In-car AR technology is closer than you might think.
Earlier today, holographic AR (augmented reality) company WayRay released a new video showcasing its True AR HUD in action on actual roads, signaling what could be the beginning of a new era in AR guidance and safety.
Throughout the roughly four and half-minute video, we see WayRay’s Deep Reality Display® technology being used to project a variety of useful information directly to the drivers’ windshield in real-time, including—but not limited to—vehicle speed, turn-by-turn directions, and the time to destination.
A blue electric line is used to direct the driver to their destination without distracting them from the road. The system also identifies and tracks pedestrians and makes suggestions for local businesses and services based on the current location.
According to WayRay, the True AR HUD powers everything from the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and navigation to various “infotainment” features. The company states that these features work in tandem with one another without distracting the driver, which is one of the biggest concerns currently surrounding in-car AR displays.
While it’s true that a number of companies are working on their own proprietary AR displays for vehicles, WayRay is one of the first to provide solid footage of their technology operating on an actual road with real-world conditions. Last year the company announced the Holograktor, an all-electric ride-hailing vehicle that incorporates a variety of AR components to deliver a next-gen commuting experience for passengers.
Needless to say, this type of immersive technology could have a dramatic impact on the automobile industry. In addition to AR navigation, companies, including WayRay, have expressed interest in expanding their offerings of interactive content for passengers. As the industry continues to move in the direction of autonomous vehicles, this sort of “infotainment,” as WayRay puts it, could become a massive industry in itself.
Earlier this month, for instance, Holoride announced plans to bring its in-car VR entertainment system to Audi vehicles; a major step forward for the in-car XR industry. Using HTC’s Vive Flow VR glasses, passengers will be able to enjoy a wide range of “elastic content” that adapts to the movement and speed of the vehicle.
You can learn more about Holoride by visiting the website. For more information on WayRay’s suite of in-car XR technology visit here.
Feature Image Credit: WayRay
