Head-up display, also known as HUD, is an innovative technology developed to assist drivers and pilots to view dashboard data in the user’s field of view. This technology enables users to maintain concentration while driving or flying, thus ensuringtheir safety. HUDs are widely used in commercial and defense airplanes, automobiles, and gaming applications. HUDs in airplanes display information regarding position, radar information, flight path, acceleration, and real time position, which helps pilots to react in time and rapidly maneuver their planes. This innovation has slowly made its way into the automotive industry and is currently being considered amongst the prominent driver assistance systems. HUDs in automobiles display GPS information,speed, and engine details on to the windshield of vehicles. HUDs were previously developed using cathode ray tube (CRT) technology, but are currently available with Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) technology. Advancements in Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devicesand smartphones has triggered growth in development of HUD technology, as these small electronic gadgets or components can be used to complement newer HUD for various other applications.
HUD provides driver, pilots, and other professionals with real time information that is projected onto a transparent display surface. HUD is expected to gain widespread acceptance over the coming decade.
Its popularity is expected to rise due to the increasing demand for computer-assisted machinery operations. Enhanced driving safety, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and augmented reality (AR) will find extensive applicability for HUDs.
HUD is a system that projects information such as speed, navigation, and other data onto a transparent surface. This surface is typically the windshield of a car or the visor of a helmet.
The strategic placement of crucial information allows the driver to analyse real-time data without taking eyes off the road. It provides warnings directly in the driver’s line of sight and allows them to stay focused on the roads.
HUD demand is driven by a range of factors such as increasing demand for connected cars and advanced safety features. Demand for premium and luxury cars, and technological advancements in automobiles have been steadily rising. These factors are expected to help with the proliferation of display technologies.
Automotive industry is the key end-user segment of HUD, with the demand for HUDs increasing in both passenger and commercial vehicles. The aviation industry is also having significant demand for HUD, with surging usage in military and commercial aircraft application.
HUD system are being used in aircraft to provide essential flight information without the need to look down at the instrument panel. This includes data on airspeed, altitude, and direction, and is likely to push demand in the coming decade.
Key companies are investing heavily in research and development to improve their performance and functionality. This might include the development of new materials such as holographic films and micro optics to create efficient and effective HUDs.
Companies are also working on expanding their product offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. Several manufacturers are partnered with AR companies to integrate AR capabilities into their HUDs.
North America and Europe are set to hold the lion’s share in the global market. Asia Pacific is expected to see a significant growth. This growth is mainly attributed to the increasing demand for luxury and premium vehicles in countries such as India, China, and Japan.
HUD are gaining importance due to the ability to provide a highly immersive experience for the driver. HUD are being integrated with advanced driving assistance system ADAS technology. These technologies include departure warning and collision avoidance systems to provide comprehensive information to the drivers.
Besides these advancements, new prototypes have been developed for implementation of this technology in two-wheeler helmets and on-board diagnostic features, thus opening up new scope for applications. Currently, penetration of this technology is under 5% in the automobiles industry, but the market for this technology is expected to grow rapidly in the near future due to growing awareness towards safety. Market growth for these systems is expected to grow between 20% and 25% over the next five years. Some players in the market include Recon Instruments, Toshiba Electronics, Continental, Johnson Controls, and others.
