By Jack Shaw, Syndicated Columnist
Automobiles have had a long history when it comes to driver safety features, from the humble seatbelt to the car airbag. Many drivers thought cameras and sensors would be the peak safety technology that’s integrated into vehicles, but augmented reality (AR) technology takes it up a notch.
AR has had rapid development over the past few years. Most drivers will notice its integration when it comes to the actual use of vehicles, but it’s been added into many phases of a car’s life span, from its origins to its repairs. Back in 1999, BMW utilized VR technology for product analysis during the design phase. Now, it’s using mixed reality from gaming technology for vehicle development.
Developers will interact with these tools to safely check out vehicle functions. The lack of danger also helps automobile developers remain attentive to detail while driving. This flexibility in the early development of an automobile can help ensure that the output will provide optimal safety.
AR technology is a big help in upholding driver safety while on the road. For instance, head-up displays (HUDs) can provide navigation assistance, allowing drivers to understand their route without the risk of looking down at their phones while on the road. This feature can also share traffic updates a driver should be aware of.
AR HUDs also integrate visual cues like arrows or highlights during different driving modes. A study finds the displays significantly improve driving performance through these effective visualization techniques. It can also encourage focus while on the road.
All vehicles are subject to maintenance to ensure they’re functional for driver safety. Mixed reality entails up to 40% reduction in human error in different sectors, including the automotive repair industry. For instance, AR technology is helpful for technicians when it comes to inspecting a unit and identifying any problems.
It can also help mechanics when informing these vehicles’ drivers about damage and how they can repair it. By getting an immersive look into their automobile’s parts, they can safely learn what key features require maintenance.
Many may stop to think about how familiar AR technology sounds. While it does have a presence in the automotive industry, it has been present in other sectors for a while. Game development and animation are the top users, but there are other beneficiaries.
For instance, mixed reality is being used in the education sector, specifically for medical students’ learning experiences. Having patient simulators for surgical procedures can be helpful as a substitute for hands-on training. They can get a feel for using the equipment and operating on a person with ease.
AR technology also has a presence in construction and engineering. Creating digital models of projects can be helpful in safety assessment. AR glasses can also scan and provide information to employees, from material lists to blueprints.
While it may have been more beneficial to realize the value of AR technology for driver safety earlier, its integration for on-the-road safety is just on time. Traffic deaths spiked during the pandemic in 2020. However, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg notes it’s been slowly and consistently declining, with fatalities decreasing by 3.3% in 2023 compared to last year.
It is unclear whether AR technology has directly impacted the decline in traffic crashes, but it is integral in producing safer vehicles. In regards to how AR will be utilized next, there is some curiosity over whether it can be a helping hand in perfecting autonomous driving. Many drivers are looking forward to this safety feature.
In addition, the demand for AR driving features is slowly increasing. The user base of AR and VR is expected to reach 299 million drivers by 2028 or so. Thus, automobile producers may explore using AR to improve the capabilities of autonomous vehicles and more.
AR technology is quite a positive catalyst in driver safety. With the increasing desire for this kind of technology, its utilization in the automotive industry will continue to grow. Stay up to date and see what new features are set to come out next.
Jack Shaw is an accomplished automotive writer with a flair for adventure and a passion for all things on and off-road. Serving as the automotive editor of Modded and having written for Ford Muscle, Offroad Xtreme, and more, his articles are a testament to his knowledge and love for the automotive industry.
Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
The idea that “augmented reality” has anyting to do with a reduction in the fatality rate is augmented BS. The fatality rate has been steadily increasing since 2014 as vehicles replete with blind spots and poor outward visibility have increasingly dominated the vehicle mix. Any one with a modicum of critical thinking skill will recognize that any recent reductions in accidents are a regression to the mean from an upward spike caused by “the pandemic” rather than any rechnological marvel in today’s vehicles.
Modern features in cars such as “lane assist”, blind spot monitoring, assisted braking and others are too new to have any significant and detectable impact on vehicle accidents.
I am surprised that the National Motorists Association has let this on their website.
I’m not excited about the developments in automotive technology. I’m rather terrified that we are offering the government a back door into our driving habits and soon will allow them to turn off a running vehicle remotely.