This is the Audi AI:ME concept, a fully automated 'third living space' that the German manufacturer showed off at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Mixed-reality HUD
The AI:ME uses the 'Audi Intelligent Experience' to ensure its users get the best possible, um, experience from being in the vehicle. Eye-tracking is used within the AI:ME to allow the occupants to communicate with and control various functions on the Audi, while a pair of VR goggles can allow full escapism from the drudgery of travelling on the roads - those inside transporting themselves to far-off and wonderful places, while the car gets on with the job of driving itself.
Similarly, the Audi Intelligent Experience also features learning algorithms, so that the car knows its users and their habits better, while the Audi even possesses a self-learning satnav system. These features cover everything to the seat positions and even the temperature/fragrance of the interior, so there should be very little for people sitting in the AI:ME to have to do.
Furthermore, the AI:ME is fitted with a mixed reality head-up display, which overlays a navigation arrow into the road required right in front of the driver's eyes. This is a 3D display, so the graphics on the HUD appear to be floating 8-10 metres in front of the car; Audi says it can increase the 'apparent distance' to more than 70 metres, if needs be.
MIB 3: not a film
Alongside the AI:ME at CES for Audi were the Q4 e-tron Concept and the e-tron Sportback too, but the German company was keen to say the AI:ME was more than just a 'pie in the sky' idea. The third-generation modular infotainment platform, of MIB 3 for short, is said to offer Audi's greatest level of networking and it operates ten times faster than MIB 2. This provides improvements for route planning on the satnav and traffic forecasts, as examples. Audi also showed off 'Human-Centric Lighting' at CES, with illumination automatically tailored to suit the occupants' mood.