At the Comtrans-2023 exhibition, a prototype of a single-volume truck with a robotic gearbox debuted. The design is simple: actuators and an electronic control unit are attached to a 6-speed manual transmission. There is no talk of mass production, but the target audience has been identified: urban delivery services and drivers interested in improving comfort.
The GAZ Group’s robotic transmission consists of a single-plate dry clutch, electronics and two actuators: one is responsible for squeezing the clutch fork, the other is responsible for moving the gearbox rods. The experimental van is equipped with a combination of a “robot” and a localized 2.5-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 150 horsepower.
Automatic transmission selector in GAZelle NN
Quto.ru / Alexey Kovanov
According to the telegram channel “Autopotok”, in 2024, a stabilization system (ESP) will appear on GAZelle NNs, and this will make it possible to calibrate the lift assist function. On a “robot” with one clutch, the implementation of this system is complex, but on machines with ESP, you can get by with simple software. Consequently, the cost of an automated gearbox will be low.
The bet on the “robot” is understandable: on commercial vehicles this type of transmission is chosen because of its simplicity and minimal impact on fuel consumption. However, GAZ Group has not yet disclosed plans for mass production of two-pedal GAZelle NN.
Foreign competitors of “Shishiga”
