The world of video games provided the impetus to virtual reality during the 1980s and, increasingly, more sectors of industry are now using this technology, such as the automotive scene. In fact, 3D Virtual Reality has revolutionised the way that cars are developed and created cars in recent decades. If you have ever wondered how these new tools are applied to car manufacturing, read on…
Designers using Full HD glasses: Electronic ‘specs’ enable designers to immerse themselves in a driving experience that is similar to what their future customers will have. Although the initial design of a new car always begins with pencil and paper, 3D technology soon comes into play. Thanks to this, designers can not only evaluate purely creative aspects but also other more functional ones, which ensures that 90% of the initial sketches are viable. Time and waste reductions are bonuses.
95,000 3D simulations are made per model: Virtual Reality plays an essential role in every development stage. In the case of the current SEAT Ibiza, no less than 95,000 simulations were performed, a figure that is twice as many of the previous generation car. Among other tests carried out, virtual collisions are staged so that future cars can be safer than ever. During the approximately three and a half years of development that go into each new model, up to three million elements are analysed using simulations, a figure that was limited to only about 5,000 items, 30 years ago.
30% reduction in prototype production time: This technology has enabled a 50% reduction in the number of prototypes that need to be made physically, prior to launching a new model. It also allows their production time to be reduced by 30%. Unlike the situation of several decades ago, today’s latest tools make improvements and decision-making not just easier but also much faster.
More than 800 areas of improvement for each model: The reduction in time and resources involved in the production of a car has a direct effect on customers, not only in the precision and quality of the product but also with lowering the final price and increasing manufacturer profitability. In the case of the SEAT Ateca, up to 800 improvements were introduced before the crossover model went into full production.
Immersion in the virtual factory: Virtual technologies also provide an immersive experience by reproducing the real world. In this respect, by using 3D glasses and a few controls, technicians at the Prototype Development Centre can imitate and analyse the movements made by workers on the assembly lines, in order to optimise their working time and improve workstation ergonomics. Once again, this pays dividends in cutting both waste and time-losses.
Dealerships of the future: Choosing a new car from a catalogue, or traipsing around car dealerships, will soon be a thing of the past. Thanks to Virtual Reality, customers can configure the trim levels and colours of their vehicles and even see the end-results by wearing 3D glasses. Additionally, they will also be able to experience a virtual test-drive, without stepping outside the dealership, or even into a car.
