Hyundai and Kia to use new VR technology for vehicle production process
Dec 20, 2019
A new virtual reality (VR) design evaluation system has been unveiled by Hyundai and Kia. It has been revealed at the Global design Headquarters of both the brands. The system has been introduced at the Namyang R&D Center in South Korea. It basically shows a high focus on the enhancement of the vehicle development processes by the use of VR technology. The virtual reality technology will help to reduce the development times as well as the costs for both Hyundai and Kia.rnrnWhile the Virtual Reality Headsets are popularly used for entertainment purposes, but now the automakers are making use of the technology as a tool for the purpose of designing their future cars.rnrnThis technology basically utilizes the various development applications and enables the teams of designers and engineers to take the vehicle design quality assessments as well as the development verification processes. The new system also makes use of the three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design Technology that basically aims to provide higher accuracy of the virtual models.rnrnVR (Virtual Reality) headsets enable the vehicle designers and the engineers of both Hyundai and Kia to virtually make entry into the developmental simulations, with the 36 motion-tracking sensors that detect and at the same time tracks the locations as well as the movement of all the users and allowing each to participate with accuracy and, in real-time. Currently, the new Virtual Reality design evaluation system can support about 20 simultaneous users, hence it enables greater cross-team collaboration.rnrnHence, the new cutting-edge technology aids the designers from the brands to review several concepts of designs efficiently and early in the developmental process. This reviewing will be done in ways that were earlier not possible physically. The new system helps to simulate the design elements of the interior and exteriors, lighting, colors and materials. The system also allows the users to simulate the operations of several components like the doors, boot-lid, mirrors, and many other components. The new system also enables the teams to efficiently test the vehicle ergonomics as well as the aerodynamics.rnrnThe VR design quality verification processes rnrnhave also demonstrated the immense potential for the development of safety technologies. The participants can virtually test the vehicles in various simulated environments and different situations. Such environments include highways, urban roadways, hills, tunnels, and low-lighting conditions.rnrnThis technology is a part of an investment worth KRW 15 billion (or the US $12.8 million) in the Namyang Research and Development Center. The Center was announced by both Hyundai and Kia brands in the month of March 2019. The companies of Korea have anticipated a reduction in vehicle development time by 20 percent and the reduction in the annual costs of development by 15 percent. This has been done through the implementation of the virtual development processes throughout the Research & Development and the pre-production stages. rnrnThe new virtual technology has been expected to increase the profits as well as aims to increase the continuous investment in the Research & Development for both the brands, Hyundai and Kia.rnrnHyundai and Kia are likely going to expand their use of VR technologies for the functions including manufacturing, design and product planning processes. The technology will also be used to enable real-time collaboration among the design centers across many countries including India too. In addition to this, the companies are also planning to establish remote VR design assessment capabilities.rnrnMr. Albert Biermann, the Head of Research and Development Division, Hyundai Motor Group said in a statement that, “The virtual development process is an essential step for the quick response and agile reactions to the various needs of the customers and the paradigm shifts that happen in the automotive industry.” He further added, “Through the reinforced virtual processes, we will enhance the quality and profitability, as a result, increase in the investment in R&D to enhance the competitiveness in future mobility.”rnrnHyundai has already been using the technology in the HDC-6 Neptune Concept truck which was revealed in North America at a commercial vehicle show this year. Kia is also planning to expand the design assessment capabilities of the facility so as to increase the developmental use of future models of cars.rnrnAlso read:- Tata Altroz Price in India – Images, Specsrnrnimage source-Korean Car Blogrnrn
