At the heart of this new solution: the projection of information in augmented reality just below the windshield across the entire width of the passenger compartment, from the left pillar to the right pillar. This “Panoramic Vision”, as the German manufacturer calls it, makes it possible to indicate various driving information (speed, range, weather, radio station, etc.) to all vehicle occupants, directly in their field of vision.
Toulouse start-up founded in 2016
Behind this new technology lies the innovation of a young French company: Eyelights. In less than 10 years of existence, this company of almost 50 employees (mainly phonotic optics engineers) located in Labège (Haute-Garonne), has carved out a place of choice in the segment of augmented reality for mobility .
Its new flagship product has been in the making for almost 4 years. It was unveiled for the first time in 2022 during the same high mass of consumer electronics, in collaboration with the automotive glass specialist AGC. To industrialize it and sell its technology, the Toulouse start-up raised nearly 20 million euros in April 2023. And is therefore preparing to bring this project to fruition in the coming months.
4 grams in the Motorcycle helmet
Originally, however, the start-up developed its head-up display solution, inspired by technologies used in fighter planes, for a completely different use: projection on the visor of bikers’ helmets, in order to allow you to consult driving information without having to look away from the road. “It was first of all a personal need”traces Romain Duflot, co-founder of Eyelights.
A few years later, its prototype, originally developed in a garage, is now sold as standard on the helmets of market leader Shoei. “It is an extremely miniaturized optical projection system, which weighs 4 grams. This product represents our very complex know-how”says the man whose company announced an industrial partnership with the French family group Actia for the manufacture of its products.
Motorcycle, car, and tomorrow aero?
But the 33-year-old engineer did not stop there, aware of the market’s appetite for his head-up display technology, which must become a tool in many fields of tomorrow’s mobility. In the automobile industry, therefore, with BMW, but also other giants like Toyota or Ferrari. In total, Eyelights collaborates with nine automobile manufacturers. While many large subcontractors have started to take an interest in this technology, Romain Duflot wants to believe that his product can maintain a certain lead over the competition.
With a full order book, head-up display technology represents a major growth vector for his company. “We come as a technological supplier”explains Romain Duflot, who positions himself as a tier 2 equipment manufacturer, selling his technology under license without always manufacturing the components. Tomorrow, Romain Duflot, who trained at Airbus and Dassault, also hopes to become an aerospace player. Eyelights is working in this direction with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), NASA and Safran.
