Panasonic Automotive launches AR HUD system to improve driver safety

Panasonic Automotive Systems of America has unveiled its new augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) system to reduce driver distraction and increase safety on roads.

The company said that its AR HUD system projects three-dimensional (3D), artificial intelligence (AI)-driven information into the driver’s line of sight.

Panasonic said that the system has been developed using its new technologies in optics, volume optimisation and imaging.

It is combined with AI technology from the company’s SPYDR cockpit domain controller to provide near-field and far-field content for vehicle information.

Equipped with a dual-plane holographic picture generating unit by Envisics and spatial AI by Phiar, the system is said to offer information such as speed, object, and pedestrian detection, as well as mapping / route guidance to enable an informed driver experience.

The company added that its AR HUD uses advanced machine learning and optical technologies to enhance the field of view and sharply identify and prioritise surroundings that the eye may not see.

Panasonic Automotive president and Panasonic Smart Mobility executive director Scott Kirchner said: “The HUD market is one of the fastest-growing categories in mobility, but traditional HUDs only cover a small section of the road.

“Panasonic’s AR HUD solutions cover more of the roadway, with traditional cluster content like speed and fuel in the near-field, as well as 3D overlays in the far-field, showing navigation and other critical driver data mapping spatially to the road ahead.

“And in a future with more self-driving vehicles, our AR HUD could provide an important added level of comfort and assurance for AV passengers as well.”