Hyundai, Kia to apply Unity game engine for 3D rendering on its cars

Hyundai Motor"s Kona Hybrid. [Photo by Unity Technologies Korea]

Hyundai Motor Group eager for innovative look has recruited Unity Technologies Korea, the Korean unit of U.S.-based game engine developer, to upgrade real-time rendering technology for in-vehicle software contents.

The partnership was made during the Unity Industry Summit 2019 held Tuesday at Coex in Seoul, Korea, in which Unity Technologies Korea introduced the use of its game engine Unity for 3D design and simulations across industries like film, automotive and architecture.

Rendering images of 2020 Hyundai Kona Hybrid also were unveiled during the conference, garnering much attention from visitors, according to the company.

This is the first time the Korean auto conglomerate has partnered with a game engine developer.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors under the partnership aim to use the rendering engine to reduce the size of 3D vehicle data and visualize vehicle interior and exterior to real-like images and videos. These contents could be featured in ads or personalized promotions for customers.

Unity Technologies, founded in Copenhagen in 2004, develops game engine – a software platform for building video games – and provides software services. Nearly half of the world’s games are built with Unity, according to Unity CEO John Riccitiello, which is now extending its reach to go beyond the game industry.

Earlier than Hyundai and Kia, global automakers including Volkswagen, Toyota, Audi, Ford, Volvo, Nissan and BMW have already partnered with Unity Technologies.

“We’re actively seeking investment opportunities in the automotive industry in hopes to make headways into other industries. It is the most important market in Korea for us to become the top engine for building everything in interactive 3D,” said Mac Kwon, head of auto, transportation and manufacturing division at Unity Technologies Korea.

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