BMW Teams Up with Meta to Create VR headsets Tailored for In-Car Use

BMW has partnered with Meta to create VR headsets for moving cars. After a decade of BMW’s efforts to integrate VR into their vehicles, they have successfully overcome the challenge of motion confusion with the help of Meta. Together, they have developed a VR headset that can distinguish between the car’s interior and the external environment.

According to Claus Dorrer, Head of BMW Group Technology, the availability of this technology for users is uncertain at the moment. However, BMW foresees potential applications for XR tools in cars, such as assisting drivers in locating their vehicles in crowded areas and alerting them to potential road hazards.

To address the challenge of motion confusion, BMW has integrated a car’s sensors with the tracking system of a Meta Quest Pro VR headset. This integration also enables the headset to accurately calculate the car’s movement in relation to the surroundings and the device’s position relative to the car.

More practical features

According to Richard Newcombe, VP of Research Science at Meta’s Reality Labs Research, their research prototype demonstrates the potential for engaging and comfortable passenger experiences tied to the car itself. These experiences encompass various applications such as VR and MR gaming, entertainment, productivity, and even meditation capabilities. In addition, Richard suggests the practical integration of AR goggles to provide directions to restaurants, landmarks, and other points of interest.

Dorrer explains that BMW’s collaboration with Meta in research will allow them to explore the future possibilities of in-vehicle extended reality (XR) and initiate the seamless integration of such technology into their vehicles.

Meta boasts its partnership with BMW has the potential to revolutionize travel in automobiles, planes, trains, and more. This is because it can unlock new forms of hands-free communication, entertainment and utility.

Photo Credit: Artiom Vallat(Unsplash)