Electel Blogspot

A new augmented reality head-up display to be made available by Volkswagen in its ID.3 and upcoming ID.4 electric cars will be a first for the technology in the compact car segment, writes Brian Byrne . The system adds a new layer to the familiar 'near-range' information from head-up, where speed and other details are visible at a 'float' distance of around three metres. The enhanced system adds a larger 'window' visualised at about 10 metres ahead, and wider, where symbols such as turning arrows from the navigation system appear to be pointing directly at the turn. As the car gets closer, the arrows get bigger, but fade in definition so as not to obscure normal visibility. The larger window also shows information from the driver assist systems, such as lane boundaries and close-vehicle identification. The new system will be available first in the ID.4 as part of an enhanced infotainment package option.  

I sat in on one of Volvo Cars's Studio Talks yesterday which turned out to be one of the most slick and well-managed of recent 'remote' launch and automotive information events, writes Brian Byrne . It was based around how the Swedish carmaker is using technology developed for gaming to provide state of the art simulated driving and allied events such as sudden braking and automated motoring. I have been to many such events 'live' over the years, but it was really pleasant — and arguably no less informative — sitting at it from the comfort of my own home and winter fire. The 'ultimate simulator' live stream centred around technology that included a mixed reality headset from specialist Varjo that allows a seamless mix of virtual and real world 3D imagery. A full-body 'haptic suit' from Teslasuit allows testers to physically feel small reproductions of the forces one would experience in a crash, while experiencing no actual risk. The suit also enable...

Though screens and similar technology in modern cars can be viewed as distracting, driving safety gurus at Volvo Cars say such technology is a fact of life, and should be used to support people in their daily commute, writes Brian Byrne . According to Malin Ekholm, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre, 'life as a whole is distracting'. “We know people do not get distracted on purpose, but it happens. You could be late for daycare and somewhat stressed. Or you get behind the wheel after a bad day at work. All this affects you as a driver.” In a Volvo-organised safety webcast last week, she said the reality is that people want to engage with friends, family, work and entertainment, and everyone responds differently to distraction. “So we want to meet our customers where they are, not where we want them to be. That is why our focus is on using technology in the right way, so we can use it to help you stay safe behind the wheel.” She gave as an example the advanced voice control...