Microsoft And Autodesk Partner To Create Virtual Product Development Solutions

Microsoft’s HoloLens, a stand-alone computer embedded in a Virtual Reality (VR) headset with Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities, brings high-definition holograms to life, floating in mid air and seamlessly integrating with the physical world in “mixed reality.” The device, which resembles a pair of ski goggles, hints at sci-fi-like computing. Microsoft has reached out to the public to get ideas for their HoloLens augmented reality tech, and Microsoft’s engineers will realize the best ideas.

Time Magazine picked the Hololens as number one tech gadget of 2015. “The headset is potentially useful for professionals from surgeons to space astronauts,” notes Time‘s review. In fact, NASA scientists are using HoloLens applications to collaboratively explore Mars with data from the Curiosity rover, and NASA is sending a pair of HoloLens devices to space with “holographic instruction manuals” for hardware subsystems on the International Space Station.

Recently Microsoft, in partnership with car maker Volvo, released a spectacular demonstration of a virtual car showroom where customers can interactively explore high resolution 3D models of Volvo’s new S90 premium sedan. Customer can rotate the car, zoom on the engine and other internal parts, and take the car to a simulated road test. It’s easy to see how a similar approach can be used by engineers and designers to bring to life product development models and modify them interactively.