Some pictures of the history of automotive instrumentation

The first in vehicle instrument was the speedometer. It was invented by Otto Schulze in 1902. Until then, drivers had to estimate their speed. The speedometer was followed by an alcohol temperature gauge. A few warning lamps surveyed the most important vehicle functions. Later, single gauges like radiator temperature, fuel gauge, and revolution counter were added to the instrumentation. They were superseded by instrument clusters combining several instruments in one housing. Even though the appearance of the instrument cluster did not change significantly from the early days, there was a steady development of the intelligence behind the panel. This huge amount of information could only be handled by graphic displays. When navigation systems came into our cars, a larger graphic display was needed. It found place in the center console. In parallel, the price decline in the computer market and the availability of high‐performing graphic hardware and software made it possible to enhance the classical functions of the instrument board to an interactive multifunctional information panel, with the dashboard being the main interface between car and driver. The windshield was the third zone where information could be placed in a favorable reading position minimizing eyes off the road time. As a consequent evolution step, augmented reality head‐up displays will soon dominate the information center of premium‐class vehicles.