[RahulNagaraj]

Hyundai Mobis, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, is said to have partnered with Zeiss - the German Optical giant, to develop what they call "Holographic Windshield Display".

The South Korean company feels that the new technology could potentially eliminate all screens from the car's dashboard and instead make "the entire windshield becomes a full-display screen". The two companies are said to have taken the idea of a head-up display and expanded it onto the entire front windshield. However, while the current HUD tech only displays information like speed & navigation, the new system will include entertainment, audio controls, video, vehicle menus and even games.



The concept image showcases what seems to be the dashboard of a Kia EV9. The dashboard is devoid of both the instrument console and central touchscreen, with all the information being projected across the entire width of the windshield.

As to how it works, Mobis and Zeiss state that an ultra-thin film capable of displaying holograms is coated onto the front windshield, while a projector is mounted somewhere on the dashboard. Both companies claim that the display will be transparent, making it non-obstructive. It will also be designed in a way that it doesn't distract the driver - meaning what the driver sees will be different from what the front passenger sees on the same glass. While neither of the two companies has stated how the screens could be operated, reports do suggest voice and/or gesture controls.

Mobis stated, "Imagine navigation and driving information unfolding like a panorama across the wide, transparent windshield where the driver’s gaze rests." The company further mentioned, "Passengers next to the driver watch movies or other videos on the vehicle’s glass. While viewing the latest video, a video call comes in, and a friend’s welcome face appears in the corner of the glass screen. This dream technology, previously existing only in movies or advertisements, is about to become reality."

It went on to add, "Another advantage is that it can completely transform the interior front design of vehicles by eliminating various display devices mounted on the dashboard while providing an unobstructed, open feeling without interfering with the driver’s and passengers’ field of vision."

Source: AutomotiveNews

Link to Team-BHP news

[vamsi.vadrevu]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

Mobis stated, "Imagine navigation and driving information unfolding like a panorama across the wide, transparent windshield where the driver’s gaze rests." The company further mentioned, "Passengers next to the driver watch movies or other videos on the vehicle’s glass. While viewing the latest video, a video call comes in, and a friend’s welcome face appears in the corner of the glass screen. This dream technology, previously existing only in movies or advertisements, is about to become reality."

Oh no! They're going to start obstructing the visibility on the front with apps and games? They'll also start showing ads on those screens in future. This news is giving me dystopian vibes.

[Eddy]

Can Hyundai please put Netfilx on the windshield too?

Nothing like watching your favourite series on a big screen while driving.

[Sineman]

I can just imagine how much more cumbersome it would be for the driver to ensure that the visibility of information is legible while driving through a weather change, especially during rains here.

Also not to add the cost of changing the windshield in case there is a crack and the info stops showing up. Could cost more than a current OLED tv.

[thoroughbred]

While, personally, I am not a big fan of so much distracting technology impeding the driving experience, not to mention the potential hazards this could pose, the collaboration between the automotive and technology industries is undeniably transformative.

It would be keen to understand how this implementation differs from BMW's 'neue klasse' of vehicles, which merges physical and digital (AR) experiences.

[svsantosh]

The Crux here is not with Hyundai, It seems to be a larger industry phenomenon and a global trend where every thing that needed a human to touch a button or turn a knob or move a toggle switch up/down or right/left; all of them are being changed to digi-controls like press/slide.

One has to just accept that nothing is going to stop tech advancements and its integration into our daily lives. The Pocket watch from 1930s and 1940s became extinct because of wrist watches, but not many would appreciate the fact that 1st wrist watch was invented in 1810 by Breguet but it took over 100 years until it became a normal thing and killed the pocket watch model.

20 years ago, AUDI's iRobot car did give a sneak peak into the future of cars, yes it was a crazy farfetched movie contraption but dont forget the eTron from Marvel Avengers is already on the roads for public to buy and drive. It is any ones guess when the super advanced prototypes will hit the streets.

PS - On a serious note, On the car in this thread, I wonder how will one reach out to the windscreen to change the radio stations or adjust the volume.

[ohaak]

Not only will the driver have to deal with distraction and information overload, there is also the cost and accessibility of the technology. Assuming those are solved, how does this technology perform over severe hot / cold conditions over a period of time? If this fails, it impacts the ability to operate the vehicle safely. A simple windshield is way more reliable and easily replaceable. Lastly the environmental footprint for making such a display is much larger than making a windshield. Does this technology solves a genuine problem or is it a gimmick? Any potential problems with current setup can be better addressed with simpler, less technologically intensive solutions.

[saikishor]

At this point Hyundai should start making smart TV's. Their UI is slicker than mainstream electronic brands .

[Abhisheknott]

Everything everywhere all at once.
Enough...there has to be a limit to advancement with gadgetry/technology.

The idea is awesome and this should be only for driver less cars.

We already have people watching IPL on mobile phones while riding and on their touchscreens in cars while driving.
At the very least only some functions when on the move.

Only two reasons for screens are cams and maps. Let passengers have their own screens.

[It's Magic]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

The South Korean company feels that the new technology could potentially eliminate all screens from the car's dashboard and instead make "the entire windshield becomes a full-display screen".

I just have one question: why?

After infotainment screens got bigger, they moved to the instrument cluster and now to the windshield. But why?

Aren't there already enough distractions on the road for drivers? Now, they have to look at the road ahead through these screens displaying multiple pieces of information or even playing movies.

I would suggest that manufacturers provide screens across the dashboard with all kinds of information and controls, rather than putting them on the windshield.

[gowriary]

The entire informations displayed directly on the windshield could overwhelm the driver and make him harder to focus on the road & the replacing or repairing cost also becomes higher, if the windshield got damaged.

[On4Wheels]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Can Hyundai please put Netfilx on the windshield too?

Probably the next marketing gimmick.



Will the car manufacturer come with an ad like "Kya aapke gaadi mein Netflix hai?" ?

[PetrolHead2272]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

The South Korean company feels that the new technology could potentially eliminate all screens from the car's dashboard and instead make "the entire windshield becomes a full-display screen".

What if there is a software issue and the screen goes blank? Absurd and ridiculous idea.

[SN88]

I can imagine my prayers in the future looking like this:

Dear God,

I want a car that just drives!! Please!!

[Guna]

When I saw reports on Tesla Roboaxi, I wondered why this car still has conventional windscreen. I was thinking why they could not have designed something, which can gives you the view of the road when you need, close when you need (like taking a nap), perhaps watch a movie/show on a large screen. Interesting to see Hyundai acting ahead of Tesla on this.