Virtual Reality Automotive Training: A Cost-Effective Solution

The last few years have seen a surge in the popularity of virtual reality. While it was initially perceived as a tool for video games and other entertainment purposes, it is quickly gaining popularity in other fields – especially the automotive sector. Automakers have started to adopt the potential that virtual reality training has in the field of driver safety. Let’s see how!

Today, we’re going to be looking at some of the ways that virtual reality can help improve the training experience of your employees. We’ll also look at VR’s use value in the automotive sector and some of the virtual reality training tools available to us.

While simulated training is not a new concept, it has not been widely adopted in the automotive industry yet. Some may think that simulators are an expensive investment, but they are starting to become a very cost-effective solution for training, in fact. With the use of VR technology, new types of simulators are being developed, including a hybrid model that combines real and virtual world objects. This hybrid model can be used to create a highly realistic environment or to develop one, which is completely virtual. 

These new simulator models are being used to create a more immersive training experience, which can reduce the cost of training and increase the amount of information that can be taught in a single training session.

Virtual reality (VR) in the automotive industry refers to using VR technology to simulate the experience of driving a car or to design, develop, and test vehicles. This allows engineers, designers, and marketers to experience a car’s features and capabilities in a simulated environment, helping to improve the overall quality and safety of vehicles. VR can also be used by customers to virtually test drive a vehicle before making a purchase.

Benefits of VR automotive training

By providing an interactive and engaging training experience, VR helps to improve employee retention and understanding of complex concepts, resulting in enhanced employee skills. The realistic simulation of real-world scenarios and conditions that VR offers allows employees to develop the necessary skills to perform their jobs effectively, making training more efficient and cost-effective. 

Additionally, VR provides a consistent training experience for all employees, regardless of location, ensuring that all employees receive the same level of training and knowledge. Moreover, by using VR for training, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and gain a competitive advantage in the market. In conclusion, the benefits of VR automotive training are undeniable, and its implementation is key to revolutionizing the way we learn and train in the automotive industry.

Among other benefits, let’s summarize the following:

Cost savings: reduced need for physical equipment and travel

Time savings: provides the possibility to train multiple people at once and access training anytime

Increased safety: training can be done in a controlled virtual environment without risking injury or damage to equipment

Realism: VR is able to simulate real-world scenarios, conditions and environments, for example, hazardous situations or emergencies

Customization: enables tailoring training to individual needs and learning styles

Consistent experience: VR provides a consistent training experience for all employees, regardless of location, reducing the need for in-person training and travel expenses.

Improved collaboration: VR training can be conducted in a virtual group setting, allowing for improved collaboration and teamwork among employees.

What are the types of VR automotive training?

Now let’s see what types of training for the automotive industry are there with the use of VR technology. 

Case studies of successful VR automotive training programs

Honda’s VR Simulator

A racing team using VR to train drivers on new tracks and techniques

Honda has launched a training simulator for indie car drivers. As a sport that can be extremely intense and potentially dangerous, racing requires a high level of concentration and discipline to be successful and as safe as possible. There is a lot of training and preparation required by racecar drivers to learn about the vehicles and the tracks on which they compete. With the introduction of Honda racing’s new training method, the company prepared its race car drivers to give them the best experience possible.

With HPD simulator by Honda teams and drivers had an opportunity to train on-track situations similar to the original, for example, hanging track and ambient temperatures, tire grip and wind speed/direction to prepare for Nashville Racing. It also enables testing chassis setups, aerodynamics, engine mapping and development paths. Moreover, these simulations are cost-effective.

AIDAR Virtual Production Line

Training in a VR allows employees to gain valuable knowledge about often very complex processes in an express mode. For, example, AIDAR look at the training process from the perspective of enabling companies to build a knowledge base that can be developed and transferred within the organization.
The purpose of training in a virtual environment is to enable employees to perform tasks under conditions of limited resource availability, such as when there is a distance between the expert and the company or a competence gap.

Challenges and considerations for implementing VR automotive training

Whether or not this technology is implemented, there are still some challenges and considerations to consider. In terms of setting up VR training programs, there are several challenges, including technical limitations and cost considerations. For example:

Ensuring the VR technology is reliable & user-friendly

Adopting VR technology by employees can be challenging, as some employees may be hesitant to use new technology or may need additional training to become proficient.

Developing effective training content and programs

The automotive industry is global, with different regulations and standards in different regions, making it challenging to develop standardized training content that meets the needs of all employees. Additionally, as the industry becomes increasingly digital and connected, there is a need for training programs to incorporate new technologies, such as VR and AI, which require new skills and expertise from trainers and training developers.

Ensuring the VR experience is realistic and immersive

Despite the fact that VR training can provide a safe and controlled environment, it may not be able to fully simulate real-world conditions, resulting in a potential gap in skills and knowledge when working with actual vehicles later on.

Measuring the effectiveness of VR training

One way to measure the effectiveness of VR training is to conduct pre & post-training assessments to evaluate the knowledge and skills gained by the employees. These assessments can be in the form of quizzes, surveys, or simulations, and they can help to identify areas where employees need more training and support.

Another approach is to collect feedback from employees about the VR training experience, such as their level of engagement, satisfaction, and perceived usefulness. This feedback can be collected through surveys, interviews, or focus groups, and it can provide valuable insights into how to improve the training program.

Ensuring the VR technology is accessible to all employees 

Not all employees may have access to VR equipment or technology, requiring companies to provide additional resources or training options for these employees.

Balancing the use of VR training with traditional methods

Finding this balance is critical, as traditional training methods such as on-the-job training, classroom sessions, and workshops are still necessary for certain aspects of training. This paragraph will explore the importance of balancing the use of VR training with traditional methods in the automotive industry.

Key examples are: high costs, technical expertise, limited accessibility, user adoption, and data security. 

So, VR technology and equipment can be costly, requiring a significant investment for implementation in the automotive industry. Technical expertise is required to set up and operate VR systems, as well as to develop and deliver effective training programs.

WE/AR Studio is your VR Training solutions development tech expert. 

Future outlook for VR automotive training

Potential for further cost and time savings as VR technology improves. The future of virtual reality (VR) in the automotive industry is promising. With the continued development and adoption of VR technology, automotive companies can expect to see significant improvements in their training programs. 

VR provides a highly immersive and engaging learning experience that is well-suited to the complex technical skills and knowledge required in the industry. In this context, this paragraph will provide an overview of the future outlook for VR automotive training, including new advancements and trends that will shape the future of training in the industry.

Key takeaways

In conclusion is to be said that virtual reality (VR) offers a range of benefits to the automotive industry as a training option. The ability to provide a highly immersive and engaging learning experience makes VR well-suited to the technical and complex nature of the industry.

By adopting VR as a training option, companies can improve their training programs, increase knowledge retention, and enhance employee engagement and performance. While there are challenges and considerations in implementing VR training, the benefits outweigh the costs. Therefore, it is essential for the automotive industry to consider VR as a viable training option to improve the overall skills and knowledge of their employees and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

WE/AR studio can help you develop just the right VR training solution. We can take your project from the earliest stage of idea development and proceed with it to the going live and analysing stage.

Just contact us at hello@wear-studio.com, and we will get your XR ideas flowing!