Audi’s new headlights can now illuminate only your lane and show welcome animations. However, they might work even better as part of the navigation system. Imagine how cool it could be to see direction arrows directly on the road.
Technological advancements and innovations are on a constant rise worldwide, and even more so in the automobile industry. No matter where you look, we are witnessing an electric revolution all around the automotive industry.
In a modern electric vehicle, we experience outstanding acceleration, impressive range, and futuristic designs. Moreover, EVs usually employ advanced technologies and smart safety features.
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Among all these, headlights remained quite traditional. Yes, auto manufacturers now use LED headlights to illuminate the road better and look sleeker. However, they still use the same classic method of high beams and low beams.
With that being said, Audi will now try to completely change our understanding of headlights. For example, it designed new Digital Matrix LED headlights that can project images on the road, a sort of dynamic approach to conventional headlights.
But how does that help? Well, much like a movie projector, the Digital Matrix LED (DML) can project precise animations, albeit not in color yet.
Moreover, when you park your Audi in front of a wall, it will show the model’s emblem and name — a nice way to welcome you after spending a six-digit figure on a car, that’s for sure.
The DML consists of 1.3 million micro-mirrors on each headlight that can adjust automatically 5,000 times per second. As micro-mirrors are adaptable, they can shift to reflect individual particles of light. They come with five different preset combinations, enabling them to project animations such as what Audi calls “welcome and exit lighting signatures.”
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The animation display is only the base application. The basic features come to play at night as the vehicle is in motion.
The DML lights project a “light carpet” that can illuminate 50 meters ahead. Additionally, the beam is smart, only illuminating the driver’s lane. It will also feature a low beam curved lighting that bends the light to not distract other drivers.
The DML will detect when changing lanes and then widen the line of sight. Audi’s innovative lighting system will also feature a series of chevron arrows, helping the driver identify the tire’s position to better avoid obstacles on the road.
Audi will first launch the DML system in the 2021 e-tron and e-tron Sportback. However, US regulators restricted Audi from giving access to other functions except for the “welcome/exit” animation. Meanwhile, the European market will get complete access to all features.
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