2025.02.20 Hyundai MOBIS
Hyundai Mobis M.VICS 5.0: Leading the Future of Digital Cockpit Innovation
What does Hyundai Mobis envision for the future of digital cockpits? Presenting the fifth generation of M.VICS, where advanced technology converges to shape a new vision.
It is evident that we are now in the era of the digital cockpit. Originally referring to a machine’s control seat, the cockpit has evolved from being driver-centric to encompassing the entire front section. In the past, automotive cockpits were limited to the dashboard and audio system; however, with the increasing influence of digital technology, their role has expanded to deliver a range of driving information and media content, while also enhancing external communication.
These changes in the cockpit arise from the evolution of automotive technology. Vehicles that harness autonomous driving and electrification technologies are transforming into mobile relaxation spaces. Consequently, competition surrounding these technologies is intensifying. Since 2021, Hyundai Mobis has introduced a new concept of an integrated cockpit system each year, known as M.VICS (MOBIS Vision of Integrated Cockpit System). Aiming to present the best vision for customers by integrating its pioneering technologies, Hyundai Mobis has explored the future of the digital cockpit through various themes, including 'Independent Experiences' and 'Interiors for the Era of Autonomous Driving.'
All You Can See
In 2024, Hyundai Mobis unveiled the fifth-generation M.VICS. The central focus of M.VICS 5.0 lies in its advanced display capabilities, emphasizing the integration of various display technologies under the development motto, "All You Can See." It features a large seamless display that extends from the left (driver's side) pillar to the right (passenger's side) pillar, commonly referred to as a 'P2P (Pillar to Pillar) display' due to its uninterrupted design.
In this context, Kim Seong-yi, the Senior Manager of Hyundai Mobis Product Planning Team 2, provided a detailed explanation: “Display monitors must now contribute to the design of the cockpit. The era of merely conveying information is over. Consequently, we have identified design as one of our key development points. We believe that a display complementing the cockpit's design is essential.”
The M.VICS 5.0 comprises multiple high-resolution display panels. The P2P display features a 27-inch main screen for dashboard information, navigation maps, and media, along with a 12.3-inch passenger screen and a pair of 7-inch screens, known as the 'SHY Button Display,' which show various vehicle status information and activate as touch controls. These screens are seamlessly interconnected, creating the illusion of a single expansive display.
At the center of the dashboard lies a projection display designed for configuring various functions. This display enhances usability through touch and haptic feedback and is elegantly integrated into a curved leather surface. In contrast to conventional displays, which are confined to flat surfaces, the projection display offers greater design flexibility by accommodating the curvature of the application surface.
According to Jung Joo-yeon, a Researh Engineer from Hyundai Mobis Mobility Product Design Team, the design of M.VICS 5.0 embodies the following vision: “We aimed to capture the grandeur of the universe through our ‘Trinity Concept,’ which emphasizes elegant curves. Our intention was to express sleek and graceful forms inspired by Saturn's rings and meteor trajectories. Since the projection control system is the core technology, we employed circular and curved designs to create a distinctive appearance compared to conventional screens. Ultimately, we envisioned it as a singular object within a home.”
Unified in Separation
Each display panel in the M.VICS 5.0 operates independently in line with the development concept of "Unified in Separation." This allows them to function based on their specific purpose and environment while appearing as a single screen when needed. By showcasing various content—such as the dashboard, navigation, and infotainment—on a large display, it provides passengers with an experience that exceeds their expectations for vehicle displays.
For instance, when the power is turned on, a circular light originating from the projection display flows into the P2P display, creating an effect that encompasses the entire front area. “The M.VICS 5.0 offers a completely different experience compared to conventional cockpits. Upon entry, there’s no content displayed; however, pressing the start button brings all the displays together to signal the beginning. We have meticulously refined every aspect—including software, hardware, and design—to achieve this,” explained Kim Dong-young from Hyundai Mobis Interactive Cabin Research Team.
Moreover, the M.VICS 5.0 features a variable system that allows the entire P2P display panel to move up and down and adjust its angle according to the driving mode and other conditions. While driving, certain sections of the panel can lower beneath the dashboard, transforming into a smaller display that provides a wider field of view and enhances spatial awareness. In theater mode for viewing media content or relax mode for resting, the display’s angle and size automatically adjust to align with the changes in the steering wheel position and seat angle.
The M.VICS 5.0 employs a system that independently operates the driver and passenger display screens based on the presence of a passenger, thereby limiting media consumption that could interfere with safe driving. Additionally, hidden speakers located in the pillars and headrest speakers in each seat deliver distinct audio to both the driver and the passenger. This represents a next-generation integrated solution designed for future autonomous vehicles.
To ensure that different screens function as a unified whole, precise and meticulous connections are essential. This is crucial for the various displays to reproduce colors consistently and deliver a uniform user experience. Achieving this level of precision necessitates a considerable amount of manual labor. Ryu Hyo-min, a Research Engineer from Hyundai Mobis Infotainment Design Team, elaborated on the process as follows:
“The displays used in the M.VICS 5.0 vary in resolution, DPI, color, and overall visual experience. Even the same shade of white can appear differently on each display. Achieving a cohesive experience that allows them to function as a single display proved to be a challenging development process. We collaborated closely with research engineers from the software and UX teams, continuously refining our outcomes together. Ultimately, this teamwork enabled us to create a graphic user interface (GUI) that perfectly aligns with our development goals.”
Standard for Future Digital Cockpits
Hyundai Mobis has applied for nine new patents related to component packaging design and UX technology during the development of the M.VICS 5.0. Lee Jun, the Project Manager (PM) from Hyundai Mobis Interactive Cabin Research Team in the Convergence Pre-Research Laboratory, began his discussion of the M.VICS 5.0 by stating, “We achieved a balance between advanced technologies and mass production.”
“While previous versions of M.VICS garnered acclaim for their innovative ideas, many of the technologies failed to reach mass production. Consequently, our goal this time was to capture the attention of global clients. Relying solely on advanced technologies can render them excessively futuristic, potentially disconnecting users. Conversely, plans that focus only on mass production technologies may come across as familiar and uninspiring. Therefore, we grappled with finding a balance between advanced and mass production technologies.”
Hyundai Mobis has set the standard for future digital cockpits with the M.VICS 5.0, which also encompasses a variety of safety technologies currently available. For instance, the M.VICS 5.0 incorporates a lighting function on both pillars that visually a-lerts passengers to potential rear-side collision risks when entering or exiting the vehicle. Additionally, cameras mounted on the steering wheel and above the driver’s seat monitor drowsiness and distracted driving in real time, issuing a-lerts during hazardous situations. A range of safety technologies, including slim airbags in the steering wheel, roof airbags in the passenger seat, and knee airbags, are also integrated to enhance passenger safety.
Hyundai Mobis has established a prominent presence in the field of future mobility solutions. In 2023, the company secured over 1,700 patents, continuously enhancing its technological competitiveness to lead the future mobility market. Furthermore, it is committed to ongoing innovation centered around strategic components in essential areas such as electrification, electronics, and autonomous driving, contributing to its robust growth. We anticipate that the innovations represented in the completed M.VICS 5.0 and its associated technologies will enhance the future of mobility, making it both comfortable and visually appealing.
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