Opel’s AI-Powered Lighting: A Glimpse into the Future of Car Communication
Headlights and indicators used to be simple, but Opel believes they can do much more. The German brand is pioneering a new era of automotive communication with its AI-powered lighting systems, which are designed to help cars “talk” to the world around them. This groundbreaking project, showcased on an Opel Grandland concept, blends adaptive headlights with new AI software to transform a car’s lights into a whole communication system, enhancing safety and interaction with pedestrians and other drivers.
How AI Lighting Changes the Conversation
Opel’s new system automates when different lighting modes and messaging are needed, making the car’s intentions clear to those outside. As a Level 3-capable autonomous vehicle, the Grandland prototype uses a language of light to communicate its actions:
- When operating autonomously, its indicators shine in cyan to signal to other road users.
- If a pedestrian is detected, the headlights change to magenta, and the car’s logo is replaced with a warning sign as it begins to brake.
- Once the car has stopped, the lights turn green, and a walking figure appears on the screen to signal that it’s safe to cross.
These colors were specifically chosen because they are not associated with any other traditional vehicle functions, avoiding confusion.
Beyond Safety: Enhancing the Driving Experience
The use of AI in lighting isn’t just about safety; it’s also about a more intuitive and personalized driving experience. The Grandland‘s external camera feeds can be projected inside the car, giving the driver a better sense of what’s in a blind spot. The cabin also uses electrochromic materials so surfaces themselves can light up as warnings, or to create a calming atmosphere. AI can also monitor the driver for fatigue and adjust lighting or provide alerts, adding another layer of safety.
Here is a summary of the key features of the system:
The Future of Automotive Lighting
Opel is not alone in this field. Other automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volvo, have also experimented with lighting as a communication tool. However, Opel’s use of AI to automate these functions is what sets its project apart. As vehicles take on more of the responsibility of driving, they will need smarter ways to “talk” to people in and around them. Opel’s experiments suggest that the conversation might just start with light.
Also Read – Mercedes-Benz to Make a Smaller, Cool ‘Mini G-Class’ SUV SOON!
