Autoglass has created a video to show how it believes windscreens will develop by 2020.

The company predicts that a car’s windscreen will soon function as an interactive visual display for everything going on in and around the vehicle.

Autoglass said: “By 2020, the windscreen will combine visual sensors with augmented reality, online maps and GPS technology to provide drivers with live, visual information about the places and hazards around them.”

Dr Chris Davies, head of technical research & innovation at Autoglass, said, “As well as accounting for up to 30% of a vehicle’s structural strength, the windscreen has become an interactive tool for sharing information and improving the driver experience.

“Essentially the car is becoming more like a laptop and the windscreen will evolve into the virtual information screen.”

Davies said manufacturers were already working on assistance technologies such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure systems and sign recognition.

He said: “We believe that within 10 years car manufacturers will have completely revolutionised the function of the car windscreen.

“Both glass and augmented reality technology are nearing a point where the windscreen can work harder to improve road safety, awareness and driving in general. The traditional dashboard will become obsolete.”

• What do you think of Autoglass’s prediction? Does it create too much driver distraction?