In recent years, the holographic technology has been shown in the most disparate ways, from the concerts of the old disappeared stars to virtual circus animals.
A British company, the envisics, is designing holograms that really make a difference by introducing AR technology to cars.
A cockpit in augmented reality
Envisics is working on a holographic system for cars that doesn't require headsets. It allows drivers to see information directly on the car's windshield. Imagine graphics from car games, but applied to real life.
Take a look here to understand how it works:
Behind the idea of the company there is Jamieson Christmas, who has spent over a decade working on creating holographs for cars.
It all started with a Jedi
In creating his system, the Envisics CEO was inspired by his love of Star Wars, and in particular by that famous “holographic message” from Princess Leia to Obi-Wan Kenobi:
George Lucas created this vision of little robots that transmit three-dimensional images of people. R2-D2 and all that stuff. They had a really amazing influence on me.
Jamieson Christmas, envisics
Years later, today Christmas is ready to create an AR platform for the car that uses holograms. Envisics took advantage of the recent explosion in AR and VR technology to develop a device that can beam dashboard infographics onto car windshields.
AR for the car: better late than never
Holograms have been a mainstay of science fiction films for nearly half a century, so why did it take so long to bring about practical applications? The reason is very simple: it has not happened yet because it is simply difficult. Very difficult.
Yet, while challenging, this type of cutting-edge technology has some serious advantages over existing AR products. In recent years, companies like Google and Microsoft have invested heavily in wearable AR technology, but Christmas believes these ideas will struggle to gain traction in the long term. “I've been in meetings where people are wearing Google Glass, for example, and it's pretty disconcerting,” she said.
Envisics' technology eliminates visors and glasses, instead placing the hardware directly in the car. And this enormously improves safety behind the wheel. You NEVER take your eyes off the road, and the information enriches the route.
The first generation Envisics is currently available on Land Rover. The company also partnered with GM to launch their second-generation device in the company's new Chrysler models. They should leave in 2023.
