Rightware, the industry leader in software tools for automotive HMI development, has extended its business into the commercial vehicles segment.
Kanzi user interface (UI) tools enable a highly productive process for creative design and software engineering, accelerating human-machine interface (HMI) development and bringing significant cost savings to complex projects. Collaboration on the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Multimedia Cockpit exemplifies the workflow benefits across a complex supply chain.
In this case, Daimler Truck took the lead in UI design and implementation with Kanzi Studio, while its Tier 1 electronics supplier provided the platform including hardware, operating system, application logic, integration, and optimization. The Kanzi workflow enabled an advanced cockpit with a user experience and brand identity owned and managed by the vehicle original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
“In these challenging times when many companies are looking for cost savings, we were extremely pleased to see that this advanced digital cockpit system was delivered without any compromise to the user experience or to product capabilities, in record time and at low overall cost. This is the direct result of the boost Kanzi gives to productivity and efficiency of development”, said Tuomas Pöyry, Vice President of Sales at Rightware.
The trucking industry is a hotbed of innovation, as traditional telematics is being increasingly complemented by new apps and services, and the industry is actively taking steps towards semi-autonomous driving. Advanced UI and connectivity tools enable manufacturers to deliver operational convenience and display comfort, giving the driver a seamlessly connected workspace with digital services while increasing driver and fleet efficiency.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros truck, crowned International Truck of the Year 2020, is the first truck in production with both instrument cluster and infotainment system powered by Kanzi UI software.
“We are very pleased with the Actros user interface, where the advanced yet intuitive features in the cab are a key factor for our end customers and their drivers, with the aim to improve the driving experience,” said Dr. Joachim Weisbrod, Manager HMI Software at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Developing this fully digital HMI for the first time ever in a truck was a huge and truly global challenge including sites in the US, India, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.”