BMW has partnered with Gauzy, a world leader in smart glass technology, to create the i-Vision DEE, a revolutionary concept care that was unveiled at the CES 2023 keynote. The collaboration aimed to develop both a smart windshield and side windows that would enhance the driving experience for BMW owners by providing a more comfortable and safer ride.
Gauzy is a pioneer in smart glass technology, known for developing cutting-edge solutions for various industries, including automotive, architectural, and consumer electronics. BMW is a world-renowned car manufacturer known for producing high-quality, luxury vehicles with innovative features.
Driving can be a stressful and challenging task, especially when drivers face poor visibility or distracting conditions. Smart windshields and windows offer a solution to these challenges by providing enhanced visibility, reducing driver fatigue, and increasing safety on the road. BMW and Gauzy aimed to create both a windshield and side windows that would improve the driving experience for BMW owners.
The i-Vision DEE features Gauzy’s SPD smart glass windshield that integrates Gauzy’s Liquid Crystal Glass technology, which enables drivers to adjust the transparency of the windshield to their preference. The technology uses a liquid crystal smart film that can change its opacity when an electric current is applied, allowing the driver to control the amount of sunlight and glare entering the car.
The smart windshield also features augmented reality (AR) technology, which overlays information about the surrounding environment, such as navigation directions or the location of other vehicles, onto the windshield. The AR technology uses a camera and sensors to detect the car’s surroundings and display relevant information in real-time.
The car’s side windows are equipped with both dual PDLC and SPD segmented technologies that allow for independent control, enabling dynamic management of privacy, shading, ambiance, and displays that can be viewed from inside or outside the vehicle when used in conjunction with projectors.
The i-Vision DEE featuring Gauzy’s smart glass technology provides a range of benefits for future car owners, including:
- Enhanced Visibility: The smart glass windows and windshield’s adjustable transparency feature provides drivers with better visibility in various weather conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing safety on the road.
- Reduced Driver Fatigue: By reducing glare and providing clearer visuals, smart glass helps reduce eye strain and fatigue for drivers, making long drives more comfortable.
- Improved Navigation: The AR technology on the smart glass provides real-time navigation directions and other relevant information, reducing the need for drivers to look away from the road and increasing their focus on driving.
The collaboration between BMW and Gauzy has resulted in the creation of a revolutionary smart concept car that enhances the driving experience for BMW owners. The i-Vision DEE’s adjustable transparency and augmented reality features provide a range of benefits that improve safety, comfort, and navigation for drivers. Both the smart windshield and smart windows are a testament to the power of collaboration between innovative companies in the automotive industry.
