Car needs a service? Try doing it through augmented reality

Volkswagen has developed an app in collaboration with augmented reality specialists Metaio that takes you through a step by step approach to a repair or service of your vehicle.The app, codenamed MARTA, was designed for Volkswagen's concept car the XL1. The Next Web has reported that the app is due for its full unveiling at the upcoming Insider AR augmented reality conference in Munich, Germany.

 

By Eryk Bagshaw

Volkswagen has developed an app in collaboration with augmented reality specialists Metaio that takes you through a step by step approach to a repair or service of your vehicle.

The app, codenamed MARTA, was designed for Volkswagen's concept car the XL1.

The Next Web has reported that the app is due for its full unveiling at the upcoming Insider AR augmented reality conference in Munich, Germany.

“When MARTA is called up the system lists all of the jobs to be performed along with the necessary equipment. The app labels individual parts and elements with texts and shows work instructions clearly” said a Volkswagen spokesperson.

It also offers the opportunity to test out a variety of different car designs, fancy changing the colour of the rims?  MARTA will let you see exactly how they will turn out.

The app has been designed initially for use by mechanics, but its development has far reaching implications for the future of DIY car repair.

It’s not the first move by Volkswagen into a tighter integration of iOS devices into its mechanics with the release of the iBeetle earlier this year, which featured a “genuine integrative interface made from the iPhone” that was coordinated by Apple.

While the app is still limited to the XL1 concept car at this stage, there’s no doubt that augmented reality and car servicing are a natural fit.