Virtual Reality (VR) in Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Airnow Technology are exploring the impacts of virtual reality (VR) technology in computer aided design (CAD).

During the last 72 years, CAD has changed the way we look at design work.?

What is CAD?

The term “Computer Aided Design” (CAD) emerged in the 1950s and is commonly associated with Douglas Ross, a computer scientist who worked at MIT when the acronym was coined.

CAD is associated with the practice of creating electronic files for print, machining and other manufacturing operations. CAD changed the way that we work forever and increasing the productivity of designers and improving designs was just the beginning. CAD software is used to support both engineers and designers across a range of industries, including architecture, automotive and aviation.

Douglas continued to work on projects that pioneered early CAD technology – such as automatically programmed tools (APT), which led to the creation of automated engineering design (AED). Douglas would hold conferences at MIT to explore the ever-changing technology with up-and-coming graduates.

The first deployed CAD software was called Sketchpad, developed by Ivan Sutherland in the early 60’s as part of his PhD thesis at MIT. Sketchpad was especially innovative CAD software because the designer interacted with the computer graphically by using a light pen to draw on the computer’s monitor.

Using VR to Elevate CAD and Push Boundaries?

Traditionally VR was used to escape the real world and allow gamers to fully immerse into the gaming world. Using headsets, goggles and bodysuits users can simulate the gaming world and interact with other users, virtual buildings and even other planets.?

Since its release, however, designers from all industries have begun using VR to elevate their CAD models. CAD models of products or machines can be loaded into a virtual room and viewed in detail. This then allows the designer to reap many benefits, including an alternative to producing physical prototypes, saving time and allowing for the possibility of creating multiple prototypes to compare in VR.?

As well as this, designers can easily make amendments to their CAD models in VR such as removing or hiding individual aspects, taking measurements and making notes on designs to view in VR.?

All that’s needed is a VR viewer, VR glasses and CAD models.

One industry that has especially profited from utilising the realistic detail that VR can give to CAD is the automotive industry. Following the launch of the virtual world, the automotive industry saw an opportunity to have VR simulations to showcase finished products to their potential customers. The global VR market in the automotive industry accounted for $759.3 million and is forecasted to grow by up to $14,727.9 million in 2027 at a CAGR of 45.1%.

Airnow Technology and Lenovo's ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses

Airnow Technology are proud providers of Lenovo products, including one of their latest VR headsets for professionals: ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses.?

Lenovo’s smart glasses are designed for enterprise with a number of cutting edge features. These augmented reality (AR) glasses allow users to create a customised personal workspace from wherever they are, whether that be using ThinkReality A3 to construct a virtual monitor at home, a private display in a coffee shop, an immersive schematic or guided workflow on the manufacturing floor, and more.

To top this off, you can be assured security for your data - only you can see your virtual workspace by putting on the glasses. Their design also offers protection for those working in an industrial environment, ThinkReality A3’s safety lenses provide the eye protection you need with industrial, impact-resistant lenses and side shields.

You can now bring your CAD models to life with such a headset, allowing for 3D visualisation, guided workflows and remote collaboration.?

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