Rightware announced earlier this week that Stellantis NV used its Kanzi One user interface (UI) toolchain to create the primary HMI (human-machine interface) on the new Dodge Hornet. The software powers the graphics in the 12.3-in digital instrument cluster engineered by the Stellantis team—at the Chrysler World Headquarters and Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, MI—to deliver a driver-focused, intuitive, and easy-to-use main display for the CUV (compact utility vehicle).

To be part of a historic change when an iconic name like Hornet “merges with new technology, and Kanzi One is used to develop the brand’s first complete digital instrument cluster, is an honor,” said Freddie Geier, CEO of Rightware. “Kanzi One enabled the Stellantis team to quickly design and implement a signature UI true to the muscle car’s lineage.”

The result is a digital cockpit that fits with Dodge’s brand vision for the Hornet delivered in a UI with clean 3D graphics in the most important display, the instrument cluster, while providing a visual design similar to the brand’s traditional mechanical gauges. The Stellantis UX (user experience) team designed three digital instrument cluster themes—Normal, Evolved, and Focused—for Hornet drivers to switch among. Normal maximizes gauge readout, Evolved emphasizes the cluster’s center area, and Focused offers simplified content.

With Kanzi One, Rightware says that Stellantis had complete control of the user experience and graphical visualization from prototype through production. Rapid prototyping in Kanzi Studio, the real-time automotive UI design and authoring tool, gave the team flexibility to iterate the design throughout the process. Beyond shortening the development cycle, Kanzi One enabled Stellantis to leverage leading-edge graphics to create a strong, driver-focused user experience.

 

Beyond UIs

Rightware, founded in 2009 when Futuremark spun off its Mobile & Embedded Benchmark unit, got its big production break when Audi started shipping its new A3 in 2012 with a Kanzi-powered UI. The ThunderSoft company is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has operations in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.

The company believes it is uniquely positioned with a foundation in gaming, graphics, and UI development and a market-leading automotive UI tool trusted by over 50 automotive brands around the world. Its Kanzi One “all-in-one” HMI toolchain enables automotive OEMs to deliver the best user experience for their customers while transforming traditional HMIs into “real Signature UIs.”

However, Rightware’s Chief Technology Officer Andreas Binner believes the future of automotive technology goes far beyond UIs. He recently appeared on Nvidia’s AI podcast to share key insights into the future of automotive technology and in-vehicle HMIs. A key focus for in-vehicle HMI developers should be the functional value for passengers, he says, and that the automotive industry is still in the early stages of exploring the full potential of AI (artificial intelligence) in HMI as the technology develops rapidly.

Over the past decade, the infotainment landscape has been transformed in modern cars by 3D visuals, internet connectivity, and ecosystem integration. HMIs have evolved beyond pure UIs and have become an essential part of car functions such as rearview cameras, 360° surround views, and sensor/confidence displays.

“I’m still waiting for head-up AR [augmented reality] displays, which are like a window you look through,” said Binner. “It’s just that you’re seeing a little farther. These would open up a whole new realm of possibilities for HMI design.”

Physical controls are being replaced, which doesn’t please everyone, he said: “It can get a little bit overdone, so some go back to physical versions for that, which surprised me.” Binner points out that not every button should be replaced.

 

Building trust

When adapting new technologies, trust plays a crucial role, which can be built with the help of the HMI, believes Binner.

“In a car, human lives are at stake; If machines are to control all the software and all parts of the car, we need to trust the technology not to fail in critical situations,” Binner emphasized, and building the required trust can be achieved by providing functionality. “HMI should focus on elements that have functional value for passengers, avoiding distractions and prioritizing necessary data. Additionally, HMI has the potential to enhance the passenger experience by providing entertainment options for passengers and those sitting in the driver’s seat.”

While autonomous driving continues to advance, human supervision remains necessary. In the future, when human drivers are no longer needed, human-machine interfaces will be vital for passenger reassurance and comfort, believes Binner.

“In the early days of elevators, elevator operators provided a sense of security,” he said. “Similarly, HMI interfaces in cars can instill trust in passengers and ensure they feel safe and confident in the technology.”

 

The AI future

Artificial intelligence has played a significant role in shaping human-machine interfaces in cars, he said. Since being first introduced, voice assistance has advanced from simple control to offering almost fully conversational interactions. Additionally, car AI could provide contextually aware functionality such as the ability to recognize driving patterns at specific times of the day or week.

“Contextually aware AI can help the driver at the right time in the right situation in whatever is needed,” Binner noted. “I think there’s a long way to go with AI in cars. The industry is still in the early stages of exploring the full potential of AI in the HMI as the technology develops rapidly.”

Looking ahead to the next decade, Binner predicts even more contextually aware cockpits that focus on delivering relevant information at the right time.

“Striking the right balance between physical and tactile UI and virtual controls will be a key consideration for these cockpits,” he concluded. “Meanwhile, functional value for passengers will remain at the forefront of HMI design, providing a seamless and enjoyable in-vehicle experience.”