2.2.2 The different VR training solutions in the automotive industry

1. What is virtual reality training used for in the automotive sector?

There are many benefits to using immersive training in the automotive industry. 

It allows you to: 

• Better train the automotive players of tomorrow 
• Design vehicles more intelligently 
• Increase productivity 

• Gain agility and skills more quickly 
• Guarantee better reliability of parts 
• And many more 

VR training in the automotive industry is not only used to improve the brand image of large groups, no, this type of continuous training is also used to test the skills of employees, to make mistakes without danger to themselves and to simulate any real-life scenario. 

The automotive industry and especially vehicle production lines can be a hazard for the learner. 

For example, if the student must learn how to handle an engine weighing more than 100kg in a production line, the VR training will allow him/her to learn how to adopt the right gestures and the right placements. 

Thanks to virtual reality, the student will be completely safe, but at the same time will be immersed in a stressful situation that will facilitate the assimilation of knowledge. 

2. Design, prototyping, development, and manufacturing

VR is used in engineering with CAD software to design cars virtually before they are built. This allows engineers to catch problems early on and avoid costly mistakes. AR is used in the manufacturing process to overlay instructions onto real-world objects, making it easier for workers to see what they need to do. Simulations created in VR can be used to test drive cars before they exist, which is helpful for design and marketing.

VR for Training in the Automotive Industry

3. Why is the automobile industry interested in implementing VR solutions?

Training is a set of activities to guide a new employee or improve the performance of an employee in the current position. Well-developed employee training program increases their productivity and loyalty. In the end, it’s people who directly influence the financial results of the enterprise.

Most automakers use a standard approach to train their employees. First of all, employees complete a theoretical training and then practice to work with real operation equipment and materials under supervision.

Аt the practice stage employees feel much stress and make mistakes. Some of the mistakes may be harmful to the employee or lead to equipment damages.

VR training immerses the trainee in a three-dimensional space, simulating a real working environment. Thus, the trainee can start practicing skills in a safe environment from the very beginning of the training.

Mistakes сause no harm in the VR environment, so the trainee feels quite confident. In the virtual reality app, the trainee may repeat actions as many times as it is necessary to make them fluent.

Virtual reality allows you to safely put trainees in any situation and teach them the best working scenarios.

4. What automotive companies have implemented VR employee training solutions?

Many car manufacturers use virtual reality to train their employees more effectively. Let’s take a closer look at some VR training use cases in the automotive industry. 

4.1. CASE 1: Volkswagen

4.2. CASE 2 Audi

Managers in Audi believe that the main advantage of the virtual training program is its effective use in any plant, regardless of its location.

Training in virtual reality is not tied to a special room or profile equipment. Thus, the economy of production resources is achieved.

Audi has a complicated logistics system that requires exceptional accuracy from employees. So, Audi has created virtual reality training to teach logistics employees ergonomic moves and prevent errors.

Trainees find themselves in the virtual model of the real workstation in the Ingolstadt Logistics Center. With the HTC Vive and controllers logistics employees train hand movements they need for their everyday work.

Audi also uses game-like virtual training for dealership employees. The trainee communicates with customers in the VR app and gets points for every interaction. The program counts the points and indicates trainee’s errors at each stage.

4.3. CASE 3: BMW

BMW started implementing VR technologies to its workflows back in the 1990s. Current BMW virtual reality projects are focused on exploring the application of VR technologies and VR integration with training, production, and marketing.

BMW is building a VR-based training system to improve the work of assembly line employees, customer service agents, human resources managers, and safety control officers. After each VR training, BMW conducts surveys and improves existing learning programs based on the surveys’ results.

One more way BMW uses virtual reality is prototyping and testing three-dimensional models before launching them into production. BMW uses Unreal Engine 4 to create virtual mock-ups. The BMW VR application allows you to check how the car will look up to the slightest detail.

5. The different VR training solutions in the automotive industry

Many automotive manufacturers and training centers use virtual reality to train their employees and students more effectively. 

Let’s look at the different VR training solutions in the automotive industry and their applications. 

5.1. Training of employees in logistics

For many automotive manufacturers, their logistics process is not automated. 

Automotive logistics consists of many steps that are crucial to the delivery of a vehicle after it leaves the factory. 

Therefore, if the logistics is not automated, there are bound to be human errors. 

In order to limit the errors of its employees, the Volkswagen Group has turned to VR training to educate its employees and promote their concentration and motivation. 

Learners are immersed in a virtual environment that replicates a real logistics centre. 

The program provides guidance on which objects to interact with and how to do it correctly. 

The VR training was created with increasing levels of difficulty. Students can repeat the levels as many times as they like until they achieve optimal results. 

With the help of virtual reality training, Volkswagen Group has reduced the need for physical space and equipment for employee logistics training. 

At the same time, the company has managed to increase employee interest in their work and implement the required quality standards. 

Volkswagen Group is backing virtual reality solutions for interactive collaboration in production & logistics.

5.2. Car assembly training

Car assembly training

Traditional automotive assembly training does not allow assembly line employees to learn how to master the proper gestures. 

Learners need a different, more hands-on approach. 

That’s where the VR training solution comes in! 

With the help of virtual reality, automotive manufacturers, such as Ford or BMW, create a controlled and safe learning environment and increase the effectiveness of training. 

As a result, VR training helps reduce workplace accidents. 

For example, Ford has reduced injuries on its shop floor by 70%, by analysing the training data performed in VR training by its employees and making the resulting improvements to the assembly process. 

5.3. Automotive sales training

For example, in 2017, Audi launched a virtual reality training program for dealerships. 

One of its modules is designed with the goal of teaching salespeople modern sales techniques. 

The learner puts on his VR glasses and is completely immersed in the heart of an Audi dealership. 

He stands in front of a potential customer and must observe his mood scale throughout their exchange. 

The customer’s level of satisfaction determines the success of the situation. 

6. Digital-based training

Digital-based training is an essential part of the automotive industry. It allows employees to be instructed and monitored in a controlled environment, while also providing a realistic experience that can prepare them for real-world scenarios. Both AR and VR have been used extensively in the automotive industry for training purposes, from vehicle assembly to repairs.

7. Conclusion

8. qui

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