives.
It features a new generation LNG engine running on bio-methane, which is derived from refined biogas, and uses up to 33% less fuel. The engine, which features a 16-gear automated transmission with Powershift in the upper gears, develops 343kW and 2,000Nm torque.
The truck features a concept tank developed with manufacturer SAG. It is made of aluminium insulated with a new system called multi layer insulation, a reflective foil that protects from heat radiation. It also features a technology that allows for a squared shape, which makes it possible to optimise the use of space and accommodate two tanks with a single recharge.
An on-board Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system exploits exhaust gas as a heat source to recover energy.
The seat, steering wheel system, pedals and controls console form a self-contained unit that is suspended independently from the cab for the smoothest ride. The air conditioning system provides ideal conditions around the driver’s seat, creating a ‘Climatic Bubble’ that encloses the driving platform, so that the driver enjoys ideal temperature conditions with no disturbance from air flows.
The human machine interface has been designed to ensure the driver has full, all-round visibility and to provide adaptive information. The data is projected on the smart windshield as it becomes necessary and changes according to what the driver needs at the time.
OptiFlow
Wabco Holdings, a supplier of technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles, debuted its OptiFlow Tail which uses four folding panels to significantly improve air flow and aerodynamics at the trailer’s rear.
OpiFlow Tail’s durable panels are mounted directly on the trailer’s swing doors, allowing for the doors to fully open. OptiFlow Tail’s modular system also utilises a fast and easy-to-use folding and unfolding mechanism.
It can help increase the fuel economy of tractor-trailer combinations by up to 3.5% at motorway speeds.
Sightstream
Valeo has replaced traditional rearview mirrors with cameras to improve all round visibility in commercial vehicles. The technology, called Sightstream, should help make drivers more aware of their surroundings no matter what the weather conditions according to the firm.
An additional advantage of the system should be aerodynamic improvements as the exterior mirrors are no longer required, and the knock on impact on fuel efficiency.
Valeo said: “Cameras are installed where the exterior side mirrors are usually mounted. The video image displayed on the screens offers better visibility in all weather, even at night.”
The system has been developed so it can be incorporated into driver assistance features such as blind spot detection, and assist with door opening by detecting and displaying surrounding vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles. Valeo said it can also help during lane changes and when passing, by displaying information on the dashboard directly in the driver's line of sight.
Auto Docking
Power management company Eaton’s system works with the driver of the vehicle positioning the truck with or without a trailer to park at a loading dock. As the vehicle begins moving toward the loading dock, the driver applies the service brake, comes to a stop, and with the flip of a dashboard switch activates the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) Dock Assist function. Once activated, the Dock Assist engages the transmission controls to moderate vehicle range and speed. When the transmission “detects” the dock based on the torque being applied while pushing against it, the system controls the speed of the truck to ease it into position and allows it to self-park. Dock Assist is an ADAS Level 2 system and cannot operate without a person in the driver’s seat.
Eaton’s Autonomous Auto-Docking technology uses GPS technology to enable the vehicle to find its destination without driver intervention. It is particularly useful in distribution centre environments because it uses GPS technology to allow a driver to pull a truck and trailer anywhere into the lot and leave it. The lot manager would then be able to command the truck and trailer to autonomously park at a specified dock.
VisionX
The VisionX truck is a 40-tonne smart device that can platoon with similar trucks. The concept truck uses multiple assistance systems along with automation to make trucks safer and more reliable.
The project includes taking the diesel engine and combining it with electric motors for auxiliary systems, such as water and hydraulic pumps, which will further improve its efficiency.
The vehicle receives all the data, in real-time, through the Bosch Internet of Things cloud, informing drivers of route, traffic congestion, detours and unloading facilities available at their destination. In addition, every time the trailer door is open, a sensor box logs and report it. If it happens at an unscheduled time, the system raises the alarm by notifying the driver and the company.