For some, myself included, learning to drive a stick shift is a difficult process. Well, to help people who are “manual-impared” Zac Nelson, an engineer at Ford, has created a 3D printed, vibrating shifter knob that will let a drive know when it’s time to shift gears.
Known as the Haptic Feedback Shift Knob (HSFK), the 3D printed device is powered by an Arduino controller connected to a repurposed Xbox vibration motor. In order to gather data for the driver the HSFK connects via bluetooth to the real-time information being generated by a car engine and informs the driver of the optimum time to switch gears.
While Ford’s new shifter concept will likely create a few drag racers and keep a few engine from blowing a piston, I wish it had that ability to engage the clutch… I still stall out from time to time.
Watch a Video Detailing the Shifters Design:
Image and Video Courtesy of Ford