Stellantis's Secret Tech: VR Transforming Car Manufacturing

The Revolution Hidden Underground

Tucked beneath the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a quiet revolution is taking place—one built not with wrenches but with virtual reality headsets. At the forefront of this transformation is Stellantis, leveraging cutting-edge VR technology in a dedicated lab since 2018 to redesign the way cars and trucks are built. The 40 x 42-foot VR lab, including a 20 x 24-foot immersive space, serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for car assembly, reducing errors before they happen on the production line.

From Video Games to Car Building

Stellantis’s innovative approach borrows techniques from the realms of video gaming, Hollywood, and architecture. Using real-time physics, motion capture, and 3D scanning, the company is enhancing everything from worker posture to conveyor belt placement. This integration of technologies ensures safer working conditions and smarter assembly processes, resulting in higher quality vehicles.

Tim Fallon, Senior Vice President and Head of North American Manufacturing, put it succinctly: “Manufacturing is at the heart of what we do, and advanced technologies like virtual reality allow us to continuously raise the bar.”

Enhancing Worker Efficiency

One of the lab’s standout features is its ability to analyze how hundreds of real workers move and execute tasks. This analysis helps determine ideal platform heights and tool placements, optimizing ergonomics and efficiency. For instance, VR simulations at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Warren Truck Assembly Plant helped decide the best line heights for underbody wiring installation, ensuring no physical strain for workers.

Rapid Prototyping and Global Rollout

Beyond visualization, the lab features 3D printing stations for quick prototyping of new parts, a practice that drastically reduces waste and accelerates design tweaks. According to MoparInsiders, Stellantis plans to deploy these VR strategies worldwide, enhancing safety, minimizing downtime, and boosting quality across all plants.

The Future of VR in Manufacturing

As Stellantis rolls out this advanced technology globally, it sets a new standard for the car manufacturing industry. With virtual reality at the helm, the future of car production promises enhanced safety, efficiency, and quality, bridging the gap between digital ideas and physical assembly like never before.