FYI: A new frontier in automotive technology as Hyundai Mobis and Zeiss innovate the windshield display.
The Shift from Touchscreen Dominance
In recent years, the car industry has increasingly relied on touchscreens, with manufacturers citing cost-effectiveness and the ability to manage multiple functions as major reasons. However, research continually highlights that centralizing car controls on a single screen can compromise safety and add to our ever-growing screen fatigue.
A Visionary Future: The Holographic Windshield
To address these challenges, automakers are shifting their gaze towards new possibilities. Emerging as a promising solution is the windshield itself. Hyundai Mobis, in collaboration with the German optical expert Zeiss, is pioneering a "Holographic Windshield Display." This technology transforms the entire windshield into a seamless display surface, eliminating traditional dashboard screens.
Expanding Heads-Up Display Features
Building on the established heads-up display (HUD) technology popular since the 1980s, this new approach dramatically broadens its scope. While HUDs have typically showcased basic navigation and speed data, this innovative system aspires to encompass menus, entertainment, audio control, videos, and even interactive games.
Interestingly, concept imagery depicts an interior devoid of typical central or driver-facing screens, with the entire interface projected onto the windshield, offering an immersive experience.
An Engaging and Safe Driving Environment
Imagine navigation details unfolding panoramically as your vehicle moves, with passengers having the option to watch films or engage in video calls on the transparent glass. This isn’t just a futuristic vision; Hyundai Mobis asserts this is soon to be reality. Utilizing an ultra-thin, transparent holographic film, the display is projected onto the windshield without distracting drivers. This design ensures the driver’s view remains clear while passengers can enjoy independent content.
Integrating Voice and Gesture Controls
Operational details remain under wraps, but it’s anticipated that the interface will be controlled through advanced voice and gesture commands. This move aligns with trends seen in automotive giants like BMW, which are also experimenting with broad windshield displays. Enhanced voice command technology points towards a future where drivers can interact with car features while keeping their focus on the road.
Looking Ahead
Hyundai is committed to advancing this groundbreaking tech, with plans for mass production starting as soon as 2027. Testing prototypes are already in the works, demonstrating the feasibility of this shift in automotive design.
Will this radical transformation of the car’s interior truly enhance safety and convenience over traditional touchscreens? Potentially—should it allow drivers to curate their display interactions minimally. This concept holds the promise of unifying vehicle control while helping reduce distractions on the road.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
