World-first use of mixed reality in motoring
Written by: Fuel Card Services, Last updated:11th August 2020
Volvo has teamed up with Finnish virtual reality (VR) specialist Varjo to create the world’s first mixed reality motoring experience.
The new system will make it easier to develop new prototypes, designs and safety features.
Supporting safer driving with VR
Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars, explained: “Instead of the usual static way of evaluating new products and ideas, we can test concepts on the road immediately.
“This approach offers considerable potential cost savings by identifying priorities and clearing bottlenecks much earlier in the design and development process.”
Making use of a specially-designed VR headset for the driver, the system enables photorealistic mixed or virtual reality driving in high-definition resolution.
It allows the testing of new functionality for controls and in-built technology, with ease of assessment for how distracting any new tools may be for the driver.
Evaluating new designs using augmented reality also means safety can be improved, as experts can use the system to drive vehicles and impose artificial scenarios on real-world settings.
It’s showed the new technology will have radical implications for the creation of safer cars in the future.
Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “Mixed reality is at the cutting-edge of tech innovation and it’s great to see its use in automotive design. The next generation of vehicle safety enhancements could have virtual reality testing at their core.”
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