A digital cockpit is a software-based, in-vehicle dash system that performs crucial driving functions and helps passengers & drivers commute safely. These systems hold great potential to change the landscape of the automotive industry, as well as user experience, vehicle sales, & revenue. Considering the ever-increasing vehicle production, a full-scale digitalization in the automotive sector, which would be fueled by the growing penetration of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, & Electric) vehicles worldwide, is expected in the coming years, where edge computing, 5G, cloud computing, & self-driving have already started influencing the industry.
Future digital cockpits will be able to capsulize these complex technologies into one simple & seamless access point and, in turn, transit to a more intelligent & personalized in-vehicle experience. A recent research report by MarkNtel Advisors has revealed that the Global Automotive Digital Cockpit Market is set to record around 14.0% CAGR during 2023-28. The growing deployment of sensor technologies, telematics, safety & infotainment systems, and other technologically advanced features & services in the automotive sector, coupled with the rising consumer demand for more comfortable, safe, & convenient vehicles, would drive the industry in the future.
Some Important Facts to Watch
CASE vehicles are considered the most important trend that will impact automotive digital cockpit sales on a broader scale. Connected cars are spurring growth in the two major products of the cockpit, viz., infotainment system & instrument cluster. Real-time driver monitoring technologies like driver identification & authentication, gesture recognition, head position tracking for real-time AR (Augmented Reality), etc., use sensors to track the alertness of drivers and ensure their safety. These technologies are projected to significantly contribute to the development of robust safety solutions for next-generation ADAS & autonomous driving functionalities.
Furthermore, several technology firms are massively investing in the development of digital cockpit platforms or becoming an integrator of major components of these solutions. Many are even prepping to introduce their own OS, along with extensive application ecosystems. Considering these patterns, different smartphone makers are assessing this prospect. Some are likely to launch their own EVs, while a few are impacting in-vehicle connectivity technologies and joining forces with automakers.
As more & more connected cars get deployed with sensor technologies, massive amounts of data are being generated, using which companies can gather insights and create personalized & distinctive products and services for users. Many OEMs are integrating digital cockpit platforms in the mid-priced & economy segments of passenger cars, i.e., positively influencing the industry and, in turn, creating prospects for automakers to transform the one-time sale revenue model into a continuous one.
The Wrap
In the future, users will have access to multiple features & functionalities in their vehicles, which they can pay for as they use. The automotive sector is among the most powerful drivers of change, and as technologies evolve, everyone often wonders what’s next down the line. From analog car dashboards to digital, multiple screens, this ongoing journey is being well-accelerated by high-performance computing platforms for automobiles and the elevating user demand for digital experiences. Manufacturers are investing heavily in further digitalizing cockpit systems, safety features, & driver assistance systems, i.e., creating opportunities for software solutions providers. Thus, mounting automotive sales, along with further scope for advancements in these systems, are set to stimulate the digital cockpit industry expansion in the years to come.
