System dispenses with virtual reality glasses and uses laser projection on the asphalt to indicate braking and tangency
Porsche has filed a patent with the German Patent and Trademark Office that seeks to bring the logic of video games to the real pavement. The automaker’s proposal is to use drones to project the “ideal steering line” directly on the road, indicating to the driver the perfect route, in addition to the exact braking and acceleration points.
The initiative represents a technical alternative to the use of augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) glasses. Engineers in Stuttgart have identified that the use of these accessories during real driving can cause physical discomfort and motion sickness in many drivers. The goal, therefore, is to make the information visible to the naked eye, allowing the driver to maintain full focus on the circuit while receiving dynamic visual aid.
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The concept refers to the “ghost car” function of racing games, where a translucent vehicle guides the player. In Porsche’s design, an agile drone would fly ahead of the sports car, projecting graphics, lines or markings directly onto the pavement via light or laser emitters.
The system envisions that the drone can be operated autonomously, communicating instantly with the vehicle’s sensors, or manually controlled by a passenger, turning piloting into a collaborative experience.
Practical implementation, however, comes up against significant physical barriers. To be functional, the drone needs enough speed and agility to keep up with high-performance models, such as a 911 GT3, while also dealing with wind resistance and battery life. Another challenge is visibility: the floodlights need to be powerful enough for the lines to be seen both in bright sunlight and in nighttime conditions.
While the patent filing does not guarantee immediate production of the technology, the move signals Porsche’s interest in fusing digital simulation with physical experience, transforming racetracks into interactive learning environments without the need for screens or glasses.
