Reference DaimlerChrysler - Virtual Reality Technology
Van (R)Evolution Center – Major Deployment of Virtual Reality Technology
Creative, innovative and successful: With the opening of the Van Technology Center (VTC) in May 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG gave the terms “high-tech” and “multimedia” a new definition. The Technology Center, which since April 2005 has employed 1,100 employees from the van division, now has a virtual reality center equipped with the most modern technology. This is the Van Evolution Center (VEC). The VEC supports the development of future van model ranges.
“The support given by UNITY was an essential basis for the extraordinary success of the project. The consultants from UNITY were highly qualified and, with their methodical and well-structured way of proceeding, this contributed among other things to our being able to complete the project on schedule within the cost framework.”
Markus Maier, Head of Development Controlling and Support
With its technology know-how and project management competencies UNITY was able to get actively involved in the development of the VEC. Its main tasks were planning it, developing it and placing it into operation. This involved a benchmarking of hardware- and software technologies available on the market as well as the eventual selection and rollout of the virtual reality systems for the VEC.
Compared with the cost estimations made prior to the process, the hardware and software selection made by UNITY saved around €400K.
Alongside the technological realization of the VEC, UNITY also took responsibility for the project communications. From an early stage, UNITY started introducing future users of the new technology, such as construction engineers and service personnel, to the VEC. The experience gained from this enabled DaimlerChrysler to shorten the start-up phase after the VEC first went live.
Since the VEC is optimally placed in the VTC, and since there has been a structured integration of virtual reality into its new product creation processes, DaimlerChrysler can take advantage of considerable synergies in its van division. Prototype constructors, construction engineers and sales personnel can now study a 3D model together and thereby assess the development status of the components, assemblies and cars more quickly and effectively.
Accordingly, the VEC often makes it possible to bypass the need to build expensive hardware models or prototypes. During the product creation process, decisions are now made with reference to the virtual model, enabling the vehicles to reach a high level of maturity earlier in the process than was previously possible.
One further important success factor for the VEC is its optimized virtual reality data management system, which at the touch of a button displays selected data on a Powerwall for the user. This system was formulated primarily by UNITY. DaimlerChrysler has now entrusted UNITY with the development of its future comprehensive VR-deployment strategy for its van and truck division.
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