Audi’s next-gen digital OLED tech warns road users of hazards

Audi is taking its OLED (organic LED) technology up a notch with the introduction of the world-first digital OLED rear lights 2.0.

Audi introduces its next-gen OLED technology

Debuting in the Audi Q6 e-tron, the next-generation OLED technology is coming with improvements in terms of safety and personalization. Audi and its software company, Cariad, jointly develop the technology.

“The Audi Q6 e-tron marks the first time in a production model that we are designing both the shape of the lights and their entire movement. Thanks to a perfect symbiosis between lighting design and the new technology, the new Audi Q6 e-tron lights look more vibrant and intelligent than ever before,” Head of Lighting Design César Muntada.

The tech boasts more functions

As compared to the digital OLED technology 1.0 introduced in the Audi TT RS back in 2016, the lighting technology has come a long way since. Under the 2.0 version, the Q6 e-tron is allowing owners to choose up to eight digital light signatures for the headlights and taillights.

The communication light function adds a layer of safety by projecting lights that can visually warn other road users about critical road situations. It can be activated with warning symbols for emergency assist, RECAS (rear-end collision alert signal), hazard warning lights, emergency calls (eCall), roadside assistance calls (bCall), and emergency brake lights.

A world first

In addition, specific light signatures at the front and rear are used when the car’s park assist status is in automatic parking mode. It can help road users identify that the vehicle is parking on its own.

“Due to their strong contrast, they are gradually turning into exterior displays, making them an important enabler of communication with the car’s surroundings. With the proximity indication function, we have been using light to interact with other road users since 2020. The Audi Q6 e-tron now adds the communication light to improve road safety further,” said Head of Lighting Development Stephan Berlitz.

See more interesting car innovations at Philkotse.com.