Several businesses have been exploring the possibilities offered by Microsoft’s mixed reality (MR) headset. Several car manufacturers such as Volvo and Audi have been experimenting with augmented reality (AR) and MR, and now Ford is joining them.
Ford were already using the HoloLens in a limited capacity, but now the company is expanding its use after a pilot phase. Usually when designing a car, designers and artists will often start with simple pen and paper, then move on to crafting a solid 3D version using modelling clay. Designers and artists can now use HoloLens to adjust 3D models, taking into account real-world limitations and adjustments without needing to rebuild the model from scratch every time.
Designers and engineers can put an overlay over a currently existing car and prototype adjustments for the new model without needing to completing built it anew, or physically build every new prototype. Designers and engineers save a great deal of time and money be using this approach with the HoloLens. It also means that radical new ideas and concepts can be considered, and many more ideas tried out to find the perfect fit.
“At the same time, engineers can see through the headsets what drivers see when they look through the mirrors,” said Systems Engineering VP Jim Holland to Medium, “If HoloLens can help us test ideas without worrying about the cost of expensive clay models or prototypes, then we can liberate teams to be as creative as possible.”
You can watch a video demonstration of the HoloLens in use below.
VRFocus will continue to report on new and innovative uses for Microsoft HoloLens and Mixed Reality.