CYPRESS, Calif. – (July 17, 2014) – Agricultural machinery leader AGCO Corporation is usingChristie® 4K high frame rate (HFR) projection to light up its 3D virtual reality powerwall at its engineering facilities in Jackson, Minnesota. AGCO installed a Christie-powered virtual reality systemat its FENDT Research and Development facility in Germany and, impressed with the system’s results and utility, decided to expand its program to North America. The new powerwall in Jackson utilizes two Christie D4K3560 3-Chip DLP® 4K projectors running at 60Hz, with TechViz’ 3D visualization software technology and ART tracking system, to display images of agricultural machine models in stereoscopic 3D onto an 8-feet by 16-feet glass screen. Christie performed the site survey and full design, as well as the integration and installation, providing a “one-stop shopping” solution.
One of the largest manufacturers of agricultural machinery in the world, AGCO is committed to investing in state-of-the-art visualization technology to aid in design and development of farming equipment at its facilities. Using TechViz visualization software brought to life by Christie’s high performance projectors, AGCO engineers can view virtual prototypes of the machines on the wall during the design and development process. This allows them to visualize site lines inside and outside the cabs, take off the hood, analyze HVAC airflow, and carry out overall reviews of the machines. Eventually, they’ll use full automations of running machines to see how they respond to different surfaces and textures.
Improving Product Quality, Reducing Costs, and Encouraging Collaboration
The core functions of the system are to achieve optimal product quality and reduce costs by streamlining product development. AGCO also plans to use the powerwall for manufacturing and assembly training purposes, as well as servicing and marketing, attesting to the versatility and value of the solution.
“The powerwall has become an incredibly instrumental and useful part of our engineering process,” said Joseph Black, senior business analyst, AGCO Corporation. “By reviewing the models virtually we are able to catch interferences, perform clearance checks and fix engineering designs ahead of prototyping, allowing us to create fewer prototypes before the final product is ready. Ultimately, we hope the powerwall will not only help us reduce costs, but build the best farming equipment possible.” The TechViz XL software enables the display of virtual prototypes in real time without data conversion, and the use of a wide range of applications.
AGCO’s new powerwall has also succeeded in encouraging collaboration among employees and divisions by supporting communication