Infineon Technologies and Valeo are collaborating on a short-distance ground projection module that uses laser beam scanning to support vehicle personalisation, external communication, and future V2X safety functions.
The first product from the collaboration is being shown at Auto China 2026 in Beijing on the Valeo booth. It integrates Infineon’s 2D MEMS mirror and controller into Valeo’s high-definition bi-colour ground projection module, with the companies targeting higher brightness, contrast, and resolution around the vehicle.
Daytime visibility remains the main technical hurdle for ground projection. Decorative welcome lighting and low-resolution ground graphics are already familiar in premium vehicles, but safety-related messages require stronger optical performance, clearer rendering, and compliance with automotive reliability and eye-safety requirements.
The module is designed to project information directly onto the ground near the vehicle. Potential uses include branded welcome and goodbye signatures, short messages, and graphics for users approaching or leaving the car. Valeo and Infineon are also positioning the technology as a physical display layer for selected V2X functions.
Subject to regulatory approval, exterior projection could allow vehicles to display context-aware signals such as braking warnings, pedestrian crossing cues, or lane-change intentions. The projected message would be visible to people outside connected vehicle networks, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of older vehicles.
“At Infineon, we believe sensors are at the heart of every meaningful electronic application. With more than 30 years of expertise and our broad XENSIV™ portfolio, we are uniquely positioned to enable the next generation of automotive experiences,” said Thomas Schafbauer, Executive Vice President Sensor Units & RF at Infineon. “Our collaboration with Valeo demonstrates how we go beyond a single device to deliver comprehensive, automotive-qualified solutions. By combining Infineon’s 2D MEMS technology with Valeo’s advanced ground projection module, we are proud to be shaping the future of mobility together.”
The first-generation system delivers bi-colour output, while the roadmap points toward full-colour versions. That progression would support more complex vehicle signatures and a wider range of symbols or alerts, although homologation and regional lighting rules will determine how far the technology can be deployed on public roads.
Maurizio Martinelli, CEO of Valeo LIGHT Division, said: “At Valeo, we are thrilled to announce our new collaboration with Infineon Technologies. Thanks to our joint development, our new ground projection module meets the demands of customers, in China and in Europe, for a more personalized experience, as well as the automotive industry’s stringent standards for quality, safety, reliability, and performance. This initiative reflects our commitment to accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and delivering innovative, integrated solutions that drive the future of mobility.”
The demonstrator is part of Valeo’s wider Auto China 2026 showcase, covering vehicle lighting, software-defined mobility, and intelligent vehicle systems.
