Interior design for the autonomous era
EDAG set out to design a futuristic interior for its autonomous CityBot, blending ambient lighting, adaptive displays, and sleek trim parts that meet functional requirements, while delivering comfort and style.
To bring its vision to life, EDAG partnered with H.B. Fuller and Covestro to apply advanced material and trim solutions—engineered specifically for autonomous vehicles that will be used by many passengers, multiple times a day. Crucially, the solution had to withstand daily wear while providing a long-lasting aesthetic appeal.
Transforming design blueprints into reality presented a series of challenges for EDAG. First, the engineers faced the issue of developing various ambient atmospheres for various day and night scenarios.
At the same time, the materials and functions in question needed to meet both performance and aesthetic demands and fit into the overall interior design concept. The surface needed to allow excellent cleanability while providing a pleasant haptic experience and enabling translucent designs for ambient lighting.
To realize EDAG’s vision for adaptive car interior lighting, EDAG co-developed with H.B. Fuller and Covestro an innovative composite solution made with our advanced materials.
The embedded LEDs are protected with Makrolon® Ai polycarbonate sheets that provide high-impact resistance and high optical clarity. These sheets are bonded with H.B. Fuller’s transparent, polyurethane adhesive Thermonex® Clearbond - based on Dispercoll® U from Covestro - to an INSQIN® waterborne polyurethane coated textile material. The waterborne adhesive fixes multiple layers invisibly and resists yellowing over time—enabling sleek, durable, and concealable automotive lighting. At the same time, the cover material comes with an aesthetic look and feel, is easy to clean and provides long-lasting durability.
In dark conditions, the adaptive lights shine through the polycarbonate, the adhesive and coated textile. This enables the adjustment of color temperatures to create personalized ambiance, while also allowing hidden functions to appear as needed.
“Our adhesive solutions help seamlessly connect form, function and futuristic design in modern automotive interiors.”
Key benefits
- Long-lasting materials: Durable translucent INSQIN® textile coatings support hygiene in high-use vehicles.
- Impact-ready surface: Resilient polycarbonate sheeting protects against damage or vandalism.
- Light-friendly design: Translucent layers enable smooth, customizable ambient lighting effects.
- Low-VOC coating and adhesive: Supports good air quality for assembly teams and passengers.
“EDAG, Covestro and H.B. Fuller are showing what’s possible—smart lighting powered by clever use of materials.”
