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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

16.07.2020 Atego
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Stuttgart – Oh how the workplace of truck drivers has changed over the decades! A quick look at the cockpits and steering wheels of the different model series makes clear the technical transformation which the so-called human-machine interface (HMI) in trucks has undergone through the past decades. The desire to continuously improve ergonomics, operating comfort and networking inside and outside of the vehicle is really clear…

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Stuttgart – Oh how the workplace of truck drivers has changed over the decades! A quick look at the cockpits and steering wheels of the different model series makes clear the technical transformation which the so-called human-machine interface (HMI) in trucks has undergone through the past decades. The desire to continuously improve ergonomics, operating comfort and networking inside and outside of the vehicle is really clear here.

A painted dashboard in sheet metal, a huge yet slender Bakelite steering wheel, a range of different switches and don't forget the ashtray! That's what the first cockpits looked like more than 60 years ago in heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz trucks with a short bonnet. They were built from 1958 until the 1990s and still have legendary status today due to their great robustness.

In the top-left image: the cockpit of a Mercedes-Benz 1924 from 1972. From this workplace, the driver monitored the workings of the indestructible OM 355 "Africa engine" under the short bonnet up front.

Next to it, a steering wheel and instrument panel of the so-called Leichte Klasse (light class) or LK cab-over-engine truck models which were characterised by a desire to achieve greater functionality and clarity. This precursor to the Atego was built between 1984 and 1998. You'll also find a picture of the driver's workplace in a Mercedes-Benz 1317 tractor unit from 1989. Typical features are the 1980s brown tones, the modest number of switches and the function and warning lamps positioned on the upper edge of the dashboard.

Major modernisation came in the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros which rolled off the production line between 2003 and 2008, shown here on the right. The steering wheel housed a driver's airbag and the ergonomics of the driver's workplace were brought up to a totally new level. Seats, steering wheel, switches – numerous elements were already able to be configured individually to the respective driver and field of operation. The dashboard almost wrapped around the driver, such that the incredible number of controls were always within easy reach. Even the display concept had come a long way, with the inclusion of the first digital central display which showed such things as the selected gear and visualisations of any assistance systems which were operating.

An almost fully digital workplace came in 2018 as a world first in a truck. The Multimedia Cockpit was launched in the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros, as shown here in the large image. Two high-resolution screens replace the traditional instrument panel. The central display is individually configured by the driver and, using clear graphics, it also displays the operation of the assistance systems such as Active Drive Assist and Predictive Powertrain Control. The secondary display is a touchscreen display and can be operated like a smartphone. Quick access buttons increase the system's functionality. Plus, the multifunction steering wheel has turned into something of a switchboard. Now also part of the completely re-worked human-machine interface of the new Actros are the two displays of the MirrorCam which are installed in portrait orientation on the A-pillars. They don't just show the traffic to the rear of the vehicle. Special displays also help when overtaking, whilst moving image views and variable wide-angle formats of the digital rear view mirror can make taking bends and manoeuvring even safer. What's more, the Multimedia Cockpit now also forms an interface to the outside world: apps help the driver to fulfil their transport tasks. At the same time, the truck is permanently connected with the cloud via the Truck Data Center, which simultaneously also forms the technical basis for connectivity solutions such as Fleetboard and Mercedes-Benz Uptime.

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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg

Download

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
16.07.2020

From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

screenview.jpeg screenview.jpeg
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_13
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption Cockpit of a Mercedes-Benz 1924 from 1972. From this workplace, the driver monitored the workings of the indestructible OM 355 "Africa engine" under the short bonnet up front.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_02
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption Steering wheel and instrument panel of the so-called Leichte Klasse (light class) or LK cab-over-engine truck models which were characterised by a desire to achieve greater functionality and clarity. This precursor to the Atego was built between 1984 and 1998. You'll also find a picture of the driver's workplace in a Mercedes-Benz 1317 tractor unit from 1989.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_08
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption Major modernisation came in the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros which rolled off the production line between 2003 and 2008. The steering wheel housed a driver's airbag and the ergonomics of the driver's workplace were brought up to a totally new level. Seats, steering wheel, switches – numerous elements were already able to be configured individually to the respective driver and field of operation.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_10
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20200716_Spotlight_HMI Cockpit History ENG
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption An almost fully digital workplace came in 2018 as a world first in a truck. The Multimedia Cockpit was launched in the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros. Two high-resolution screens replace the traditional instrument panel.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_12
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption Following a diverse range of conversions, the cockpit of this Mercedes-Benz LPK 1626 from 1972 has already been put to use on construction sites, for firefighting and in long-distance transport. Its white steering wheel and copious amount of switches, lights and displays surely have a few stories to tell.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_01
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption In the cubic cab of a Mercedes-Benz LPS 2226 6x4 V8 from 1972, a clearly laid out cockpit with a filigree steering wheel awaits its driver.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_03
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption A slender steering wheel and sober design characterise the driver's workplace in the heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz LPK 223 tipper truck which regularly rolled off the Mercedes-Benz production line in Wörth at the beginning of the 1970s.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_04
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption The blue-painted dashboard is a real eye-catcher on this short-bonnet Mercedes-Benz L 2624/6x4 from 1969 which was converted for the transport of long ironwares. The vehicle also gained a name for itself thanks to the simple yet robust technology on-board, as is reflected in the unassuming instruments of the cockpit.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_05
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption The dashboard of the short-bonnet Mercedes-Benz LAK 1624 from 1971 is p ainted in the vehicle's body colour, against which the switches and displays of this heavy-duty tipper clearly stand out.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_06
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption In the cabs of the so-called New Generation (NG) models, the use of contemporary, modern plastics was prominent in this clearly laid-out and functional driver's workplace, as can be seen here in a Mercedes-Benz AK 1936 from 1988.
Copyright © Daimler Truck AG
Shelf number 20C0364_07
Release date 16.07.2020
From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years
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From a coach box to a high-tech cockpit: how the truck driver's workplace has changed over the past 60 years

Caption Once a highly modern workplace with ergonomically optimised steering wheel and clear associations of switches and displays can be found in this light-duty Mercedes-Benz LPK 813 tipper from 1985.
Copyright © Daimler AG
Shelf number 20C0364_09
Release date 16.07.2020
Carola Pfeifle
Carola Pfeifle

Spokesperson Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Trucks

carola.pfeifle​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 8612423

Ulrike Burkhart
Ulrike Burkhart

Spokesperson Mercedes Benz Trucks Product, Service & eTruck

ulrike.burkhart​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 861 3757