Spectralics, an optics and imaging business, has received an investment of $ 2 million from the Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

Spectralics, an optics and imaging business, has received an investment of $ 2 million from the Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

Volvo Car's risk arm, which has long been associated with safety, has invested in an optics and imaging company that develops technology that can be integrated into a car's windscreen or window to transmit images to drivers and passengers.

The Volvo Automobiles Tech Fund invested $ 2 million in optical and image designer Spectralics, which will use the money to accelerate the improvement of their optical film, which business case will make vehicles safer and convey a superior customer experience. Although the investment may not seem large, the collaboration with Volvo can be beneficial, especially if its technology is used in production vehicles.

Spectralics works on a transparent optical overlay, also known as a "multilayer thin combiner", which can be incorporated into the windshield or windows of a car. According to Spectralics, this generates a broader perspective and, more importantly, a sense of distance - both of which are required for a safe augmented reality overlay.

The technology can also be used for smart glasses, optical systems and other head-up displays outside the car. It is the latest indication that augmented and virtual reality is entering the automotive industry, beyond games and consumer products. It's probably part of a larger trend where OEMs of cars differentiate new cars based on user experiences and technical offerings rather than horsepower.

Although the introduction of AR / VR in cars has been hampered by a variety of roadblocks, carmakers are leading the effort to invest in companies developing this technology for in-cabin applications, according to Abigail Bassett for TechCrunch +.

If Volvo's investment in Spectralics was not a hint enough, a representative of TechCrunch confirmed that the Swedish carmaker aims to incorporate this technology into its vehicles. "Spectralics is a fantastic portfolio match for us, and we accept that their innovation could possibly set a standard for the coming age of presentations and cameras," said Volvo Cars Tech Fund CEO Lee Ma in a statement.

Spectralics is a graduate of MobilityXlab, a Swedish accelerator, and is also a member of Drive-TLV, a mobility center in Tel Aviv that links entrepreneurs with investors in the automotive sector. Volvo's investment arm has been involved in both ventures since 2017 and has recently invested in a number of other Israeli companies, including MDGo, which develops accident warning sensors, and UVEye, which develops vehicle inspection technology.