The future of in-car technology: Overview of the top 5 innovations

Vehicle connectivity The future of in-car technology: Overview of the top 5 innovations

2025-03-04 From Khader Hussain * | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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The automotive industry is once again in the midst of a transformative change driven not only by technical innovations but also by the desires of end consumers. Connectivity, safety, and comfort, in particular, top the wish list.

The windshield and its further development is an example of innovations in the vehicle interior. Today, windshields are becoming increasingly intelligent and contribute to a safer driving experience.(Image: Harman) — The windshield and its further development is an example of innovations in the vehicle interior. Today, windshields are becoming increasingly intelligent and contribute to a safer driving experience.
(Image: Harman)

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the next generation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the increasing V2X infrastructure are not only changing how consumers interact with vehicles but also what they expect from them. Today, consumers desire hyper-personalized experiences and seamless connectivity in their vehicles. These are no longer just a collection of displays and buttons but are evolving into advanced hubs for connectivity, safety, and comfort—redefining the way we interact with them.

Five innovations are groundbreaking and will elevate the driving experience to a new level in the coming years. They are:

Safety and productivity through enhanced display capabilities
Integrated health and safety systems
Adaptive in-car voice assistants
Advancements in touchscreens and
Improved ADAS integration

Safety and productivity through enhanced display capabilities

A prime example of innovations in the vehicle interior is the further development of the windshield. Today, windshields are becoming increasingly intelligent and contribute to a safer driving experience. The introduction of smart windshields has transformed, even revolutionized, the driving experience by displaying important information without the driver having to take their eyes off the road.

However, many windshields do not yet fully meet drivers' desires for a smart, minimalist interface and multimodal feedback. Consumers want simple, intuitive, and easy-to-understand information on head-up displays (HUDs). Against this backdrop, Harman developed Ready Vision QVUE, which harmonizes safety and connectivity, scoring with an outstanding visual driving experience. Ready Vision QVUE displays key information—such as mileage, speed, driving statistics, and alerts—clearly in the lower part of the windshield, making it easily readable without obstructing the view of the road. With Samsung's Neo QLED technology, the system offers a wide field of view and readability under all lighting conditions for all occupants.

Augmented Reality HUDs (AR-HUDs) are also on the verge of changing how drivers interact with their vehicles and the road. Unlike traditional HUDs, which project basic information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, AR-HUDs overlay the real image in the driver's field of vision with more contextual information. For instance, warnings about potential hazards are displayed, or navigation steps are shown with arrows that are directly overlaid on the actual road—without overlaying important objects in the traffic situation, such as other road users. Additionally, situational and route-relevant points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations, and charging stations can be displayed.

This technology offers not only convenience but also significant safety benefits. By allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road while still seeing important information, AR-HUDs reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by distraction. In addition, they can integrate real-time data from other connected vehicles and infrastructure into the display to warn of traffic conditions, construction sites, or hazards.

Integrated health and safety systems

The integration of health and safety monitoring systems is rapidly advancing in in-car technology. These systems use sensors in seats, steering wheels, and dashboards to monitor vital signs and the driver's overall well-being. The sensors can measure, for example, breathing rate, heart rate, and heart rate variability to analyze the driver's current state. Advanced algorithms evaluate this data to detect signs of fatigue, stress, or medical emergencies. In the event of potential health issues, the system can prompt the driver to take a break, suggest nearby rest areas, or in serious cases, alert emergency services.

This development is particularly relevant for long-distance drivers and individuals with known health issues. Car manufacturers like Mazda and Toyota are already integrating sensors such as electrocardiograms (ECG) in the steering wheel into their vehicles. Harman Automotive's AI-based monitoring system "Ready Care" analyzes the driver's visual and mental state in real-time and provides targeted measures to enhance safety.

Adaptive in-car voice assistants

Voice assistants are already standard in many vehicles. However, the next generation promises yet another boost in terms of intuitive and responsive operation. With advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI, adaptive voice assistants will enable a seamless, hands-free interaction experience.

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These systems will be able to better understand context and intentions and offer personalized experiences. For example, if a driver says, "I need coffee," the assistant could not only suggest nearby cafes but also recommend favorite places based on past preferences or travel routes.

At CES 2025, Harman, in collaboration with its partner Cerence AI, introduced the avatar "Luna," supported by a new, emotionally intelligent AI system, Harman Ready Engage. "Luna" personalizes interaction through language and visual elements, thus fostering an intuitive connection between users and technology.

Advancements in touchscreens

Touchscreen technology in vehicles is being further optimized, focusing on sharper displays and improved haptic feedback. Future dashboards will feature high-resolution OLED and QLED screens that are easily readable even in bright sunlight. Additionally, haptic feedback is gaining increasing importance in the overall operating concept. Some vehicles already use haptic vibrations in steering wheels to alert the driver to possible collisions or lane departures. With regard to touchscreens, small actuators could simulate the feel of physical buttons, allowing the driver to receive better feedback and confirmation when triggering the desired function or action on the display without having to look at it for long.

Improved integration of driver assistance systems

ADAS is also becoming increasingly better integrated into the vehicle's user interface. Data from sensors, cameras, and radars are consolidated and presented in an easy-to-read format. In combination with AI and deep learning, potential hazards can be detected early and necessary corrective actions can be suggested.

Conclusion: The future of in-car technology promises innovations that make driving safer, more enjoyable, and more efficient. From advanced display concepts like HARMAN Ready Vision QVUE's HDR display or AR-HUDs, to AI-supported driver monitoring systems like Harman Ready Care, to even better integrated, potentially life-saving ADAS systems, they will redefine our relationship with vehicles. (se)

*Khader Hussain is Business Lead, Ready Vision at Harman Automotive