As the CES 2020 is wrapping up, what was your favorite announcement of the entire week? Unfortunately, we were not planning to go to Vegas this year, but I was able to watch and read a couple of announcements on social media to see how it went. Let's just say that the unveiling of Mercedes-Benz the VISION AVTR definitely caught our attention. I mean just take a look at the concept car. It's much more than just a car, it's bringing the known technology of MB, luxurious in every way and sustainability (Inspired by the 2009 Avatar movie). It's great seeing Mercedes-Benz announcing partnerships at CES 2020 including the 'Smart' joint venture with Geely.
In their words
Mercedes-Benz has always been a technology and a luxury brand. And it is time to bring luxury and sustainability even closer together. Because for us, the two are no contradiction.
Organic battery technology made from recyclable materials: The VISION AVTR concept vehicle uses a revolutionary battery technology developed with 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, electromobility becomes independent of fossil resources. In doing so, Mercedes-Benz underlines the high relevance of a future "circular economy" in the raw materials sector.
Vision "zero impact car": With the VISION AVTR, Mercedes-Benz takes a look at the mobility of the distant future, combining sustainability with digitalization as well as people and machines with the environment. The concept vehicle describes a desirable future of mobility in which man, nature and technology are no longer contradictions, but are in harmony with each other. The VISION AVTR impressively shows the vision of a "zero impact car".
Fusion of interior and exterior: The holistic concept of the VISION AVTR combines the design disciplines interior, exterior and UX on an unprecedented scale. A design language inspired by nature characterizes the appearance of the concept vehicle. This is illustrated by the stretched, sporty "one-bow" design, which merges with spherically pronounced wheelhouses. 33 multi-directionally movable flaps – the "bionic flaps" – on the back of the vehicle enable a completely new interaction of the VISION AVTR with its surroundings.
New UX concept: Digital neurons, which flow from the interior of the concept vehicle when connected to the vehicle, enable a novel communication with the environment. The interior of the VISION AVTR becomes an immersive experience space and conveys a completely new user experience. A menu selection projected onto the palm of the hand allows the passenger to intuitively choose between different functionalities. For example, the driver can choose the option to explore the fictional film world Pandora from AVATAR from different perspectives.
Novel control and biometric connection: Another highlight of the VISION AVTR is its control unit. The multifunctional control element in the centre console allows the driver to intuitively control the vehicle by simply placing his hand – as long as he does not want to travel autonomously. The new drive, in combination with the axis arrangement, not only allows movement forwards and backwards, but also diagonally. In contrast to conventional vehicles, the VISION AVTR can move sideways by about 30 degrees. The so-called "crab movement" also gives the concept vehicle a reptile-like appearance and a high agility in its movement.
Not only is it beautifully designed but it will create a closer connection with the driver and the environment around them. One that hopefully results in a better understanding of our responsibility to the world in which we live.
All the images are courtesy by Daimler Media.
