Open XC Haptic Shift Knob Could Replace Shift Lights

Looking into the future, some might call rookie Ford engineer Zach Nelson a true visionary. He has taken initiative in combining computer gaming technology, open source software, and the mother of all muscle cars – the Ford Shelby GT500 and turning it all into a unique way for drivers to experience their vehicles through a manual shift knob which vibrates at the optimal time when a gear change should be made.

“I wanted to create something that expands the car’s capabilities and improves the experience for the driver,” said Nelson. “I decided to use OpenXC to provide a new kind of feedback for the driver through the shift knob.”

This is what is known as haptic feedback. The very definition of haptic feedback is being able to link ones mental experience with that of the physical, usually through a gaming controller device. The gamer then gets a fuller overall experience and feels more involved.

If you are anything like the millions of other car enthusiasts all over the world, it’s all about bringing you and your car together, right? That feeling that you and your car are one. You spend time on making it yours and yours alone by customizing it to exactly how you feel is best for you whether it be performance parts or new paint or even custom interior and stereo options. Wouldn’t it be neat if you had an app that could allow you to truly feel what your car is saying back to you?

That is exactly what Ford and Nelson are creating. After learning how to build a mobile app, Nelson designed one that could use real-time engine data to calculate the optimum shift points for the manual transmission, much like what you see in race car tuning applications. The data is transmitted from the car’s OBD-II port to a tablet computer over a wireless Bluetooth® connection using the OpenXC adapter.

The system can also be easily moved from car to car, it just requires some tuning calibrations to match the torque curve of the particular vehicle. The app also monitors the driver’s style and adapts accordingly. For performance cars there is also potential for custom tuning which will be sure to keep tuners and developers busy for years to come.

Blue Oval Muscle in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from FordMuscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
FordMuscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

FordMuscle

We'll send you the most interesting FordMuscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

FordMuscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Ford Muscle

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Muscle Car & Hot Rods
Muscle Car & Hot Rods
Drag Racing
Drag Racing

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Muscle Car & Hot Rods Muscle Car & Hot Rods
  • Drag Racing Drag Racing

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Ford Muscle

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading