Major automakers such as Ford, Volvo, and Rivian are beginning to incorporate augmented reality (XR) technology into their workflows. From May 6, 2024, this new approach will complement traditional design techniques and these brands aim to take advantage of the cost and time advantages that digital prototyping using XR technology can offer. .
Ford Australia's design department, responsible for models such as the Ranger and Everest, among others, is using Varjo's XR-3 headset. The device provides high-resolution views and enables seamless integration of digital and physical. This technology ultimately makes design changes faster, more efficient, and interactive, improving teamwork and efficiency before moving to creating physical prototypes.
American electric vehicle company Rivian reports savings of up to $1 million per vehicle program due to reduced need for physical mockups and materials when using Varjo's XR technology. Volvo also recognizes the potential for cost savings by troubleshooting problems early in the design stage.
Adopting XR technology in automotive design
In addition to using Varjo headsets, Volvo has adopted Varjo's cloud streaming capabilities to enable design collaboration between its various offices in the United States, China, and Sweden.
Finnish company Varjo offers high-resolution headsets and mixed reality pass-through, making it a desirable choice in the competitive XR technology market. The Varjo XR-4 model features a 20/20 eye tracker with a 115° field of view, achieving the resolution of the human eye and supporting professional his software. Varjo XR-4's ability to overlay virtual designs onto physical vehicles provides benefits such as early error detection and cost savings.
The integration of XR technology is recognized as only the early stages of technological transformation in the automotive industry. Potential obstacles include a lack of standardized equipment, concerns about data security, and the need for significant infrastructure investment, but the opportunities presented by XR technology far outweigh these challenges. Work, games, and hobbies are expected to undergo major changes.
The bottom line is that while the widespread adoption of XR technology in the automotive industry may require a long and complex road, the potential benefits far outweigh the initial challenges. The anticipated growth of XR technology is likely to redefine several aspects of our daily lives.
