[RahulNagaraj]

Toyota is reported to have patented a new technology that allows the steering wheels of its cars to rapidly inflate or contract at specific points. According to a media report, the steering wheels will have specific points which can either grow thicker or thinner, alerting the driver in the process. The inflation points also increase friction between the driver's hands and the steering wheel, prompting a subtle tug that can help keep the car centred in its lane.



The new feature could become part of the long list of safety features offered on the company's cars. If the technology does make it to production vehicles, it could be part of the car's pre-collision safety equipment, which currently make use of visual and/or audible alerts to get the attention of the driver.

Recently, Toyota also patented a manual transmission system for its EVs, featuring a pseudo-clutch and pseudo-lever which could control the torque output, giving the feeling of driving a manual car.

Source: NewNissanZ

[CarNerd]

Interesting feature! I'd also like the horn to be operated with fingers underneath the steering wheel instead of the centre. That way one doesn't have to take his hand off the wheel and press the horn hard.

[Sk8r]

Isn't this a distraction when driving ? " rapidly inflating and contracting " .

Looks to me like Toyota is trying to fix something that ain't broken

[JoshMachine]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

Toyota is reported to have patented a new technology that allows the steering wheels of its cars to rapidly inflate or contract at specific points.
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The new feature could become part of the long list of safety features offered on the company's cars. If the technology does make it to production vehicles, it could be part of the car's pre-collision safety equipment, which currently make use of visual and/or audible alerts to get the attention of the driver.

Very interesting feature. Something to add to the "Driver Alert Assistance" feature set. Glad that Toyota is doing this.

But will be super glad if Toyota brings such features to India also.

We have the flagship Camry plying on Indian roads, but sadly, not even the preliminary version of ADAS (Safety Sense, in Toyota speak) is present on this car.

[adisan]

Life has taught that whether a certain thing might be useful or not, cannot be predicted by reading up about it; only after making use of it can a definite opinion be formed.

This feature looks like one such thing.