Hyundai Plans To Replace The Steering Wheel With Joysticks

Ferrari once patented a single seat-mounted joystick similar to those we used for gaming whilst BMW intended to replace the steering wheel with a twin-joystick yoke.

As other automakers like Ferrari and BMW tried and failed, now Korean automaker Hyundai claims to have better chances of releasing its new pair of joysticks.

Styled to a new design language, Hyundai foresees a world where joysticks replace the steering wheel as the primary driver-to-car interface implied in its sporty Prophecy Concept EV. 

A new patent discovered by CarBuzz and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) describes this system's operation in detail.

As we all know steering wheels require ample space whereas Hyundai proposes a pair of joystick driver interfaces mounted on either side of the driver. 

Hyundai's invention can only swing in one direction taking left or right. For instance, they have not been displayed as single shafts but more as handles with hinges connected to the armrests.

Furthermore, Hyundai says this new and advanced interface allows drivers to control the vehicle's other functions more easily and safely compared to today's vehicles.

Although online sources indicate that it won’t be getting close to the production car due to its bizarre design – there are more reasons for that. This is solely because legislation does not allow for steer-by-wire systems without mechanical failsafe.