MINI Reveals Augmented Reality Goggles For Driving

on April 13, 2015 at 3:14 pm

MINI introduced its new “Augmented Reality” driving goggles prototype at the Shanghai auto show in China.
The company’s Augmented Vision concept goggles use see-through technology to display information right in front of a driver’s eyes without blocking their field of vision, in a manner similar to Google’s Glass, or an in-your-face heads-up display.

With the help of BMW Group Company, Designworks and several companies represented by telecommunications firm Qualcomm, an effective prototype has been created to deliver relevant information within the driver’s field of vision without concealing any outside obstacles. The eyewear offers directional assistance and augmented parking as well as the ability to highlight places of interest. Amongst this, an X-ray feature can offer a virtual perspective through the parts of a car which drivers cannot see – including doors and pillaring.

MINI’s augmented vision project manager Dr. Jörg Preissinger explains, “Working with several Qualcomm companies, we have created an interlinked system and augmented reality eyewear with a characteristic MINI design that revolutionise the experience both in and outside the vehicle. This prototype with its customised, interactive functions succeeds in fusing augmented reality with the brand’s trademark sense of lifestyle.”

As a prototype, we wonder how much of this possible today and what’s pure fantasy. Watch Mini’s idea for the future of motoring in the clip below. Hopefully, we don’t all have to wear such silly looking glasses for future tech, though.