Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced a partnership with Sony Corporation aimed at advancing immersive engineering technology. This collaboration integrates Siemens’ NX software with Sony’s new head-mounted display (HMD) to facilitate interaction and collaboration around complex 3D product models.
The Sony XR HMD, designated as the SRH-S1, features high-definition OLED microdisplays that provide 4K resolution, enabling detailed rendering of 3D objects. The headset is designed for comfort and stability, allowing for extended use by engineers and designers. Its accompanying controllers are intended for intuitive manipulation of 3D models.
Bob Haubrock, senior vice president of Product Engineering Software at Siemens, stated, “We embarked on this collaborative project with Sony to deliver the power of the industrial metaverse to our community of designers, engineers and manufacturers directly in our flagship product engineering software.” He expressed the aim of enhancing global collaboration and co-creation on vital CAD data in a secure environment.
Feedback from users has played a significant role in shaping the technology. Seiya Amatatsu from Sony’s XR Technology Development Division remarked, “Since announcing our collaboration with Siemens at CES 2024, we’ve had opportunities to get direct feedback from Siemens’ customers about the technology.” He noted that many of these users share enthusiasm for the potential of immersive engineering.
The new tools introduced include the NX Immersive Designer, which allows users to engage with 3D product models without additional preparation. The software is designed to facilitate direct interaction with product prototypes and CAD commands, utilising Sony’s controllers for precise manipulation. Additionally, the NX Immersive Collaborator supports both co-located and remote design reviews, expanding collaboration capabilities within teams.
Ian Briggs, the founder and head of Design at Briggs Automotive Company, highlighted the advantages of this technology, stating, “Siemens’ Immersive Engineering technology helps our designers and engineers see, design and edit parts more easily.”
The NX Immersive Designer and Collaborator tools will be available to NX customers, with pricing for the HMD and controllers set at $4,750. Preorders are open, with shipping expected to commence in February 2025. This initiative is part of Siemens' broader strategy to integrate digital transformation tools within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
