Porsche Teams Up with Microsoft to Innovate Automotive Service with Mixed Reality

Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) has begun using Microsoft technology to drive its cloud transformation initiatives, which will improve the efficiency and consistency of the company’s automotive services in the United States. With the help of mixed reality technology, Porsche is not only advancing technician training and expertise but also creating an immersive and interactive environment in the service bay.

The German automobile manufacturer is leveraging the capabilities of Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Mixed Reality applications, such as Dynamics 365 Guides and Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, to transform how its dealer partners maintain customers’ cars.

As part of its strategic commitment to HoloLens 2, mixed reality, and the industrial metaverse, Microsoft plans to offer a free upgrade to Windows 11 for HoloLens 2 in the first half of this calendar year.

Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Guides now feature new 3D annotation capabilities, enabling users to annotate objects within arm’s reach, thereby creating seamless physical and virtual content integration. These 3D drawings can be applied anywhere, providing users with more flexibility when explaining complex processes to frontline workers in the field.

The Guides app allows technicians to access a 3D hologram of a car, allowing them to attend remote training classes without the need to travel frequently, saving time and money. If technicians face a complex issue while working, they can use Teams on HoloLens to connect with experts in other locations who can provide them with 3D guidance. 

Porsche recognizes the immense potential of these technologies in simplifying vehicle servicing, enhancing the work-life of technicians, and attracting highly skilled professionals to the company.

According to Whitfield, the Tech Live Look Program Manager at Porsche Cars North America, when the pilot project was completed, the company opted for Microsoft HoloLens 2 as its preferred choice. He stated that the team advocated for it to be the new standard for the company because of its exceptional features, such as comfort, ease of use, and functionality, and they identified numerous potential use cases that could yield a high return on investment.

The announcement follows Microsoft’s decision to discontinue its Industrial Metaverse project two months ago. The team, founded by Microsoft in October 2022, aimed to create software interfaces for controlling power plants, transportation networks, and industrial robots. On the other hand, Microsoft describes HoloLens 2 as the “industrial metaverse technology that our customers use to deliver immersive experiences that enable real-time collaboration.”

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