Global transport solutions leader, Scania, has recently launched its revolutionary digital dashboard, Smart Dash, setting the stage for a new era of intelligent, secure, and enjoyable truck driving experiences. This initiative underscores Scania’s steadfast dedication to revolutionizing the transport industry, making it more intelligent and sustainable.
Designed with state-of-the-art digital solutions, Smart Dash offers a modular build that provides a secure, connected, and comforting environment for drivers. It enables optimal control over the truck and its surroundings, with subtle prompts from the truck’s intelligent companion whenever potential hazards are identified or specific actions are needed.
This innovation allows limitless customization of the driving experience while ensuring access to the most up-to-date data and information. A well-thought-out blend of manual controls and digital displays guarantees exceptional support and a simplified experience for drivers. Scania has meticulously engineered the support and safety systems to be intuitive and minimally intrusive.
Stefan Dorski, Senior Vice President and Head of Scania Trucks, shared insights on the transformative potential of Smart Dash. “Apart from a great overview and endless opportunities to individualize the driver station, our Smart Dash is also the leverage for increased communication and digitalization in and around the truck. Scania trucks can now be closely integrated with everything from the fleet management system to the actual driving environment and an array of cloud-based services for improved safety, uptime, and productivity.”
Smart Dash represents a significant advancement in human-machine interface solutions for heavy truck driver stations. Drivers can choose the information they want to display or hide, creating an intuitive and user-friendly environment that avoids cognitive overload. The interface features two displays: the Driver Display, located directly in front of the driver, and the Centre Information Display, a touchscreen available in two sizes (10.1 or 12.9 inches). Input can be provided via the touchscreen, buttons, or voice control, avoiding the pitfall of burying essential functions in submenus.
Eduardo Landeo, Product Manager at Scania Trucks, emphasized the importance of accessibility. “It is all about offering the drivers the best possible experience and making sure that new technology always supports the drivers rather than annoying them or bringing cognitive overload. Or even, in the worst-case scenarios, create situations where their focus wanders from the road and direct vision to adjust basic things such as the interior temperature.”
Scania’s latest truck generation incorporates numerous safety features as standard for European markets, with optional functions exceeding legal minimum standards. One such feature is the Advanced Emergency Braking for Vulnerable Road Users (AEB VRU), which not only issues warnings about pedestrians but also initiates braking when necessary.
Landeo highlighted the broader implications of this technological breakthrough. “With this introduction, we open up a digital and connected spectrum that will benefit drivers as well as fleet owners and fleet managers. Smart and safe trucks will bring increased productivity, fewer accidents, and safer drivers. The driver will experience that their working tool supports them, providing everything from information about the truck itself and possible hazards to general guidance and their favorite pods with crystal-clear sound.”
As customer expectations for connected vehicles and active safety features continue to rise, Scania Smart Dash addresses these demands with its user-friendly and modular digital interface, complete with over-the-air updates and 5G capabilities. The continuous support provided by the safety systems is the driver’s most valuable tool for preventing serious accidents.
Landeo concluded by highlighting the importance of the Smart Dash’s alert systems, regardless of a driver’s skill level or caution. “No matter how experienced or careful a driver is, with all the time they spend on the roads there will always come a day when he or she is eternally grateful for the alert from one of the warning systems,” he emphasized.
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