Unlocking the future of vehicle maintenance with augmented reality
Until recently, workshop media and repair manuals have largely been text-based. However, this format and approach no longer reflects the complexity of modern Porsche vehicles. As we drive further into the digital age, we’re more intensively exploring potential applications of technologies like augmented reality (AR). For Porsche Service, AR has already presented a solution in the form of PARiS.
PARiS (Porsche Augmented Reality in Service) is a software application that uses CAD-Data to simplify the work of mechanics. It’s available in Porsche workshops in all markets around the world. Using any device with a browser, technicians can use overview 3D scenarios to easily identify the location of components within the vehicle. Common CAD techniques like rotation, zoom etc. can be used to navigate.
Soon existing and new 3D scenarios will be available in the PARiS iOS app for iPad Pro. Using the iPad, the mechanic opens PARiS and captures the physical vehicle components with the device’s camera. PARiS extends the incoming camera stream with correct overlays of 3D data such as 3D geometries with the associated technical information and repair instructions. On the tablet screen, the mechanic is then presented with a representation of the vehicle including digital information and guided repair instructions.
PARiS is intended for use in two main situations: workshop training and day-to-day repairs. In training scenarios, new and experienced mechanics alike can use the system to quickly familiarize themselves with the latest Porsche models and generations — both inside and out. Virtual components can be overlayed on a physical vehicle or, if a vehicle isn’t available, a virtual one can be displayed. For regular repairs and maintenance to customer vehicles, PARiS represents a useful additional tool for mechanics to carry out their work.
Greater visualization, efficiency and repair quality
The greatest benefit of PARiS is that each vehicle component not only receives a uniform name and part number, but also a uniform visualization. After all, there’s no easier way to identify a component than to visually present it in or on the car itself. In augmented reality, the user is shown exactly what the part looks like and where it’s located, removing any possibility of confusion or misunderstanding. This is particularly important if the relevant area of repair is not immediately obvious or in the case of hidden components, where PARiS can offer an ‘x‑ray view’.
What’s more, thanks to the easy-to-use technology and the intuitive user experience that it provides, PARiS improves repair quality and efficiency. The application superimposes data such as torque settings, filling quantities and voltages onto the vehicle so that the mechanic always has the correct values to hand. By ensuring that repairs are carried out correctly and to the best quality in the first place, PARiS minimizes the need for repeat repairs.
Bringing component geometry into augmented reality
To develop PARiS, the team in the Workshop Media department first receive CAD files and parts list information from their colleagues in the Development department. For every individual component, there is an established repair procedure for assembly and disassembly.
If, for example, the driver’s seat is to be visualized and described in PARiS, the team take the files and information relevant to the driver’s seat, as well as some surrounding geometry. The component and its surroundings are then determined and marked accordingly. In the authoring system, the individual repair steps are described, and points of interest and descriptions are added, together with part numbers and relevant links. Even tools can be displayed to show the correct use.
Once finished, the geometry and information are published in the cloud. Later, in the workshops, the mechanics stream the data to their tablets. Streaming provides two major benefits: firstly, it avoids the need to download extremely large files and secondly, it ensures that the data is always up to date.
Further potential for PARiS
PARiS has already proven incredibly popular in the various markets around the world, receiving very positive feedback from many Porsche workshops. So far, development efforts for the application have focused on the Taycan. The entire vehicle, with all its components and repair procedures, can be visualized and described in augmented reality. Looking ahead, there is potential to expand PARiS to include other Porsche models, too.
Further considerations include the integration of AR headsets like the Apple Vision Pro or Hololens 2. The advantage of these devices is that they are hands-free. While wearing a headset, mechanics would be able to carry out repairs with both hands. However, there are still important questions to clarify first. For example, is the battery life of these devices sufficient to last for long and complex repairs? And are headsets comfortable enough for mechanics to wear for long periods of time?
What’s already clear is that PARiS is substantially changing repair procedures in Porsche workshops all around the world. It’s a strong example of how we’re embracing digitalization in after sales to greatly improve quality, efficiency and, ultimately, the customer experience.
Interested in working in development at Porsche? Here is a list of job openings.
About this publication: Porsche is one of the most successful sports car manufacturers. But there’s more to it. Innovation is deeply rooted in the company’s DNA. We started out as a small garage startup more than 75 years ago — today, we build some of the most exciting sports cars in the world. But we can’t shape the future of mobility alone. We have to broaden our horizons, open ourselves up as a company, leave our comfort zone, dive into new technologies and collaborate with new partners. Here, we tell these stories.
