You pull out of your driveway. You're heading to a new supermarket across town, but you're not exactly sure how to get there. Fortunately, the augmented reality display in your car highlights the entire route for you. Once you arrive at the busy parking lot, it even points out available, legal spots for you to pull in. Sounds like a dream, right?
This is just a little bit of what adding augmented reality displays to cars can do for drivers. However, like any new implementation of a technology, it's not all sunshine and roses. There are pros and cons to working with AR in vehicles:
If you've ever been stuck near someone towing a bulky trailer, you know how certain elements of other vehicles can get in the way of seeing what you need to see. Augmented reality can superimpose the view from a camera with what the driver actually sees, allowing them to effectively see “through” the obstacle and to important information (like road signs or oncoming traffic) on the other side.
Drivers have to be able to make decisions in an instant. If a ball bounces into the street, and a toddler goes running after it, a driver needs to be prepared to stop on a dime. If the AR content isn't positioned accurately and in a timely fashion, it can actually make navigating tricky situations more difficult. The speed with which AR technology renders information can also be determined by the graphic processing power of whatever it's running on. Not enough processing power equates to delays, which means that drivers don't get the information they need when they need it.
Augmented reality could potentially help long-haul truckers have an easier time operating their vehicles safely, providing visual information that's usually limited by blind spots. It can also provide more intuitive, efficient navigation and facilitate pulling into tight spots, so deliveries go more smoothly.
Any driver knows how much there is to pay attention to on the road. They constantly need to keep an eye on their own speed and direction, other drivers, potential obstacles, and changes in the weather or the road surface itself. Critics of AR displays say that, contrary to making driving easier for people, augmented reality may just be more distracting. While AR displays may make accessing information easier by placing it right up front where drivers can see it, it does add more visuals to an already complex, ever-changing picture.
On the other hand, proponents of AR technology say that using these displays in cars can help improve situational awareness for drivers. It could use simple icons to display information like road signs, the presence of pedestrians, animals in the road, or changes in weather conditions that may not be immediately apparent.
Right now, a lot of drivers have to divide their attention between the road and their GPS navigation systems or cell phones. Putting this information right on the windshield in an AR display would eliminate that distraction and allow drivers to pay more attention to what's in front of them.
Providing all of that information to drivers relies on a sophisticated network of cameras and sensors. Lidar sensors could “see” in a full 360 degrees around a vehicle, but they also cost approximately $70,000. Sensors aside, the processing and electrical power needed also need to be taken into consideration. As mentioned above, an insufficiently powerful processor could create a delay between receiving and rendering important information, which means that the driver wouldn't be shown what they need to see in time to act on it. If drivers want AR in their vehicles, they should be prepared for a fairly large jump in price.
User Experience: Seamless Interaction: AR displays should be designed to provide information to drivers in a user-friendly and intuitive manner. This includes features like voice commands, gesture recognition, or simplified interface designs to minimize distractions while driving.
Integration with Existing Systems: AR technology should seamlessly integrate with other vehicle systems, such as navigation, entertainment, and safety features, to provide a cohesive user experience without overwhelming drivers with information.
Regulatory Considerations: Safety Regulations: Regulatory bodies need to establish guidelines and standards for the safe use of AR displays in vehicles. This may include requirements for display brightness, content positioning, and driver distraction mitigation strategies.
Compliance with Traffic Laws: AR displays should not interfere with drivers' ability to comply with traffic laws, such as maintaining proper lane positioning, adhering to speed limits, and yielding to pedestrians.
Data Privacy and Security: Data Collection Practices: Manufacturers must be transparent about the types of data collected by AR systems, how it is stored, and who has access to it. Clear consent mechanisms should be in place to ensure drivers have control over their personal information.
Cybersecurity Measures: AR systems should be equipped with robust cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, or tampering with critical vehicle functions. Regular software updates and security audits are essential to address emerging threats.
Adaptation Challenges: Technical Complexity: Integrating AR displays into vehicles requires overcoming technical challenges related to hardware compatibility, software development, and real-time data processing. Collaboration between automotive manufacturers, technology companies, and regulatory agencies is necessary to address these complexities.
Cultural Acceptance: AR technology may face resistance or skepticism from drivers accustomed to traditional navigation methods. Educating consumers about the benefits of AR displays and addressing concerns about safety and reliability can facilitate widespread adoption.
Environmental Impact: Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Manufacturers should prioritize environmentally friendly materials and production processes when developing AR-enabled components for vehicles. This includes reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, and exploring recyclable materials.
Lifecycle Management: End-of-life considerations for AR displays should include strategies for recycling or repurposing components to minimize environmental impact. Extended producer responsibility initiatives can encourage manufacturers to take responsibility for the disposal and recycling of obsolete products.
Should all vehicles eventually come equipped with augmented reality technology? There are compelling arguments on both sides. While it may help give drivers an easier time getting information at a glance, it could potentially also create more distractions. AR is an exciting technology that could potentially benefit drivers, but it may take a while for it to be implemented in a way that's both effective and not cost-prohibitive to consumers.
