Impressions
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We have assessed the technology in the company's 1735 Mercedes-Benz demonstrator tractor.
With the 1735 running solo the system immediately warned us: "ABS on trailer not functioning"! We duly noted the red warning and the monitor displayed a plan view of the tractor and semi,with no ABS signals on the trailer. The next simulated red warning was for a brake lining problem. We confirmed seeing the red light: the monitor showed low lining life on the offside rear wheels (as a percentage of total width) and a temperature variation that demanded investigation.
A "door-left-open hazard" was emphasised by the warning buzzer; out on the road the system confirmed that the speed limiter was functioning correctly.
The KIWIS technology is impressive and the simplified layout is certainly less distracting than a conventional dash with its array of idiot lights. The demo truck is also equipped with a rear-view video camera. When reverse gear was engaged the monitor relayed the camera view of the rear of the chassis, allowing us to back up close to a parked car which would normally be in the driver's blind spot.
Operational trials will start next year. Klaus Skabrond, Kienzle's development manager for driver information systems, says:"The driver's job is to drive; that's his most important task. Dealing with other pieces of important information is secondary. KIIFIS is designed to support him in his job."