Rightware has released information on the software behind Ford F-150’s all-digital dash.
According to the company, Ford and a number of other manufacturers use its Kanzi UI, an HMI software tool, to design and develop HMIs including digital instrument clusters, infotainment systems and head-up displays. It says the system enables OEMs and their Tier 1 suppliers to speed up HMI development, while using smaller design teams that have greater creative freedom as they develop evermore complex multi-display connected cockpits.
The company notes that the F-150 instrument cluster features seamless 2D/3D authoring in Kanzi, as the UI design combines 3D objects with more minimal 2D elements. To illustrate this, it provides the example of the vehicle display transitioning smoothly from its role as a primary interactive object in one dash scene to that of a supporting visual element, blended with traditional gauges in another.
“We are proud to have Kanzi software play an integral role in the design of the breakthrough HMI for the best-selling pickup truck on the market,” said Ville Ilves, CEO of Rightware. “Our partners have proven track records of delivering new, innovative HMI platforms that help iconic brands stay at the forefront of automotive design, and this is no exception.”
The company says that the F-150 is the latest in a growing list of vehicles with HMIs designed and developed with Kanzi. Rightware has recently collaborated with LG Electronics on the Cadillac Escalade, which features the industry’s first curved 38in OLED display. Kanzi also powers the new Peugeot 208, the first full digital instrument cluster with 3D holographic objects in automotive production.
