ZF fits a screen & airbag on a steering wheel

ZF hasn't announced any customer for its Lifetec steering wheel yet.

ZF has developed a new way to incorporate a touchscreen display and an airbag onto a steering wheel. The company's new 'Lifetec' steering wheel moves the airbag away from the centre to a spot just above it. In the event of a crash, the airbag is said to deploy between the space of the wheel rim and the hub.

By moving the airbag away, ZF has managed to free up space in the centre - allowing them to replace it with a screen. The removal of the airbag from the centre also allows the steering to be designed with a single horizontal spoke - giving it a "seamless, smartphone-like design". The screen on the steering wheel can be used to house controls for entertainment or driver-assistance functions.

ZF hasn't announced any customer for its Lifetec steering wheel yet. However, it could soon make its way onto production vehicles.

Source: Motortrend