Car manufacturers use Web3 features to present their models in a more detailed and realistic way. We’ll tell you about the utilities of the metaverse for vehicle design and manufacturing.
Compared to other industries, the use of the metaverse in car manufacturing is particularly relevant due to the complexity of the products. Automobiles are complex objects that require multiple components and systems to function effectively. In addition, these products must comply with many regulations and safety requirements, which can increase their complexity for manufacturing.
The use of interactive and immersive spaces such as the metaverse allows automakers to present these products in a detailed way. This is a utility that offers benefits to customers as well, as any offer is personalized and drivers can choose according to their preferences when buying a vehicle. This level of design allows customers to be shown what their driving experience would be like in different situations and to customize the models according to their needs, which increases their level of interaction with the product and improves their buying experience.
One of the leading companies in the use of the metaverse for the automotive industry is Ford. In 2021, the company unveiled its first car completely designed in virtual reality, the Mustang Mach-E. This model was created with the help of Ford engineers in collaboration with Unreal Engine game designers, allowing engineers and designers to work together in real-time on a common platform.
At Ford and Bosch assembly plants, technicians are being trained on how to service and maintain the all-electric Mustang Mach-E without needing access to a physical model, thanks to a new virtual reality training tool from Ford and Bosch.
During training, a technician will learn how to diagnose and perform maintenance tasks related to the vehicle’s high-voltage system while wearing the virtual reality headset. This includes tasks such as removing and installing the main battery, as well as servicing and maintaining the battery pack itself.
The virtual reality training solution for assembly plant workers uses an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset from Meta Platforms. Ford and Bosch are working with Oculus for Business to manage their fleet of headsets deployed in Ford’s technician training program, as well as PIXO VR. The company’s proprietary virtual reality content delivery platform enables scaling and iteration of virtual reality training software and applications.
In many vehicle and component companies related to body services, it is commonplace to use the combination of virtual and augmented reality for experimentation in vehicle design. We leave you with a list of eight common uses that this industry employs in the metaverse:
Vehicle design: Virtual reality allows vehicle designers to create 3D digital models and test them in a virtual environment before building a real prototype.
Test drives: Virtual reality can simulate different driving conditions, such as traffic, rain, or snow, allowing automakers to test and adjust models more safely and economically.
Product presentations: The metaverse helps automakers present their new models in a more detailed and realistic way, which in turn increases customer interest and intent to purchase.
Vehicle customization: Virtual reality collaborates with customers by customizing models according to their needs, which increases their level of interaction with the product and enhances their shopping experience.
Technician and mechanic training: Automakers can use virtual reality to train technicians and mechanics in the maintenance and repair of models, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Advertising and marketing: The metaverse can be used to create online ads and advertising campaigns that present models in a more detailed and effective way.
Events and trade shows: Automakers can use virtual reality to create online event and trade show experiences that allow customers to interact with models and learn more about them.
Production simulation: Virtual reality can be used to simulate model production processes, thus automakers optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
So far, the metaverse has played a prominent role in the automotive industry- not just in design, but also in sales, promotions, and branding events. We will see more functionalities very soon. Tell us what would you like to do in an immersive environment with your vehicle.