Volvo Cars to show the ‘ultimate driving simulator’ in action
Using unconventional technology in brand new ways, Volvo Cars has created what it calls ‘the ultimate driving simulator’ for the development of new safety, driver assistance and autonomous features.
The simulator is made up of an industry-leading mixed reality headset, real-time 3D rendering powered by leading game engine technology and a full-body haptic suit. When used together, it becomes near impossible to separate simulation from reality, which is exactly the point.
With this combination of software and hardware, originating from the world of gaming, Volvo Cars can simulate different traffic scenarios on a real road while using a real car and gather important knowledge on the interaction between people and cars – all in total safety.
The use of 3D modelling and real-time rendering, together with virtual and mixed reality, is a much faster and more efficient way of evaluating prototypes, designs and human-machine interaction. It also allows Volvo to create futuristic autonomous drive environments, and thus prepare for an autonomous future.
Inspired by the technology we’re showcasing, we are inviting you to participate in our upcoming interactive livestream. Guided by Volvo Cars experts, we will demonstrate how our teams are using gaming tech, mixed reality and life-like simulations, and explain how we collaborate with the companies that make all this possible.
Featured technologies and collaborating companies:
- Teslasuit’s full-body haptic suit
By using a haptic suit during testing, Volvo can make people feel imagined situations. The Teslasuit allows the wearer to physically feel how a real car would react in simulated scenarios, allowing us to safely and accurately test human reactions to risky situations we aim to avoid and mitigate. Here we can study how muscles, stress levels, and heart rate react under stress that is perceived as very, very real.
- Varjo’s XR-1 mixed reality headset
A professional mixed reality device which seamlessly merges virtual content with the real world, featuring the photorealistic visuals and integrated eye tracking needed to reliably test the functionality, aesthetics and safety of our designs.
- Unity Technologies’ Unity3D engine
This advanced real-time 3D engine can create virtual environments and objects as close to the real world as it’s possible to get. Our partnership gives us access to Unity’s latest simulation tools, while we share with them valuable information about what the automotive industry needs in this exciting new area.
Date: Wednesday November 18th
Time: 15.00-15.30 CET
How: Livestreamed event from Volvo Open Innovation Arena, Gothenburg, Sweden with Volvo Cars spokespersons
Link: live.volvocars.com/moments
Volvo Cars Spokespersons
Timmy Ghiurau, Innovation Leader and Virtual Experiences expert
Casper Wickman, Senior Technical Leader, UX
Alexander Eriksson, Senior Design Engineer, AD Human Factors
