Q&A. Will Equipment Operators Become Redundant ?

At BAUMA 2016 in Munich, Bosch presented the operator’s cab of the future, Genius Cab, a post designed for maximum visibility and protection in difficult surroundings like construction sites.

It not only received great attention, but also the Bauma innovation award in the Design category. DirectIndustry e-magazine talked to Johannes-Jörg Rüger, president of Bosch’s newly established Commercial Vehicle & Off-Road Unit.

DirectIndustry e-magazine: The Genius Cab is an innovative operator’s cab for construction machinery. What are its unique features?

Johannes-Jörg Rüger: The cab reflects the trends of electrification, automation, and connectivity with regard to construction sites. Operating data is analyzed in real time on a tablet display. The brain of the cab is a central computer that we call “body computer”, as it controls all sensors. This makes for less complex circuits that reduce error rates. It can also be customized to meet client requirements. The integrated ultrasonic sensor system for 360° vision reliably monitors the environment, even in low-light conditions. Displays replacing the side-view mirrors help the driver monitor the blind spots right behind him. Everything can be operated via the 7-inch display controlled by buttons or touchscreen.