Mercedes-Benz has just introduced an advanced new headlight technology dubbed the Digital Light system. While the promotional video focuses on its ability to project words onto the road ahead, this future technology has the potential to do so much more. The system incorporates projecting LED lights with over one million micro-reflectors that can display just about anything onto the road ahead. Intelligent software can also focus the light beam on certain sections of the road to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

Ola Källenius, a member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz stated that the technology will join the existing set of safety systems and with a resolution of over one million pixels per headlamp, Digital Light will be able to create the ideal light conditions for every driving situation as well as extend the visual support for other driving assistance systems. This means that in addition to the data available to the driver through the cockpit and head-up display units the Digital Light system will be able to project symbols on the road ahead to further increase safety levels.

It could, for instance, be used to improve navigation guidance information or warn the driver of potential dangers on the road ahead. While Mercedes-Benz has made it clear that this new lighting system is not yet part of the current options list, it should not be long before we see it added to the existing safety systems on offer. The potential for such a versatile system does make one wonder how Mercedes plans to combat the inevitable attempts by owners to project more than just harmless compliments and road signs onto the pavement. Road rage may take on a whole new dimension in the years to come...