Ford is beginning to design cars utilizing clay car models
and Microsoft’s new augmented reality, AR, HoloLens. This gives designers the ability
to be physically present while creating car designs. Designers can change or
resize overlaid 3D car elements on the fly. Other car companies have begun using
AR for a variety of applications from Test Driving cars to having a VR owner’s
manual. Porsche designers are using the tech for an internal car view point.
This gives them the ability to resize car elements that are obstructing the
drivers view. For now, Ford is only using the tech for early design details of
their cars, until they figure out how they want to fully utilize the tech
moving forward. They see AR as an effective way for engineers and designers to
co-create which saves time in the initial design phase, giving designers more
time to fine tune their creations in the later phases.
Questions.
What huge time saving benefit does AR bring that traditional
3D modeling on a computer does not?
Do you think this technology will bring a tangible Return on
Investment?
Do you think AR modeling is just a phase because the tech is
cool?
Would you prefer to physically or virtually test drive a car
before you buy it?
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ReplyDeleteI think this is really smart of Ford. It is completely different to see something in person versus viewing a virtual model or a physical rudimentary sketch especially when you are dealing with something complicated like an automotive vehicle. Hopefully, by having a true-to-size and in-person model Ford will be able to identify shortcomings and potential risks in their models before a customer has to experience an injury or death due to poor design (such as obstruction of view as mentioned in your summary). I think in the end it will be a tangible return on investment. Ford would have to spend much more money and would also damage their reputation if they later had to deal with a recall situation.
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