Bosch previews next-gen 3D instrument panels

Bosch has confirmed the development of next-generation 3D instrument panels that it says will boost safety by reducing driver distraction.

The virtual dashboards, developed by the German tech giant, are claimed to be capable of creating a realistic three-dimensional effect that projects a clear image forward towards the driver.

This, says Bosch, enables the dash to prioritise key information to the driver, allowing less relevant bits of data to be packaged in smaller, less prominent parts of the screen.

Explaining the new technology, Bosch's president of car multimedia, Dr Steffen Berns, said: "The display's depth of field means drivers can grasp important visual information faster, whether from an assistance system or a traffic jam alert."

Cleverly, the same 3D instrument tech is set to be combined with a car's camera-based assistance functions.

For example, when reversing, a 3D image of the view behind will help the driver judge more accurately the space available.

Ready to be sold to car-makers for use in their next-gen vehicle cabins, Bosch's 3D tech has already been beaten to market by the next Peugeot 208 that uses mirrors to create a holographic effect.