CES: Hyundai unveils augmented reality windscreen

HYUNDAI Motor Group has teamed-up with Swiss deep-tech start-up WayRay AG to debut a holographic augmented reality (AR) navigation system that can overlay travel information and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) onto the road.

Fitted to a Genesis G80 at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the concept AR system is designed to keep the driver’s attention on the road by displaying all necessary information in their field of view instead of burying it in a dashboard display.

An evolution of the traditional head-up display system, the holographic AR navigation system can be used to project information such as turn-by-turn instructions, the speed limit and forward collision warnings in real time.

The projected image measures 1310mm tall and 3152mm wide and can be superimposed on roads up to 15 metres ahead, while the display can also be adjusted to suit different viewing angles that cater towards the varying height and seating positions of drivers.

Though just in concept form for now, both Hyundai and WayRay “will continue to work closely together to expand holographic AR technology to display people, objects, buses, bicycle lanes and crosswalks”.

Hyundai Motor Group director of open innovation business group Yunseong Hwang said the holographic AR navigation system will be crucial for the brand’s future plans.

“This demo car is the first step of the proof of concept, but it is an important step towards technology-driven innovation,” he said.

“Future-mobility windshields will be more than just a piece of glass. AR holographic-powered glass will serve as a platform to provide new services and open up new in-vehicle experiences.”

Meanwhile, WayRay CEO Vitaly Ponomarev said the company’s partnership with Hyundai will help develop safer driving technology.

“As the automotive market is undergoing a profound AR technology-driven transformation, major auto-makers are quickly adopting AR solutions to find another competitive edge,” he said.

“I believe the strong partnership with Hyundai will help us scale up our deep-tech innovation to build customer-centric solutions at a meaningful scale and make driving more comfortable and safe for everyone.”