Introduction to Augmented Reality in Cars
Augmented reality (AR) apps like Pokémon Go and Lego Studio have been making headlines, however the really useful role for AR is more likely to break out in cars from Mercedes, BMW, and Land Rover first. This trend could transform our vision of AR from the goofy to the essential, moving the conversation away from face-worn gear like Magic Leap and Microsoft Hololens.
What is AR?
A fast refresher to correct some common misconceptions:
- AR is basically a layer of information over reality, to not be confused with creating a wholly different world like Virtual Reality does.
- AR typically uses visuals, but may use touch and sound.
- AR typically adds to what you see but may subtract, getting things out of the way in which.
Creating Visibility in Cars
This is probably the most powerful paths for AR in cars because they so often suffer from obstructed visibility. For example, GMC’s 2020 pickups will offer a transparent trailer view option. It uses a camera view from the back of the trailer superimposed over your actual view via the dashboard screen to make the trailer you are pulling vanish. Land Rover is pioneering the same AR trick to make the front of a 2020 Evoque disappear so the tricky terrain you are traversing doesn’t.
Making Maps Understandable
Screens have revolutionized maps, but quite a lot of people still cannot read one. AR can deliver navigation that requires zero comprehension of distances, angles, or north orientation. Mercedes is an early mover in AR navigation with the most recent A Class and GLE laying nav instructions over objects in a live camera view. Street names, turn instructions, and constructing addresses all pop up as the subsequent turn is approaching.
The Future of AR Navigation
In the long run, this can move from a dashboard screen to the windshield as Mercedes has demonstrated with its DICE concept of full-screen head-up augmented reality on the road. WayRay, a provider of technology to carmakers, recently rolled out a wide-screen laser holography projector that permits the creation of full-screen AR. Developers will need discipline (and perhaps some federal regulations) to deliver informative AR, not distracting ones.
The Cure for the Boring Drive
A more speculative use of AR in cars was shown by Warner Bros and Intel at CES 2019 in the shape of a Batman experience for self-driving cars. A virtual butler Alfred is presented to create confidence that there’s "someone" in command of the machine, addressing a standard source of nervousness about autonomous vehicles. When underway, the world outside is augmented to be a virtual Gotham, curing the tedium of the usual drive every single day.
AR Before You Buy
Carmakers are embracing AR as a method to get you engaged with their cars before you even see them. The Mission E AR app from Porsche and Audi’s Quattro Coaster AR app are each clever, game-style ways to get you to interact with these brands before you set foot in a showroom or auto show booth. BMW offers an AR automotive configurator that permits you to pick your automotive, colours, and options, walk across the automotive, get in it, and have all of that happen in your individual driveway or garage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, augmented reality is transforming the automotive industry in various ways, from creating visibility and making maps comprehensible to curing the boredom of long drives and interesting customers before they buy. As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see more revolutionary applications of AR within the automotive sector, making the driving experience safer, more enjoyable, and more interactive. With carmakers like Mercedes, BMW, and Land Rover on the forefront of this trend, the long run of AR in cars looks promising and exciting.
