Digital Side Mirrors: Safer, Sleeker, More Aerodynamic

Car mirrors are getting a digital upgrade. What began as simple reflective surfaces are now progressing to complex digital formations, which promise to make driving safer, more creative, and most importantly, cooler. 

The digital side mirror is one of the most exciting developments in automotive technologies and how we view the road to the future.

Here Comes the Digital Revolution

Traditional auto mirrors have served us nicely for decades, but there are limitations. Physical mirrors create blind spots, can catch rain or snow, and create wind drag which is less fuel efficient. They can be damaged and are difficult to adjust perfectly.

Digital side mirrors, which replace physical mirrors with high-definition camera systems, with cameras on the exterior of the vehicle and interior displays, transmit live high-definition video to the interior displays providing the driver with immediate digital views of their environment.

The Triple Advantage of Safety, Style, and Efficiency

Enhanced Safety Features

• Expanded view of the surroundings that reduces the chance of blind spots you would normally experience with conventional side mirrors

• Night vision limits that exceed human sight

• Clarity of the image received will not be impeded by rain, snow, or fog

• Warnings when a vehicle or object is closing in on your zone

Aerodynamics

• Lower wind resistance that can increase fuel consumption by close to 5 percent

• Less wind noise for a quieter riding cabin

• Broader style vehicle overall that would give it the appearance of all that better use of space for aerodynamics

The aerodynamics alone is a benefit that car manufacturers love when looking at the vehicle delivery to the very reduced emissions criteria. Ditching the bulky side mirrors of yesterday would make the vehicle slip through air so much better and save dollars at the pump.

Smart Technology Capabilities

Modern digital mirror systems can do a whole lot more than just a camera or video feed. They offer augmented reality displays that have navigation directions, speed limits, and caution warnings displayed right on the mirror screen. 

Some digital mirrors might use facial recognition so that they adjust for the driver by wearing a suffix. Other digital mirrors have a smartphone app in addition to the mirrors.

Blind spot crash alerts are becoming standard operation with sensor systems integrated nicely with the digital displays. This alert happens with visual and audible warnings when a vehicle enters a hazardous blind zone. Reports support that even during this early adoption, it has reduced lane-change accidents.

What Have You Seen So Far with Market Adoption?

High-end luxury vehicle manufacturers like Audi and Lexus first introduced digital mirror technology in a few select models. The new Audi e-tron GT as well as new Lexus ES models all have mirror systems that a consumer can add. While luxury automobiles are considerably more expensive, at least this offers the consumer some taste of the future for what they may have access to. 

Manufacturers expect, through mass production and new technology, the trends hopefully will continue to grow beyond luxury automobiles to be standard for virtually all manufacturers in all vehicle applications.

What Challenges Still Exist?

Digital mirrors save lives. With that said, there are still barriers that must be crossed:

Cost

Digital systems add thousands, when calculated in total, to the price of vehicles. As mass production and new technology continue to enter the market, it will save time and should translate to reductions in price.

Regulator Approval

Different regions require different approvals, thus even regions where using the rearview cameras are allowed (like CO) may still require the added safety precaution by using a physical mirror very closely, in case the view fails. 

Regulator agencies are working together with the market to develop their own philosophies and safety standards as a unity of being realistic and reducing blind spots.

Driver Transitioning

Many drivers have used conventional side mirrors for years and taking time adjusting to the digital look will take time and effort out of a longer process. Motor vehicle agencies are working with automobile manufacturers to design a better interface as well as provide thorough training on the functionalities of the digital systems.

What's Next?

Digital side mirrors are only saying hello to explosive changes that will influence the automotive marketplace years from now. As societies move toward autonomous driving features, automakers will further integrate transport technologies quickly within the autonomous systems, enabling smarter and safer driving alternatives.

Digital side mirrors are the solution that makes it clear that even basic automobile components can be disrupted with brilliant engineering ideas.