Unity and Here are to collaborate on the development of embedded, automotive human-machine interfaces (HMI). The partnership will combine elements of automotive-grade map data and services with an advanced real-time 3D (RT3D) engine that brings dynamic, high-end design capabilities to the automotive user-experience in terms of maps, infotainment and more.
An agreement between the duo will see the development of next-generation embedded automotive HMIs using state-of-the-art RT3D rendering. Beyond this, Unity and Here will extend the project to include next-generation location technology for simulations, autonomous driving, digital twins and city planning.
As part of the ongoing project, the pair produced a proof-of-concept application of an embedded in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system to show the capability of Unity’s 3D platform and Here’s location technology. The showcase features a futuristic and widescreen navigation experience of a 3D map of San Francisco, showing firsthand the detail of what can be achieved by using HMI workflow design improvements. So far, Here has mapped 70 major cities in 3D and aims to offer global 3D map coverage in the future.
“Car buyers now care more about interactivity with their vehicle than horsepower or fuel efficiency. Unity’s work with Here opens up the ability to meet consumer demand, providing a continuous user experience across all displays powered by Unity and our ecosystem,” commented Julien Faure, vice president of Verticals at Unity. “By working with industry leaders like Here, we feel that Unity has the potential to power dynamic infotainment, immersive augmentation and geospatial and media experiences all integrated into a seamless user experience.”
“The goal of our collaboration with Unity is to meet our customers’ desire for a more stimulating in-car navigation experience,” added Jorgen Behrens, chief product officer at Here. “Unity’s robust 3D rendering engine makes Here 3D city data, route guidance and navigation look impressive, providing a rich and immersive in-dash experience to the driver.”
Both companies are well placed to develop the next generation of automotive HMIs. The HERE and Unity PoC application successfully runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon and in 2020, Unity announced collaborations with multiple companies across the HMI ecosystem, including Continental AG’s Elektrobit and NXP Semiconductors.