Audi tests 'virtual reality holodeck' for faster product development

Audi is now testing a so-called virtual-reality holodeck for assessing the design of new car models. This technology creates a walkable, virtual environment with a three-dimensional image of a car. That allows development engineers and production experts to gain a realist overall impression of a new model and its proportions at an early stage.

In this way, Audi can reduce the number of complex physical test models, thus saving development time and costs. Audi will increasingly apply Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in the future. Since 2003, it has been using virtually created 3D models as a firm element of its development process. The company is now also testing a so-called virtual reality holodeck so that the design of new automobile models can be virtually assessed at an early stage.

The term 'holodeck' comes from the science-fiction series Star Trek and refers to a special room that simulates virtual worlds. That vision becomes reality in the VR holodeck at Audi where car prototypes can be displayed realistically and with the correct proportions. Those virtual models can then be intuitively experienced from inside as well as outside. Unlike previous VR environments, up to six people can now walk around the car at the same time.