Virtual reality is speeding up vehicle design

New virtual reality design software, backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering, can accelerate the process of creating new vehicles by a third.

“The industry is now facing a revolution thanks to VR,” said Gravity Sketch co-founder Oluwaseyi Sosanya. “2D artists, 3D technicians and clay modellers will no longer be separated in an impractical workflow. Gravity Sketch’s professional capabilities – distinct from the artistic aims of other VR products - is democratising design, bringing together these disciplines under an efficient workflow that can be reduced by 30% when compared to current processes.”

The product has been in beta testing since January, and has been used by 500 vehicle and industrial designers. It received funding and support from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub, and the James Dyson Foundation.

Sosanya said the technology could save “millions of pounds” across industries such as architecture, design and automotive. “Gravity Sketch is already partnering with some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers and design & VR software houses, such as Leap Motion in California, to bring about this change,” he said.

“Gravity Sketch is now available to anyone with a VR headset, and by increasing our user base we will be able to further update and improve our software so that it becomes the industry standard for creative design.”