You already have it on your windshield so why not your headlamps too?
Since long, automobiles have been equipped with heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated front and back windows. No matter how heated these systems are for safety or comfort, one thing has remained untouched until now. Canatu, a German material science company has presented a concept for heated headlamps.
Most vehicles have LED lights which don’t produce much heat. This means that snow and ice can accumulate on the vehicle’s surface, restricting the driver’s vision. This is a problem if you have to see your destination, but it’s even worse when you consider autonomous driving.
As with headlamps that can be obscured by winter byproducts, adaptive cruise control sensors can also freeze and cease to work. Canatu designed a film to cover the headlights and remove any winter debris.
The German company also offers interior contact points with smart capabilities. This allows any surface to be used as a touch screen. It will allow vehicle functions to be integrated seamlessly into different materials. Canatu’s smart films, sensors and designs could allow designers to follow the form of a dashboard or use the backs to control entertainment screen without the need for bulky mechanical controls.
They have also worked to improve the safety of vehicles’ interior lighting and ergonomics. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for drivers to operate large infotainment systems. A system that is simple to use will allow them to spend less time fiddling with it and more time driving.
These technologies aren’t yet in production, but it is exciting to see where automotive technology and design will go.