Human machine interfaces (HMI) are becoming more and more common in modern-day cars and trucks. BMW and Ford have already unveiled HMI-equipped systems, and now we can add Infiniti to the list.
The Honk Kong-based automaker revealed the first details of its new premium crossover earlier this week. Known as the QX30, the car/SUV hybrid was first unveiled as a concept car at the Geneva Auto Show. Now, however, Infiniti says it plans to debut the QX30 at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, as well as a major auto show in China.
So, what makes the Infiniti QX30 stand out from other crossover vehicles on the market? As you can see in the photo above, it’s a highly stylish, aerodynamic vehicle that falls in suite with similar Infiniti vehicles. It has the same curves and roughly the same height, although with a more rugged lower body. But the most notable feature of Infiniti’s new crossover is its human machine interface. In a press release, Infiniti said the QX30 will feature a seven-inch touchscreen HMI, through which the driver or passenger can control the music, heating and air, and navigation systems.
“Infiniti’s trademark InTouch infotainment system, first introduced on the pioneering Q50, has been evolved and upgraded for the QX30 for a highly intuitive finger touch and swipe control through a seven-inch touch-screen HMI (human machine interface). Infiniti Voice Recognition interacts with the InTouch infotainment system to control audio and navigation commands,” said Infiniti in a press release.
You might be wondering why so many cars, and crossovers, are now featuring HMI interfaces? Well, implementing these systems into vehicles offers new functionality and greater efficiency for the operator. Rather than fiddling with manual knobs and buttons, for instance, the driver can simply press his or her finger against the touchscreen display. Whether the driver is looking to change the radio station, enable Bluetooth, or pull up turn-by-turn directions, these are just a few of the many functions that can be performed using an on-board HMI system. HMI systems may also support the use of apps — something that’s not found with manual controls. Depending on the system and how it is designed, the operator may be able to download new apps to use on his or her HMI system.
