Press Release

ZEISS at the IAA Mobility for the first time

Premiere of the new technology "Multifunctional Smart Glass"

17 August 2023

Jena / Munich, Germany | 17 August 2023 | ZEISS Group

This year, ZEISS is presenting its holography product portfolio for the first time at the IAA Mobility in Hall B2, Stand B12, which will take place from September 5 to 9, 2023 in Munich. The world’s leading supplier of sophisticated micro-optical and holographic optical solutions wants to make driving safer, more interactive and more comfortable. Thanks to its new and unique replication technology, holographic solutions are expected to find their way into the automotive mass market in the near future. The basis is the ZEISS "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology, which is about to enter the market in augmented reality head-up displays (AR-HUDs) for aircraft cockpits and has been used in space missions by ESA and NASA for many years.

ZEISS
Ultra-compact, holographic augmented reality HUDs from ZEISS project a complete field of view as a virtual image onto the windshield.

Ultra-compact, holographic augmented reality HUDs project a complete field of view as a virtual image onto the windshield. Important information can be recorded even faster. Until now, however, AR HUDs based on hologram technology could only be produced in limited quantities. The replication technology developed in the ZEISS laboratories makes it possible to reproduce a master hologram in large quantities in a fully automated manner for the first time.

At the heart of the ZEISS technology is a transparent foil on which ultra-high-precision optics are attached in the smallest of spaces. The foil is characterized by a high transparency of over 92 percent combined with maximum clarity, and also enables vehicle manufacturers to use holographic technology in cars whose installation space, weight and costs previously did not allow it.

This leads to numerous advantages: For example, relocating the displays to the windshield enables a completely new cockpit design. While the driver sees only relevant information without their attention being diverted from the road, the front passenger can have entertainment content projected. Recordable side and rear windows can also be completely customized with colors, symbols and other memorable images to suit the occupants' wishes. Imported information on sights, restaurants or events is also possible.

ZEISS will present its "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich in Hall B2, Stand B12. Usage scenarios of transparent displays and application examples of holographic 3D HMIs as well as rear lights for vehicles complete the trade fair appearance.

ZEISS Microoptics

PRESS CONTACT Nadine Tusche

ZEISS Microoptics
Marketing and Communications

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 8.8 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2022).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 13 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 40,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities (status: 31 March 2023). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

About ZEISS Microoptics

ZEISS is the leading provider of sophisticated micro-optical and holographic-optical solutions for a variety of applications in the automotive, hometech and consumer sectors. The "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology enables, among other things, large-scale holographic projection systems, highly integrated cameras in transparent media and holographic lighting applications. ZEISS Venture Microoptics is based in Jena, Germany, and offers the complete value chain from optical design and mastering to holographic replication systems for series production.

Press Photos

Multifunctional Smart Glass

Ultra-compact, holographic augmented reality HUDs from ZEISS project a complete field of view as a virtual image onto the windshield.

835 KB

Download