The days of drivers sneaking dangerous downward glances at directions on their phones may soon come to an end. Automakers are poised to introduce technology on new cars, trucks and SUVs that projects directions onto the windshield and draws a circle around pedestrians or deer on the roadway. Depending on the vehicle, these augmented reality windshields may also display vehicle information, identify ice patches and, eventually, serve as a screen for entertainment purposes when self-driving cars become a reality. Brands poised to debut the technology include Kia, Hyundai, Cadillac and Audi. Advocates say that the windshields show how technology can be used to reduce driver distraction, keeping drivers' eyes on the road instead of darting toward an infotainment screen or phone.

Despite the show being wholly digital this year, Panasonic's automotive division still had plenty to show off at CES 2021. On Monday, the company unveiled five futuristic technologies that will help make the autonomous vehicles of tomorrow more capable and more comfortable. Those include wireless Wi-Fi towing cameras, a Dolby Atmos surround sound system, and augmented reality HUDs. First up, Panasonic Automotive has unveiled its "first fully wireless Wi-Fi camera." This ruggedized camera captures 1080p at 60 fps, connects via the vehicle's Wi-Fi network directly to the infotainment system display, and is designed to stick onto the trailer you're towing to provide an unobstructed view of the traffic conditions around the vehicle.