Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation wherein a person can interact within an artificial, three-dimensional environment using certain electronic devices. In recent years, people have been tapping on the benefits of VR in various fields, such as the automotive industry.
VR in the Automotive Industry
In 2019, an increase to $16.8 billion was recorded in the augmented and virtual reality markets worldwide. Even more fascinating is the forecast of a 160 billion US dollar increase in the demand by 2023. Virtual reality marks the potential technology has in modifying our world in various ways.
Among the promising avenues that VR can transform and develop is the automotive sector. In one survey, researchers found that 17% of respondents believed the VR car simulator would receive the biggest VR investment in 2018.
If the VR car simulator upholds its potential in the automotive industry, it can speed up automated vehicles’ development. Additionally, it offers technology to promote safe driving and even enhance the process of learning to drive.
The VR car simulator can revolutionize the automotive industry. From designing vehicles to analyzing how people drive day-to-day, the potential of VR in the automotive industry is profound. You can check: Automotive Market Research Reports.
Autonomous Vehicle Testing
The not-so-distant future of automated vehicles promises completely autonomous driving where an individual does nothing but trust that their car takes them to a destination safely. This advancement will be made possible by the technology that runs the vehicle and with minimal human intervention. Although this technological upgrade is already monumental, it is unsurprising that it still has several safety tests to undergo. Ergo, there’s still a long way to traverse before automated vehicles become available to the mainstream.
Technology can learn how to best respond to all possible driving situations. So, it is a must for the automated systems of autonomous vehicles to undergo extensive software testing. In this case, VR and simulation can be of help by significantly speeding up this testing process.
Additionally, linking the automated vehicle’s testing software to a VR and simulation system allows testing to continue without risks. Since the testing does not have to occur on real roads with pedestrians and other vehicles, the system can build up its knowledge and check its responses without the real world’s dangers.
This technology can also shorten the time needed for testing and at a significantly reduced cost. With VR, no human needs to be present throughout the testing; the computer can keep tabs on the tests. Rather than having to allot more budget for a bigger workforce, the technology can develop on its own, leaving more monetary resources for the vehicle’s development.
Preparing Consumers for Automated Vehicles
Besides designing and testing automated vehicles, VR can also prepare the public for the complex technology running automated vehicles. Sure enough, the technology will have its limits, and there will be times that will warrant human intervention. However, the VR car simulator can still offer the consuming public the opportunity to experience automated vehicles’ operation without going anywhere. This simulator readies the consumers for the possibilities once the vehicles are available for use.
Ultimately, autonomous driving will be an extremely new and quite overwhelming spectacle. But, VR makes it possible for consumers to be familiar and be more accepting of this change.
Automotive Design and Development
Automotive design and development are some of the hardest and costly parts that the automotive industry face. With modern VR software, people from different locations can work together on physical objects in real-time. The Volkswagen team is noteworthy in exemplifying how VR can enhance vehicle development.
More specifically, VR:
- VR provides a method of advanced communication. Employees in different companies can now design the same physical objects, even without having to be in the same place at the same time.
- VR saves time and money. Pre-VR, after each edit, inventors would build a new model according to the updates. With VR, there is no need for remodeling after every modification. VR allows for limitless changes and design modification without splurging money on wasted materials nor time wasted on its construction. After all, it is not until the end of the process that you need a physical mock-up.
The continuous development of VR in the automotive industry has opened many benefits that both the industry and people can enjoy. With VR, the once unforeseeable future may just be a few years away.