The closer we get to a world where cars drive themselves, the more the role of passengers and drivers is being reimagined. With this comes a new opportunity for a veritable overhaul of the car’s interior, and no automaker is intent on being left behind.
Recently, Ford filed an application with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for a new vehicle cabin design that’s completely different from anything on the road today, starting with the fact that its cylindrical shape does not seem to be spec’d with aerodynamics in mind.
In the abstract, Ford’s engineers describe a circular cabin with a table in the middle, surrounded by a circular track where seats are mounted.
The seats are said to be independently slidable along this track, and the whole thing looks like a round dinner table. Or card table. Or whatever other leisure activity you’d want to use it for, which is exactly what Ford seems to envision will take place once drivers no longer need to be involved in the actual driving.
This carousel concept has some observers excited and some anticipating motion sickness, but whichever camp you’re in, you have to admit that there is the potential for commuters to get some of their time back.
We just don’t know yet which kind of vehicle designs will have ultimate staying power.
In 2015, Ford patented another seat design concept that led insiders to speculate the company was preparing quickly for the advent of driverless technology. In this setup, the seats are reconfigurable, allowing them to swivel and fold even while the car is moving.
Additional components of the patent address the steering wheel, which can be withdrawn into the dashboard to create more space. Front seats can become rear facing, or even folded down to serve as footrests for riders sitting in the back row.