Volvo Tests Microsoft’s Virtual Reality Tech

Volvo Car Corp., which earlier this year began testing Microsoft Corp.’s HoloLens augmented-reality glasses at select European and Chinese dealerships, now is working to adapt the wearable technology for use in the product development process.

The glasses allow designers and engineers to quickly view 3D product schematics and share information with each other. This can speed product development by identifying potential problems earlier in the process. It also allows team members to fit parts together and visualize what otherwise could be difficult to explain, Automotive News Europe reports.

Volvo aims to combine the technology with traditional physical and computer modeling as part of its plans to slash product development time by one-third to 20 months. A team of 15 Volvo engineers is testing the HoloLens technology in Sweden, according to the online newspaper.

Volvo is one of just 10 companies—it's the only carmaker—to be working on the technology with Microsoft. Visitors to dealerships could use the glasses to view different vehicle options and experience various technologies via virtual test rides.

Watch a video about the technology here.