The Future Cockpit is not all about pillar-to-pillar screens and fancy HMI solutions. It is also important to consider reducing costs and upgrading lower-cost vehicles, the highest volume market segment. This announcement of a partnership between MediaTek and Infineon Technologies demonstrates the need for more cost effective solutions and the need for a more collaborative approach in the future for delivering infotainment solution throughput automotive tiers, from high to low end.
As stated in the press release “A modern cockpit supports the driver and increases driving comfort for all vehicle occupants. That is why it is important to us that cost-optimized vehicle models can also be equipped with digital solutions”. I agree with this but am not fully behind the premise that this will replace “the buttons and controls on the dashboard with advanced touchscreen displays”. While the likes of Tesla have pioneered the removal of buttons and movement of most controls to touchscreen – and others have followed suit – it has not been welcomed by many drivers and created safety concerns for many in the industry. There is a general move back towards a combination of touchscreens and buttons, to make it easier to access functions such as air conditioning and help keep drivers’ eyes on the road.
During SAR Insight’s research on Future Cockpit Technologies several of the interviewees from leading automotive technology companies have highlighted the importance of safety in cockpit HMI design with many advocating an approach incorporating touch screens, buttons, smart surfaces, etc. and multimodal input options utilizing touch, voice, and gestures. All focused on maximising safety by keeping the driver alert and focused on the view in front of them.
We are currently finalising our research on Future Cockpit Technologies Please get in touch if you are interested in participating in the research or would like more details on how to access the report.
