Ford has developed the 3D CAVE, which uses augmented reality to help improve and speed up their new prototype developments, reducing the need to make ‘real-world’ vehicle prototypes.
The CAVE allows Ford to refine car details and new car designs, from interior and exterior styles right down to cup holders and window wiper blades, in a digital environment.
The idea means that Ford can test their vehicle prototypes in an animated external environment with real hazards and obstacles, hopefully making the design and testing process quicker and more efficient, and reducing the need to test and build physical prototypes, saving Ford money in the long run.
AM Online have reported on the 3D CAVE technology, which works by using a dummy car interior along with 3D simulations projected on to the surrounding walls. The tester wears polarising glasses in order to interact with the virtual vehicle.
Many of the cars in Ford’s current fleet have been tested in the CAVE, including the Focus and Ford B-Max. The B-Max underwent virtual testing to develop the Easy Access Door System and the rear quarter windows, which allow for a better view whilst driving in urban environments: developments which would have cost the company far more money and time to develop in a physical environment.
Virtual Reality Supervisor Michael Wolf said that CAVE has given Ford the opportunity to ‘delete possible car aspects’ and re-think them, making small intricate changes to design and experience, which ‘in turn will develop cars in a way that is more useful.’
Ford hope that the 3D CAVE will allow them to ‘compare different designs, and determine how these can affect driving experience without the need to build the part as a physical prototype.’ Ford also highlights that this will ‘change the way cars are designed, as it can refine thousands of details of new car designs.’