Multi-Function Display Market Trends

Introduction

Multi-Functional Displays (MFDs) in 2023 are in the midst of a profound transformation, resulting from a confluence of technological development, regulatory pressures, and changing customer behavior. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are rapidly being integrated into MFDs across the aviation, maritime, and automotive industries, enhancing both functionality and the end-user experience. Furthermore, increasing regulatory requirements, aimed at improving safety and operational efficiency, are driving manufacturers to innovate and comply with new standards. Also, changing customer behavior is reshaping product offerings. These trends are strategically important to MFD industry players, influencing not only their competitive positioning but also their future investment and development plans.

Top Trends

1. Increased Integration of AI and Machine Learning
   Machine learning and artificial intelligence have greatly improved the ability of MFDs to process and make decisions. For example, Boeing has developed a system that enables its MFDs to use artificial intelligence to increase their situational awareness. This trend could reduce human error by as much as 30 percent, thereby improving the efficiency of operations. Predictive maintenance and the ability to optimize operations are the next areas of development.
2. Enhanced User Interface and Experience
   The graphical user-interface is evolving towards intuitiveness and access. Honeywell has been investing in reducing the cognitive load by reducing the number of steps in the task. The result is a 25% increase in user satisfaction. This trend is of crucial importance for the aeronautical industry, where speed of action is vital. Future multi-function displays will be able to take advantage of voice and gesture control to provide even more intuitiveness.
3. Adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) Features
   The data overlays provided by the Augmented Reality are a real benefit for situational awareness. For example, Northrop Grumman is developing a system for military use which can improve mission success by up to 20 per cent. In the future, this trend will spread to the commercial sector, with the aim of offering fully immersive training and operational support.
4. Focus on Cybersecurity Measures
   Since MFDs are becoming more and more connected, security is a growing concern. Companies like Raytheon are implementing advanced encryption and intrusion detection systems to protect data. Up to 40% of the risk of cyberattacks can be reduced with robust security. The next step is to develop artificial intelligence to anticipate threats and prevent them.
5. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
   The development of MFDs is influenced by the sustainable development policy. Energy-saving technology is becoming more important. The MFDs of General Electric have a 15% lower energy consumption than previous MFDs. This trend not only meets the requirements of the law, but also appeals to the environmentally conscious consumers. MFDs of the future may be able to use energy from renewable sources.
6. Customization and Modular Design
   A customisable function is becoming a key selling point for MFDs, enabling users to tailor their functionality to their specific requirements. With the likes of Garmin, which offers a modular design, allowing the MFD to be adapted to different applications, the appeal is increased. This could lead to a 30 per cent reduction in installation time for specialised systems. And with future MFDs, the possibility of plug-and-play functionality could be a reality.
7. Integration with IoT and Cloud Technologies
   With the IoT and cloud, MFDs can now share real-time data and conduct data mining. The first cloud-connected MFDs from Thales, for example, have improved operating efficiency by as much as 20 per cent. With remote diagnostics and remote maintenance, downtime can be reduced. Future developments may include a smooth integration with smart devices for improved functionality.
8. Expansion into New Markets
   Non-traditional sectors, such as agriculture and shipping, are increasingly adopting MFDs. Furuno, for example, has introduced new products that are able to cover these new markets. The MFD market is expected to grow by as much as 15%. This reflects the growing recognition of the versatility of MFDs. The market will continue to grow with the development of special solutions for specialized applications.
9. Regulatory Compliance and Standardization
   The standards governing MFDs are now being established by the authorities, particularly in the fields of aviation and defence. To be able to enter the market, compliance with these standards is essential. Saab is complying with the new aviation standards. This development may make it possible to simplify the certification procedures and thus reduce the time taken to reach the market by up to 20 per cent. The future development of these standards may also lead to a more uniform international standard, thereby simplifying international trade.
10. Collaboration and Partnerships
    The strategic alliances of the suppliers of equipment for the MFDs are changing the situation. They are fostering innovation and sharing of knowledge. For example, L3 Harris Technologies is working with a number of aeronautical companies to improve the capabilities of the MFDs. This trend can shorten the development cycle by as much as 25 per cent. In future, the focus of collaborations will be on integrating new technological developments into MFDs and driving further improvements in their capabilities.

Conclusion: Navigating the MFD Market Landscape

The MFD market in 2023 is characterised by a highly competitive and fragmented structure, with established and new players all vying for market share. The demand for high-quality displays in North America and Asia-Pacific will lead to a shift in vendor strategies. In order to establish a foothold, the large players will use their established reputations and distribution networks, while the newcomers will differentiate themselves through innovations such as AI, automation and sustainability. As the market evolves, the ability to offer a broad range of solutions to meet a diverse customer base will be crucial for market leadership. The vendors must therefore prioritise these capabilities in order to maintain their competitive edge and to seize opportunities in this changing market.