In the fast-changing world of automotive design, innovation drives us forward. Leading this change is KAI, an AI-based assistant that is transforming experiences. As we explore new ideas, we are always rethinking traditional methods, especially in the early design stages. Virtual reality (VR) and advanced driving simulators are bringing about a major change, revolutionizing how we design car interiors. During an internship at IKA, a new workflow for creating interior layouts was developed by a student, marking a big step forward in automotive design.
Disclaimer: This project is an internship project by a pforzheim student and not an official project from any brand
The Role of KAI in Interior Concept Development
KAI is an AI-based assistant designed to develop user-centered interior concepts for highly automated vehicles. Its primary function is to automatically generate, evaluate, and optimize interior packages to meet NDRA-specific requirements while focusing on user-centric design.
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Using advanced AI algorithms, KAI assesses the packages against human and technical criteria to ensure they meet the highest standards. The ultimate goal of this tool is to produce a CAD model of the interior package concept, accompanied by a detailed evaluation report. This package concept is then transferred into the world of virtual reality and matched with the highly versatile EMU (Evolutionary Mock-Up). The EMU combines elements of both reality and virtual reality, allowing for a seamless transition between the two.
The integration of the package concept into virtual reality, facilitated by the EMU, is a game-changer in the design process. The EMU, placed in a highly dynamic driving simulator, provides a unique opportunity to experience and evaluate the generated concepts very early in the Product Development Process (PDP). This setup allows both experts and customers to gain a tangible impression of the future interior designs.
The combination of virtual reality and the driving simulator offers several advantages. Firstly, it enables the visualization of interior concepts in a realistic setting, providing a more accurate assessment of their feasibility and user-friendliness. Secondly, it allows for early detection and correction of potential design flaws, saving time and resources in the long run. Lastly, it enhances collaboration among designers, engineers, and stakeholders by providing a common platform for evaluating and refining design concepts.
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The integration of AI, virtual reality, and driving simulators marks a significant shift in the way automotive interiors are designed. This innovative approach not only enhances the design process but also ensures that the final product is tailored to the needs and expectations of users.
The use of AI in evaluating interior packages ensures that the designs are practical, user-friendly, and optimized for space. The combination of virtual reality and the EMU allows for early immersion and interaction with the designs, providing invaluable feedback that can be used to refine and improve the final product.
As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for immersive experiences in automotive design are endless. KAI's innovative approach to this interior concept development demonstrates the potential of these technologies to enhance the design process and improve the quality of the final product. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the integration of these technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of automotive interiors, ensuring that they are both cutting-edge and user-centric
About Designer
Fabian Reitz from Cologne is in his 7th semester studying Transportation Design in Pforzheim. Before this, he trained as a technical model maker at Ford. He created KAI during his first internship at IKA in Aachen. He is now doing an internship in Exterior Design at MINI and is looking for another internship to continue his journey.
