Future Interior

Autonomous driving and new mobility concepts such as “shared mobility” are shifting the focus to the requirements of future vehicle interiors. While today the driving experience constitutes the primary concern, in future versatile usage scenarios will determine the design - from the mobile workplace through to the relaxation area. Furthermore, customer demand is increasing as regards sustainable, durable and recyclable materials that enable both comfort and flexibility in the vehicle interior. In addition, the mobility industry needs economically viable solutions for recycling requirements. 

Coating and surface technologies as the key to sustainability 

In order to overcome these challenges, the Fraunhofer IST is conducting research into sustainable coatings in which functions can be integrated. One example is bio-based coatings that make sensitive natural materials more resistant, thereby enabling their long-term utilization in interiors without impairing their recyclability. In addition, possibilities for adhesion control and debonding-on-demand technologies are being developed in order to ensure the recyclability of material composites. 

Extended service life through innovative methods of cleaning and repair

Particularly in the field of “shared mobility”, the service life of interior components is significantly influenced by the extent to which they can be cleaned and repaired. Conventional methods are often non-sustainable or economically inefficient. The Fraunhofer IST is therefore working on automated, material-friendly cleaning and repair methods that contribute towards an extension of the service life, thereby driving forward the sustainable transformation of the mobility industry.