ZEISS and HÜBNER Revolutionize Public Transit with Holographic Smart Glass Technology

ZEISS and HÜBNER Revolutionize Public Transit with Holographic Smart Glass Technology

(IN BRIEF) ZEISS and the HÜBNER Group have unveiled an innovative holographic display technology for public transit, integrating real-time information and interactive content directly into bus and train windows. Utilizing energy-efficient and space-saving Multifunctional Smart Glass, the system enhances passenger experiences with customizable displays while supporting operators with cost-effective, retrofittable solutions. The collaboration aims to address growing passenger demands for real-time updates and improved onboard information. This pioneering technology will be showcased at CES 2025, signaling a transformative step in public transit innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) JENA, 12-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — ZEISS, a global leader in optical technologies, has partnered with the HÜBNER Group to introduce holographic display technology aimed at transforming public transit experiences. This innovative solution integrates ZEISS’ Holographic Transparent Display into the window systems of buses and trains, delivering real-time information and interactive content directly in passengers’ fields of view. The collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing the capabilities of public transportation.

A Revolution in Transit Comfort and Information

The ZEISS Holographic Transparent Display technology offers a seamless, energy-efficient, and space-saving alternative to traditional infotainment systems. By utilizing Multifunctional Smart Glass, the windows of public transit vehicles can double as high-resolution displays and input devices, presenting passengers with a variety of customizable content. From real-time weather updates and nearby attractions to promotional offers and restaurant bookings, the possibilities for tailored information are virtually limitless.

This technology, developed over five years and now market-ready, was unveiled as a near-production prototype in collaboration with the HÜBNER Group, a global leader in mobility solutions. It will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, 2025, where specialists from ZEISS will demonstrate the system’s potential to revolutionize the transit experience.

Enhancing Passenger Satisfaction

Studies underscore the importance of real-time information in boosting customer satisfaction during transit. Research by DB Regio AG and the Technical University of Darmstadt found that 30% of passengers rely on onboard information displays, with 60% seeking additional updates during service disruptions. Similarly, a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering revealed that 63% of transit users find current information services inadequate. ZEISS’ holographic solutions address these gaps by providing precise, real-time updates integrated into vehicle windows.

Advanced Technology and Practical Benefits

The ZEISS holographic display system delivers over 90% transparency and high durability, seamlessly blending with conventional windows. This robust design ensures resistance to vandalism while maintaining visual clarity. The technology’s low energy consumption and minimal space requirements make it an ideal alternative to traditional OLED displays and bulky monitors. Furthermore, the system can be retrofitted into existing transit vehicles, offering a cost-effective upgrade path for operators.

A Strategic Collaboration

“Our partnership with the HÜBNER Group has created a valuable synergy, combining ZEISS’ advanced optical technology with HÜBNER’s expertise in mobility systems,” said Dr. Viktor Schütz, Head of Partnership Management at ZEISS Microoptics. “The integration of our holographic solutions into large-scale, transparent windows opens up unprecedented opportunities for interactive content and passenger engagement.”

Ingolf Cedra, Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group, emphasized the advantages of holographic displays over traditional systems. “Unlike conventional technologies like OLED monitors, holographic displays require less space, consume less energy, and deliver exceptional image quality. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in both passenger convenience and operational efficiency.”

Transforming Public Transit for the Future

By embedding cutting-edge holographic technology directly into vehicle windows, ZEISS and HÜBNER are reshaping the way passengers interact with transit environments. This trailblazing solution not only enhances comfort and accessibility but also supports the broader mobility transition by addressing the growing demand for real-time, reliable information.

The holographic display platform provides a win-win for transit operators and passengers alike, delivering cost savings, operational flexibility, and a richer travel experience. As the adoption of this technology expands, ZEISS and HÜBNER are set to lead the evolution of public transportation systems worldwide.

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 10 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2023).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 44,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, 35 research and development facilities, and 35 production facilities worldwide (status: 31 March 2024). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

About ZEISS Microoptics

ZEISS Microoptics, the world’s only technology Tier1 supplier for holographic solutions for a wide range of applications in the mobility, hometech and consumer sectors. The “Multifunctional Smart Glass” technology enables, among other things, large-area holographic projection systems, highly integrated cameras in transparent media and holographic lighting applications. ZEISS Microoptics offers the complete value chain from optical design and mastering to holographic replication systems for series production. ZEISS Microoptics is based in Jena, Germany, and is part of the strategic business unit Photonics & Optics.

About HÜBNER Group

Materials. Photonics. | united by passion.

With its Mobility Rail, Mobility Road, Material Solutions, and Photonics business divisions, the HÜBNER Group is a global systems supplier for the mobility sector, industry, life sciences, and science. HÜBNER is a global leader in the field of gangway systems for rail vehicles and buses as well as a supplier of chassis technology and cockpit display solutions as well as door sealing and safety profiles. The company is also internationally recognized as a specialist for sophisticated solutions using elastomers, insulation, and composite materials. The area of laser technology is developing successfully, with applications for cancer diagnostics and spectroscopy, for example. In 2023, the HÜBNER Group generated revenues of around 472 million euros with around 3,500 employees worldwide. In addition to its headquarters in Kassel, HÜBNER has over 30 locations around the globe.

www.hubner-group.com

Media Contacts:

Nadine Tusche
Marketing and Communications
ZEISS Microoptics
tel:+49 3641 644602
nadine.tusche@zeiss.com

Claas Michaelis
HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG
Heinrich-Hertz-Str. 2, 34123 Kassel, Germany
tel:+49 561 998-1710
press@hubner-group.com

SOURCE: ZEISS