Hyundai is using virtual reality tools to speed up and enhance its design processes, with the introduction of a ‘virtual seat buck’ at the Hyundai Design Centre Europe in Russelsheim, Germany.
Ten years in development, the tool enables the design team to experience both vehicle interior and exterior designs in the virtual world, and move design data into the VSB system quickly. In addition, design data is shared quickly with engineering teams via the cloud, allowing multiple departments to work on elements simultaneously across the globe, and comparisons to be made quickly and easily.
Using virtual reality also reduces the amount of time it takes for designers to be able to experience their ideas rendered in three dimensions, as well as incorporating color and fabric choices early in the process. It can also give designers an early opportunity to test the functionality of dynamic elements such as moving parts without having to undertake the time-consuming process of building physical testbeds.
“Our virtual seat buck is an example of how Hyundai is implementing the latest innovations into its working processes, complementing the final clay modeling of the car,” said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Design Centre Europe. “VR will not only accelerate and facilitate our design process, but also enable us to better meet the demands of Hyundai customers.”