The international technology company Continental has entered into a strategic partnership with DigiLens Inc., a leader in holographic projection technology for application in automotive and consumer electronics. The partnership has been formed to develop ultra thin Augmented Reality Head-up Displays that will further enhance a wider market penetration in cars of different segments.
“With this strategic partnership Continental aims to accelerate and boost the adoption of Augmented Reality in the automotive industry,” said Helmut Matschi, member of the Executive Board of Continental and head of the Division Interior. “More and more drivers will have all relevant information in their line of sight; thanks to the advanced technology Continental and DigiLens will bring to Head-Up Displays. This will bring us closer to our vision of zero accidents.” The technology will be displayed for the first time at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January 2017.
Compared to currently available systems, the ultra thin holographic Head-up Display from Continental and DigiLens will be smaller by a factor of three. It will need less space while at the same time providing a larger image with all the relevant information.
DigiLens, a Silicon Valley based company, is a proven leader in holographic optical waveguide technology and materials. The knowledge DigiLens has in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality will enhance and compliment the expertise of Continental in the field of automotive Head-up Displays.
“With the breakthroughs we already have achieved in integrated optics, we are confident that together with Continental we will expand this technology to the automotive industry. Augmented Reality blends all relevant information provided by a Head-up Display, straight in front of the eyes of the driver. With that augmentation there is no reason not to keep your eyes focused on the road,” said Jonathan Waldern, founder and CEO of DigiLens. “Together with Continental we will make roads safer and accelerate the adoption of Head-up Display technology.”
The technology will also ease drivers into accepting automated driving faster. Automated driving will require a holistic human machine interface that will lead to a safer and more intuitive driving experience with an enhanced joy of use. This is what the new type of display technology will clearly provide. With increased acceptance of Augmented Reality HUD drivers will feel secure in the knowledge of what the car actually sees and knows. In turn, driver confidence in automated driving will be enhanced significantly.
Continental at CES
Continental will outline its latest developments in digital mobility and automated driving during CES 2017 Media Days on Wednesday, January 4, from 10 – 10:45 a.m. Click here for press conference details.
Visit Continental any day during CES, Thursday, January 5 through Sunday, January 8, at North Hall Booth #3128. Continental will also be showcasing its latest automotive innovations and technologies to media only in a private exhibit at the Renaissance Hotel. An invitation only media event is scheduled on January 5. Please contact Mary Arraf for details.
Check out Continental CES 2017 highlights on Twitter: #ContinentalCES
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2015, the corporation generated sales of €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 218,000 people in 55 countries.
DigiLens Inc. specializes in Waveguide Diffractive Optic technology for AR displays. The company has developed unique optical solutions for select corporate partners, performing “Optical Origami” on some of the toughest display and imaging applications. Adding to its revolutionary waveguide aerospace HUDs, the company is now developing automotive, enterprise and consumer applications, by partnering and licensing its display technology, to “best in class” strategic manufacturing partners worldwide.
