RELATED STORY: INFINITI enters "SYNAPTIQ" in 11th Annual Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge
In the year 2029, INFINITI sponsors its own team triathlon called the A.R.C. race. The Air, Rally, Circuit race utilizes a universal fuselage pod that can integrate into three vehicle types. The first stretch of the race is a Formula One grand prix course from LA to Las Vegas. The second portion is a desert race, which requires an off-road buggy to the Grand Canyon. The final third leg of the race is a radical gymkhana style jet race through virtual pylons back to Los Angeles.
The A.R.C. triathlon race will also be the debut of INFINITI's new futuristic Human Machine Interface (HMI) called "SYNAPTIQ," a system that will make the driver and machine become one. It will enhance the driver's passion and performance for racing and as well influence the design of the vehicle that will provoke the imagination.
INFINITI's "SYNAPTIQ" human machine interface is the future vision of how people will be connecting with their vehicles in the year 2029. It is a holistic system that takes our current understanding of augmented reality, 3D hologram, and wearable technology to the next level.
The INFINITI User Interface (I.U.I.) will enhance the passion and performance of driving, as well as lead to a design that will provoke the human imagination. "SYNAPTIQ" is a holistic system encompassing the SYNAPTIQ S.U.I.T. (Sym- biotic User Interface Technology). The suit connects the driver's thoughts through a spinal lock attachment into the pod; woven with synthetic muscles, the outfit suspends the pilot into the driving position. The suit both enhances and gives tactile resistance to the driver to simulate a physical interaction with the machine.
The liquid crystal ETFE canopies are enhanced with an augmented reality system that actively displays relevant information, such as the pilot's vitals and vehicle dynamics. The information core of the I.U.I. is a floating holographic projection that is extremely flexible and adaptive to each driver's situation and needs. The pilot, who remains with the single fuselage pod, can seamlessly transfer among "SYPNATIQ's" three chassis vehicle types while displaying the graphic user interface. The system will allow the driver to stay familiar with the interior environment with a user interface that seamlessly adapts to any driving or flying condition.
Design Team
- Taro Ueda, Vice President
- Shinichiro Irie, Design Director
- John Anthony Sahs, Interior Design Manager
- Randy Rodriguez, Project Lead Designer
- Jackie Chang, Senior Interior Designer
- Dan Jimenez, Exterior Designer
- Sam Lim, Exterior Designer
- Simon Tien, GUI Designer
- Daniel Mai, GUI Designer
- Ann Ngo, Senior Researcher
- Ray Devers, Senior Designer
- Don Sondys, Specialist Senior Visualization
- Matt Wilson, Senior Digital Designer
- Jon Wen, Design Intern
- Sam Kenny, Design Intern
- Omead Dorandish, Design Intern
