In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Mobility Lab team at VSB-TUO implemented a professional service focused on the design, implementation, and testing of a graphical user interface (HMI) for monitoring the operating conditions of the Tatra Phoenix truck as part of the Test Before Invest (TBI) EDIH Ostrava service. The client was the Secondary School and Higher Vocational School in Kopřivnice, which provides professional driving school training and other professional education for drivers. According to their requirements, similar educational and training workplaces need to be able to implement above-standard HMI systems with smart functions for training leaders and supervisory staff.
The aim of the service was to validate the functionality and usability of a custom-made software solution in real-world operation before deciding on its further expansion and investment. Testing was carried out on a vehicle intended for use in driving schools, with a view to future use in other TATRA vehicles and by the Integrated Rescue System (IRS) units.
Fig. 1 – The process of testing SW applications using Vector Informatik tools (CANoe)
Validated solution: a user-friendly HMI for instructors and drivers
The proposed solution was designed as a multi-screen HMI system that distinguishes between the needs of the instructor and the learner and enables effective monitoring of the vehicle’s operating status.
Main HMI – instructor
The main interface features two switchable screens:
1. Operational screen (continuous monitoring)
- Gear indicator (N, 1L–8H, R),
- Engine speed (RPM),
- Current vehicle speed with colour-coded speed limits,
- Engine break stage activated,
- Graphic indicators for control elements (clutch, brake, turn signals, and lights, including the trailer).
2. Diagnostic screen (extended operational data)
- Air pressure in the service brake circuits,
- Engine fluid temperatures,
- Ambient temperature.
Auxiliary HMI – driver/learner
A simple display unit has been designed for driving school learners, primarily providing information about the engaged gear and promoting a better understanding of how to use the gearbox during lessons.
Technical validation and future development potential
As part of the Test Before Invest service, the technical feasibility of integrating additional data sources was validated and the system was prepared for future expansion. Testing focused primarily on:
- feasibility of integrating analogue signals (e.g., differential lock indicators),
- potential for expanding the system to include braking intensity indicators based on brake circuit pressures,
- system openness for adding further operational and diagnostic vehicle data.
These activities provided the client with a clear idea of the technical limitations, implementation complexity, and investment implications of further development.
Advanced features: operational data logging
A significant part of the tests and experiments included the design of a concept for real-time operational data logging, which extends the system’s applicability beyond the HMI itself. Such a solution can serve as:
- a support tool in driving schools for evaluating training sessions and examinations,
- a source of objective data for resolving disputed situations,
- an analytical tool for IRS services, especially for post-incident evaluation.
The logged data may include location, speed, driving style, status of vehicle control elements, temperature variables, and other parameters defined during validation testing with the user.
Results of the Test Before Invest service
Pilot testing confirmed that:
- the proposed HMI solution is operationally functional and practically usable,
- the system is suitable for both training purposes and specialised operational applications,
- the concept has the potential for further expansion and standardisation for TATRA vehicles as well as for the specific needs of the Integrated Rescue System.
The tested application remains in operation in the Tatra Phoenix training vehicle, where its fine-tuning and further development will continue.
The EDIH Ostrava’s Test Before Invest service as a support for innovation!
The EDIH Ostrava’s Test Before Invest service enables companies and institutions to:
- validate new digital technologies in real-world conditions,
- mitigate technological and investment risks,
- acquire qualified data for strategic decisions on further development.
Contact: Petr Šimoník, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TUO (petr.simonik@vsb.cz)