DETROIT: Steering wheels and pedals might be optional items for self-driving cars in the future, with a new patent from Ford Motor Co.

First reported by motor1.com, a car with Ford's system would be fitted with slots for the steering wheel and pedals, and locking systems to secure the items.

The steering wheel will still have an airbag, for the driver's safety.

This idea of not having a steering wheel and pedals has also been floated by the BMW Group, in the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 (codenamed 103EX) which had its world premiere at the Roundhouse in London, England in June 2016.

The fully electric-powered 103EX does not have a steering wheel, clunky control buttons and switches, busy dashboard, or foot pedals.

Instead, the two-seater self-driving car is voice controlled by occupants seated on a silk-covered sofa, facing a transparent OLED screen that dominates the front wall of the lounge-like cabin.

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