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Bosch Working on a 3D Digital Instrument Cluster

Photo: Bosch
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Daniel Rufiange
Fans of old-school gauges will have to face facts: new technologies are pushing them out

Gradually, digital screens are replacing the good old gauges that were the norm until recently. But progress is unstoppable, and carmakers and tech companies are busily developing and offering up ingenious new systems.

And busy they continue to be. Bosch is working on development of a 3D presentation of instrument clusters.

This technology has adds depth to the display of driver date, so that important elements are more apparent and appear closer to the driver.

“The display’s depth of field means drivers can grasp important visual information faster, whether from an assistance system or a traffic-jam alert.”

- Steffen Berns, president of Bosch Car Multimedia

Photo: Bosch

The information that can be displayed goes beyond traditional gauge data. The 3D presentation can include traffic alerts, the current temperature and more, all relayed in real time to the driver. And the idea of being to consult a 3D map in front of one’s eyes is certainly an appealing one. The system can even be combined with the vehicle’s backup camera to make parking in restrained spaces easier.

As for the 3D display, it is passive, meaning that no special glasses are required to get the benefit of the visuals. Bosch developed the new technology starting from its current cockpit system, used in the Audi TT among other models.

Other companies, Volkswagen for instance, are working on holographic controls for some in-cabin functions as well. When you consider all of these together, it’s easy to imagine a completely different interior environment for everyday cars within 10 or 20 years.

Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists