HIGH-TECH COCKPITS
Since the introduction of dynamic di splays, automobi le cabins are increasingly becoming like miniature smart homes, replete with entertainment facilities and sophisticated interfaces to fulfill every driver’s and passenger’s needs.
“With brands putting increasing amounts of functionality through touchscreens, we’re likely to see fewer switches,” Mr. McIlroy wrote.
“In many cases, manufacturers wi l l do away with physica l instrument gauges completely in favor of high-res displays. This tech isn’t exactly new, but the popularity of cars that have adopted it is likely to push rivals into following suit over the next two years.”
Car innovation firm Harman International Industries has recently unveiled a multi-screen arrangement in a modified Maserati, showcasing the full potential of today’s QLED display technology. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, launched its A- Class concept, which seeks to illustrate the removal of analogue screens and physical switches, and the use of high-resolution displays as their replacement.
THE PUSH FOR AUTONOMY
Compared to automotive battery and display technology, autonomous tech has been seeing slow progress. With electric cars, there is not much in the form of protest regarding their manufacturers’ efforts to penetrate the mainstream market. In fact, in the more environmentallyconscious countries, they are even encouraged.
Autonomous vehicles are another thing. With their existence comes the inherent need to upend driving legislation and the lingering social problem of human drivers who will be put out of a job.
However, that ’s no reason to stop car designers from theorizing and experimenting with how the absence of human drivers will affect cars of the future, whenever that future comes.
“Expect to see concept cars featuring revised seating positions, for example, allowing occupants to turn around and talk to each other,” Mr. McIlroy wrote.
“Multiple displays — even those in the door panels — will encourage interac t ion with ever y thing from social media to streamed entertainment. And we’re likely to see further experimentation with steering wheels — what they do when the car is doing the driving, and, perhaps more significantly, how the vehicle can safely hand back control to the driver when needed.”
Many of such technology probably will not affect the automotive market in the short term. But the efforts of manufacturers like Audi, who are experimenting with autonomy with its A8 model, prove that it can be done. The first stones are cast, and it is only a matter of time before the future arrives in force. —