AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Hyundai and Kia Debut Virtual Reality (VR) Design Evaluation System

  • Hyundai and Kia’s new VR design evaluation system enables 20 individuals to simultaneously participate in design development processes
  • New VR systems improve design quality and efficiency; expected to reduce vehicle development times by 20% and annual development costs by 15%
  • Additional technologies and capabilities better position Hyundai and Kia to respond to future mobility demands
  • Gained efficiencies establish a cycle of reinvestment into research and development (R&D), reducing development time and improving profitability

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation have debuted a new virtual reality (VR) design evaluation system at the brands’ global design headquarters. The new system, introduced to the Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea, demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology.

Hyundai and Kia displayed how new VR technology will be utilized by both brands in future. The technology uses several development applications, enabling teams of designers and engineers to carry out vehicle design quality assessments and development verification processes.

The technology is part of a KRW 15 billion (US $12.8 million) investment in the Namyang Research and Development Center announced by Hyundai and Kia in March 2019. Through the complete implementation of the virtual development processes throughout R&D and pre-production stages, Hyundai and Kia anticipates a 20% reduction in vehicle development times and a 15% reduction in annual development costs.