Mercedes-Benz‘s headlights have become so advanced that they can literally communicate with people. And no, we’re not joking.
Dubbed Digital Light and displayed in the video below on a Maybach S-Class, the headlight technology is able to project words onto the road ahead, displaying all kinds of messages.
To promote the technology, Mercedes-Benz parked an S-Class and had it display compliments to unsuspecting bystanders. While the video itself is clearly set up, it is remarkable to see how far headlights have come.
The Digital Light system works thanks to projecting LED lights outfitted with a chip that incorporates more than one million micro-reflectors that are able to project light in patterns. In short, the lights are able to easily form letters and illustrations.
Of course, Digital Light has a plethora of safety benefits. For example, it can work alongside a vehicle’s cameras and sensors to project lanes, arrows, and symbols across the road. Additionally, it can process what’s happening ahead, including construction site warnings.
Member of the board of management of Daimler AG, Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, Ola Källenius, said the technology is just the latest addition to its fleet of safety systems.
“With a resolution of over one million pixels per headlamp, Digital Light not only creates ideal light conditions for every driving situation; it also extends the visual support from our driving assistance systems.”
P.S. Can’t help but wonder how long before the first lawsuit against someone offending another person with their headlight-projected message. Hey, lawyers gotta make a living, too, you know…