Ford is working on new headlight technology in Europe, projecting symbols onto the road to help drivers focus on what’s ahead.
Is called ‘high resolution headlights‘, a new technology being tested by Blue Oval that allows LED headlights to project direction, speed limits or road weather information, acting almost as an extension of the head-up display. ups.
Ford showcased some of the suggested functions in a short video uploaded to YouTube.
One function includes headlights that project a snowflake symbol on the road to warn drivers of the icy road ahead.
High-resolution headlights can also project the width of the vehicle to help drivers gauge whether their vehicle will slip through a gap or into a parking space.
Ford also notes that this high-beam technology could also benefit other road users. For example, it can project pedestrian crossings in situations where existing road markings are blurred or unclear.
Another possibility includes showing the path to drivers to ensure cyclists are overtaken at a safe distance.
“What starts as playing with spotlights and a blank wall can take lighting technology to the next level,” said Lars Junker, an engineer for advanced driver assistance systems at Ford of Europe.
“There is now much more to do than simply illuminate the road ahead, to help reduce the stress of driving at night.”
“Drivers can get the information they need without taking their eyes off the road.”
While this type of headlight technology may seem revolutionary, it’s not the first time we’ve seen something like this from an automaker.
Mercedes-Benz first introduced similar Sight Light technology in 2016 with the ability to project marker and warning symbols down the road.
The production version of this Mercedes-Benz system is available on S-Class in Australia, as well as C-Class as an optional surcharge of $2300.
Unlike Ford’s high-resolution headlights, Mercedes-Benz’s Digital High Beam system does not project specific road signs but rather warning symbols – for example, if you are about to enter a one-way street from the wrong direction.
The Mercedes-Benz system can also use icons to warn the driver of upcoming road work and to indicate safe lane changes.
If Ford’s high-resolution headlights appear on a production vehicle, it won’t be available in every market because different markets have different regulations about projecting images onto the road.
Ford says the technology is still in the early stages of development and is being tested in a controlled environment.
