The Record - Issue 19: Winter 2020

69 AUTOMOT I V E Training can also be enabled by HoloLens itself, providing support to employees as they learn the complex systems and processes that goes in to producing a vehicle. Enklu, an automated plat- form for distributing mixed reality applications, enables auto manufacturers to rapidly onboard factory workers with instructor-led training in augmented reality. Technicians learn through augmented reality simulations of real-life sce- narios created by subject-matter experts, which the Enklu says results in fewer technical errors and a reduction in workplace injuries. “Augmented reality evolves the way people learn, innovate and collaborate, but the tools and infrastructure required to create con- tent are prohibitively expensive,” says Leila Amirsadeghi, a member of Enklu’s board of advisors. “Enklu allows organisations to lever- age immersive learning to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness in a lower cost, scal- able way.” HoloLens is being deployed earlier on in the production process during the design of new vehicles. Thousands of decisions must be made by designers in close collaboration with engi- neering and management teams, with a lot of this work traditionally being done on expensive clay models. Ford is using HoloLens to blend these models with physical production vehicles via 3D holograms. “Microsoft HoloLens allows a whole team of people to collaborate, share and look at ideas together,” said Elizabeth Baron, virtual reality and advanced visualisation technical special- ist for Ford. “It is exciting because it helps our designers and engineers communicate effec- tively and ideate to see the future earlier in the process by mixing virtual and physical models. This allows great freedom and efficiency in how prototypes are created or changed.” Microsoft partner Theorem Solutions is help- ing organisations extend the value of their 3D computer aided design assets by enabling them to be used in Microsoft HoloLens 2. “Theorem’s experience is that HoloLens drives major improvements in automotive design, factory layouts and the visual digital twin by closing the cognitive gap between CAD and the real world,” said Kevin Levy, marketing manager for Theorem Solutions. “In delivering a full scale, in-context and visceral visualisation experience, it improves the design review process and delivers cost reductions in manufacturing assembly as well as improving parts inspection and product quality”.