Mercedes-Benz is using a research vehicle to investigate driver wellness, including measures aimed at combating fatigue
By Gary Worrall | April 13, 2012
Despite the best efforts of rule makers to eliminate driver fatigue through increased regulation, driving tired remains a major issue in the transport industry.
German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, well-known for its range of driver safety aids, including ABS brakes, stability controls and driver’s airbags, is now investigating driver wellness, including combating fatigue.
The ‘TopFitTruck’ is a research vehicle fitted with technologies aimed at not only keeping the driver rested, but also to help them keep fit while they are on the road.
While some of the design features, including enhanced driver ergonomics, improved noise proofing and better fresh air flow through the cab, are being incorporated in production versions of the Actros, a number of the ideas are still only in the test phase.
Head of Human Factors at Daimler Jorn Petersen says his team is developing a fitness program for drivers that can be tailored to specific applications, including truck driving.
The power nap is one area Daimler researchers are particularly focused on for truck drivers, recognising it is an important part of the driving routine to allow the body to recharge before returning to the road.
The TopFitTruck includes a massage function in the driver’s seat and a custom cushion that fits over the steering wheel, allowing the driver to stretch out with the seat reclined for a better rest.
The sleeper is also fitted with a wider than standard bed and a perfume atomiser that is programmed to emit a menthol scent while the truck is moving. It changes to an orange fragrance, designed to promote rest, while the driver is sleeping.
Another innovation tested in the TopFit is an intelligent stereo system, which is able to categorise the onboard music library into enlivening, for regular driving, or relaxing, to be played during rest periods.
The system selects songs depending on whether the driver is dozing off or waking up, playing them with a fade-in and fade-out effect. The wake-up function also takes account of the driver’s sleep phases to avoid waking them from deep sleep, potentially leaving them feeling drained.
To help keep the driver fit, expander bands can be attached to lugs in the cab roof and floor, allowing the driver to complete an exercise programme developed by Daimler’s in-house staff in conjunction with doctors and physiotherapists. The programme focuses on muscles that come under strain during long-haul driving.
Cabin ergonomics also play a significant role in a driver’s alert levels. Helping even further is the Linguatronic voice control for the audio and telephone system as well as careful placement of switchgear for ease of operation.
Daimler researcher Siegfried Rothe says drivers who are not well rested do drive more erratically than drivers who enjoy a good sleep, and this can be categorised economically as well as physically.
“Our investigations have revealed that tired truckers consume around one litre of diesel per 100km more than their counterparts who sleep well,” Rothe says.
