DIGITAL COCKPIT AND HMI

As we move deeper into the information age, technologies that we have relied upon for years are no longer adequate for providing the optimal user experience. Just as cell phones have evolved into complex, touchscreen-based computing devices, vehicles of every shape, size, and functionality are now on the same path. The Digital Cockpit is a comprehensive, integrated multi-screen interface intended to replace the analogue gauges on traditional vehicle dashboards, seamlessly connect every vehicle function, and provide relevant data to drivers and fleet managers.

The Digital Cockpit is a comprehensive, integrated multi-screen interface intended to replace the analogue gauges on traditional vehicle dashboards, seamlessly connect every vehicle function, and provide relevant data to drivers. Digital Cockpit technology is an advanced Human-Machine Interface (or HMI) that facilitates connection between drivers and their vehicles. The Digital Cockpit displays vehicle data in real-time through a variety of different screens and interfaces. A comprehensive Digital Cockpit includes 3 main components:

Multi-screen Digital Dashboard

While drivers have long relied upon analogue gauges displayed on the dashboard behind the vehicle’s steering wheel, the Digital Cockpit replaces these old technologies with multi-screen, interactive displays similar to that of a smartphone. The days of analogue speedometers and fuel gauges are coming to an end as Digital Cockpit technology offers a more comprehensive, interactive, and connected solution to monitoring vehicle data. Digital Cockpits go well beyond speedometers and fuel gauges, providing important insights into all of a vehicle’s functions and enhancing driver safety through the integration of ADAS systems.

Head-Up Displays (HUD)

The Digital Cockpit is posed to revolutionize traditional dashboard displays, but high-functioning Digital Cockpits also include HUD units. HUDs are displays positioned behind a vehicle’s windshield, allowing the driver to keep their “head up” while monitoring navigation systems and critical vehicle data. HUD units are revolutionizing driver safety as drivers are able to keep their eyes on the road even as they monitor displays. HUDs can include speedometers, fuel gauges, smartphone and infotainment interfaces, and many other cutting-edge features.

Advanced Infotainment Systems

While infotainment may seem like a more relevant function to personal vehicles over commercial fleets, even fleet vehicles stand to gain from the infotainment capabilities of the Digital Cockpit. When used in combination with the Digital Cockpit’s multi-screen dashboard and HUDs, these infotainment systems allow drivers to easily stream infotainment (music, radio, etc.) from their smartphones without distraction, reducing the likelihood of costly accidents and casualties.

The Digital Cockpit integrates every vehicle system into a single Engine Control Unit (ECU) that controls driver safety systems, telematics reporting, infotainment, and much more. Digital Cockpits and HMIs will transform driver experience across all industries and vehicle functionalities, using an integrated approach that connects the vehicle directly to drivers, their portable devices, and cloud-based telematics databases.