Volvo has always been a leader in the field of vehicle safety. The Swedish company is credited with the three-point seat belt and is known for its accident research. Nonetheless, in the quest to build safer vehicles, vehicles are actually destroyed. This could be both dangerous and costly. Now, Volvo Cars has pioneered a new driving simulator that could explore various safety scenarios without destroying a vehicle or possibly harm a person.
Combining Software And Hardware To Simulate Reality
Dubbed by Volvo Cars engineers as “the ultimate driving simulator,” this new mixed-reality simulator is a dream come true for hardcore gamers. The setup is simple – a moving driver seat, a steering wheel with haptic feedback and a virtual reality headset -- but it employs cutting edge technology to put the simulator into great use.
The simulator leverages a real-time 3D platform from Unity and the virtual-mixed reality expertise of Varjo to simulate real-time driving on real roads. The process employs a combination of high-definition 3D graphics and an augmented reality headset, as well as a full-body Teslasuit providing haptic feedback while monitoring bodily reactions of the wearer.
Making Test Cars And Test Scenarios As Real As Possible
When using the simulator, a tester could experience active safety and driver assistance features or upcoming autonomous drive user interfaces. The simulator could switch to future car models and simulate various scenarios. In addition, the simulator isn’t limited on the test lab as it can also be used on real test track roads.
According to Volvo Cars, its simulator makes it hard to tell reality from simulation. This means that the carmaker could study authentic human reactions in a safe environment without having to spend the money for a real test. Volvo could test its technologies and cars in authentic environments, without building physical prototypes.
Integrating Virtual Objects Into Real World
In 2019, Volvo Cars, in collaboration with Varjo, made it possible to drive a real car while wearing a mixed reality headset through the Varjo XR-1 Developer Edition headset. The simulator will use same headset to integrate virtual objects and environments into the real world.
Source: Volvo Cars