Hyundai Banks on AR Navigation Future

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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19th September 2018

Hyundai is setting a future of augmented reality (AR) navigation for its vehicles with its investment in a specialist start-up.

It has plumped for the Swiss deep-tech provider WayRay in a bid to steal a march on the implementation of holographic AR navigation systems for its future products with a clear aim to get the technology mass-market ready as early as 2020. Hyundai hopes its vision for future mobility will merge state-of-the-art visual technology and in-vehicle infotainment systems.

WayRay’s solutions claims to create an experience where virtual objects are integrated into a vehicle’s interior environment. Compared to conventional heads-up displays (HUD) available in the market, the system claims a smaller projection set-up providing a clearer image, which can be installed in most vehicle types.

A wide field of view should allow more virtual objects to be displayed at a comfortable distance for a driver’s eyes. It claims no restriction in display size parameters and can project a display that covers the entire front windshield. The system can also be used with the vehicle’s side windows providing infotainment services to passengers.

Dr Youngcho Chi, chief innovation officer and executive vice-president of Hyundai, said: “The Hyundai-WayRay collaboration will help us establish a brand new eco-system that harnesses AR technology to enhance not only navigation systems but also establish an AR platform for smart city and smart mobility.”

Looking forward to an autonomous future, the technology will be enhanced with further V2V and V2X communications to display further information about the surrounding environment for the driver.

“As a deep-tech company, we are committed to creating fundamental innovations that bring us far beyond holographic AR displays and new interfaces.” Said Vitaly Ponomarev, CEO of WayRay. “We are proud to be recognized as a reliable partner able to meet the high standards set by investors like Hyundai.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_