Consumers will operate a real M2 whilst donning virtual goggles that mimic an exciting route.
With a special twist on certain actual driving experiences, BMW is entering the realm of simulated racing. This mixed-reality system, created by BMW M in collaboration with Epic Games, aims to combine the best of both environments to create an exciting and difficult experience whilst operating a BMW M2.
This year’s Web Summit was hosted in Lisbon, and the initiative, appropriately titled ///M Mixed Reality, was introduced there. It is unlike anything the company has done before. It entails M Performance fans settling into their favourite vehicle and using a pair of virtual reality glasses to enter an immersive digital environment.
They would have to demonstrate their abilities and put their capabilities to trial whilst dealing with fast-paced obstacles throughout the MR test. Virtual impediments that must be avoided and in-game cash that can be obtained by gathering coins strewn about the circuit are what give racing games their element of danger. The BMW M2 will be required to regulate every facet of the journey, with the goggles serving as the digital display. The fact that the automobile will be driven at true speed adds to the excitement, and that will undoubtedly produce some odd feelings.
According to Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, this risky endeavour is a crucial step for the company. Speaking about it, he said that the new MR experience is the response to the question of what future virtual experiences in the car industry may entail. He emphasised that individuals need to be able to feel this novel sensation and that ///M Mixed Reality caters to such needs effectively.
According to van Meel, BMW M has tried to push the envelope of the things that can be achieved from a technological standpoint. The company is setting the groundwork for new immersive experiences and several other offerings.
BMW is not the first automaker to explore augmented and virtual reality behind the wheel, despite the fact that this is their first foray into the field. Audi has also made significant investments in this technology so that buyers may appreciate its cars in a new way.
Although Porsche embraced this Holoride technology, you could only use it as a passenger in a Porsche Cayenne in the back seat when in an extensive showroom encounter.
In its product development cycle, mixed reality innovation has become commonplace, according to BMW. Among these is the development of its iFactory Lydia in Shenyang, China, which is the first production location for the brand to be planned and simulated entirely using virtual tools. It also includes the use of augmented reality to speed up the development of vehicles across various teams and the application of virtual reality to support product planning.
These initiatives are all built using the Unreal Engine software from Epic Games and Omniverse from Nvidia, which will also be needed to make 3D laser scans. In order for the company to fully computerise all of its production sites, this technology is being prepared. This resembles the Unity Engine that Mercedes-Benz has chosen to utilise in several ways.
