By opening a Virtual Reality Centre (VRC) in Chennai, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has set a benchmark for innovation in the Indian commercial vehicle industry.
The VRC will enable operators to execute serviceability and accessibility checks virtually through a digital model accessed via 3D goggles and navigational joysticks. As a result, the technology can possibly transform both R&D and vehicle servicing procedures by minimizing the need for custom-built tools, prototype vehicles, and service bays.
Satyakam Arya, MD, and CEO, DICV, said, “DICV has already established itself as a technological leader with our made-for-India brand BharatBenz. Through this new Virtual Reality Centre, we reinforce our position as innovators and disruptors. The VRC has the potential to make CV servicing and R&D considerably faster, more comprehensive, and more cost-effective. We are excited to pass these benefits on to our customers in the form of affordable, high-tech, high-quality products and services.”
The VRC features an industry-leading 3D Barco projector, a power wall, advanced real-time tracking cameras, 3D head movement tracker goggles, and virtual reality software equipped to engage with the vehicle design via navigational joysticks impeccably.
“Before it goes to market, each new model must be evaluated based on how easy it is to service and maintain. The standard process is to develop a prototype version of the vehicle and then test how service technicians can access its parts and perform repairs. This process is repeated multiple times until the vehicle is fit to be mass-produced. The VRC will allow us to replace many of those prototype-building iterations with virtual modelling and testing. It will speed up the development process and free up resources for further enhancing our portfolio,” added Arya.
Virtual reality also offers more opportunities, such as remote collaboration. For example, by eliminating the need for a physical model and workspace, DICV can now collaborate with Daimler Truck colleagues around the world in real-time.
“This is another example of DICV benefitting from the global resources held by its parent company, Daimler Truck AG. We have access to over a century of technological expertise in CV manufacturing and collaborate with experts working in more than 35 locations around the world. This global heritage, combined with our proud Indian roots, gives us an unbeatable advantage,” Arya said.
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