Volvo uses gaming technology to make their cars safer
Yes, you read correctly, Volvo engineers will be using gaming technology to improve the safety of their vehicles. They are calling it ‘the ultimate driving simulator’, and no, this is not some excuse to play video games all day but rather a breakthrough in bettering safety and autonomous driving technology. The Swedish automakers will be using state-of-the-art technology from the leading real-time 3D development platform Unity and Finnish virtual, and mixed reality experts Varjo. The simulator will involve driving real vehicles on real roads.
It will work by combining life-like, high-definition 3D graphics, a reality headset, and a full-body Teslasuit that provides haptic feedback from the virtual world, while also monitoring the body’s reactions. The combination of software and hardware will allow the engineers at Volvo to simulate scenarios on a real test track road with a real car. From this, the engineers will gain important insight into the interaction between people and the vehicle, which will help develop new safety, driver assistance, and autonomous driving features.
Also worth a look: the 315kW of Swedish Grit: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed and the Volvo EX90: The Future of Safety Lands in SA in 2025.
FAQ
Q: How does Volvo's gaming technology improve car safety?
Volvo combines Unity's 3D graphics platform with Varjo's virtual reality headsets and haptic feedback Teslasuits to create realistic driving simulations that help engineers understand how humans interact with vehicles, leading to better safety features and autonomous driving technology.
Q: What equipment does Volvo use in their ultimate driving simulator?
The simulator uses Unity's real-time 3D development platform, Varjo's high-definition virtual reality headsets, full-body Teslasuits for haptic feedback, and real vehicles on actual test tracks to create the most realistic driving experience possible.
Q: Is Volvo's gaming technology just for autonomous driving features?
No, the gaming technology helps develop multiple aspects including traditional safety features, driver assistance systems, and autonomous driving capabilities by monitoring how drivers' bodies react in different virtual scenarios.
Q: Will Volvo's gaming technology make their cars more expensive?
While Volvo hasn't disclosed specific cost impacts, this advanced development technology should improve safety features across their range, potentially offering better value through enhanced protection and driver assistance systems.
Q: When will we see the benefits of Volvo's gaming technology in their cars?
Volvo is already implementing insights from this simulator technology in current models like the EX30 and upcoming EX90, with continuous improvements expected as the gaming-based development process advances.
Should You Buy It?
If you're considering a Volvo, this gaming technology breakthrough makes them an even smarter choice for safety-conscious South Africans. With models like the XC40 starting around R799,900 and the EX30 Cross Country arriving soon, you're investing in a brand that's literally using cutting-edge virtual reality and gaming tech to make sure you get home safely every night. The fact that Volvo engineers are combining real cars with advanced simulators means future models will have safety features tested in scenarios most manufacturers can't even imagine. For anyone prioritising family safety and innovative technology, Volvo's gaming-enhanced development process makes their vehicles worth every rand, especially with their proven track record and this next-level commitment to protection.
