Episode 6 – FENG Webinar: Use cases of immersive Technology (AR/VR/XR) in Manufacturing

Episode 6 – FENG Webinar: Use cases of immersive Technology (AR/VR/XR) in Manufacturing

Immersive Technologies in Manufacturing – FENG Webinar with Markus Rimmele

In this episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I discuss the use of immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the manufacturing industry during a webinar hosted by the Financial Executives Networking Group (#FENG), a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1991.

Immersive Technologies as Solutions for Manufacturing Challenges

The manufacturing industry faces challenges like labor shortages and inefficient processes. Immersive technologies provide practical solutions: AR can deliver real-time support in field service, while VR helps visualize complex machinery and revolutionizes technical training. These tools improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize workflows.

Looking Ahead

Future developments like improved hardware, IoT connectivity, and digital twins will further enhance the potential of these technologies. Small and medium manufacturers, in particular, can benefit from external consultants to successfully navigate their digital transformation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Immersive technologies boost efficiency and competitiveness.
  • AR and VR offer solutions for field service, machinery visualization, and training.
  • The future lies in IoT and digital twins.

Be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS: 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

FENG Website: https://www.thefeng.org/

Episode 5 – Martin Plutz – OCULAVIS – Visual Support with AR, Ticketing & Asset Management in Maintenance & Service

Episode 5 – Martin Plutz – OCULAVIS – Visual Support with AR, Ticketing & Asset Management in Maintenance & Service

Visual Support with AR, Ticketing, and Asset Management in Maintenance and Service – with Martin Plutz from OCULAVIS

In the fifth episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Martin Plutz, Managing Director and Founder of OCULAVIS. Martin shared the inspiring story behind founding his company and explained why OCULAVIS focuses on visual support tools for the manufacturing industry. Our conversation highlighted the numerous features and benefits OCULAVIS offers its clients, including visual support with augmented reality, a ticketing system, asset management, and automatic service reports.

Boosting Efficiency with OCULAVIS in Manufacturing

OCULAVIS is an innovative software tool that revolutionizes service and maintenance processes in the manufacturing industry. With features such as step-by-step instructions, real-time video support, and a ticketing system, OCULAVIS significantly improves process efficiency and accuracy. Martin explained how the tool helps companies tackle the challenge of a skilled labor shortage by centralizing knowledge and supporting field service technicians.

Success Stories and the Importance of OCULAVIS

Martin shared impressive success stories from the industry, including how companies like Trumpf and Liebherr use OCULAVIS to globally support their clients while developing new business models such as “Equipment as a Service.” OCULAVIS has proven particularly valuable for global maintenance of complex machines, like laser systems, helping to reduce costs and improve process efficiency.

Challenges in Adopting New Technologies

Martin also pointed out that adopting new software tools is not always easy. It requires well-planned change management and buy-in from leadership to ensure a smooth transition to new systems. OCULAVIS addresses these challenges by offering a white-label option, allowing companies to customize the tool with their own branding.

The Future of Immersive Technology and OCULAVIS Developments

Another exciting topic was the future of immersive technology in manufacturing. Martin expressed skepticism about the widespread adoption of mixed-reality headsets like Apple Vision Pro due to maintenance and usability issues. Instead, the focus is on leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive maintenance to empower operators and increase transparency.

OCULAVIS is constantly evolving, continuously working on new features such as AI integration and chatbots. Martin emphasized that OCULAVIS collaborates closely with universities and research institutions to attract young talent and continue driving innovation.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  • OCULAVIS provides visual support for the manufacturing industry with features like augmented reality, ticketing, asset management, and automatic service reports.
  • The software improves process efficiency, reduces service costs, and enables the development of digital business models in after-sales service.
  • OCULAVIS helps address the shortage of skilled workers by centralizing knowledge and supporting field service technicians.
  • Successful use cases include companies like Trumpf Laser Machines, which have achieved global success with OCULAVIS.
  • The future of immersive technology in manufacturing is uncertain, with mixed-reality headsets facing maintenance and usability challenges.
  • The focus is on leveraging IoT and predictive maintenance to empower operators and improve transparency.

The conversation with Martin Plutz provided valuable insights into how OCULAVIS helps companies in the manufacturing industry optimize their service and maintenance processes while developing new digital business models. Be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS: 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Martin Pluetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinplutz/

Oculavis website: https://oculavis.com/

If you feel you can add value to this podcast series and want to be our guest, send an email to Sales@DigitalituM.com

Episode 4 – Dr.Thomas Schüler – HALOCLINE – Efficient shopfloor planning in VR

Episode 4 – Dr.Thomas Schüler – HALOCLINE – Efficient shopfloor planning in VR

Efficient Shopfloor Planning in VR with Dr. Thomas Schüler from HALOCLINE

In the fourth episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Thomas Schüler, the CEO of HALOCLINE. Dr. Schüler has an impressive background in virtual reality and shared fascinating insights on how VR can transform the manufacturing industry. Our conversation focused on the challenges facing the industry and how digital tools like AR, VR, IoT, and AI can help address these challenges.

HALOCLINE: Rethinking Shopfloor Planning

HALOCLINE empowers practical experts in the manufacturing industry to plan and design work environments using virtual reality. The software offers an intuitive platform where users can sketch workspaces, import CAD models of objects, and analyze processes for optimization. The great advantage of HALOCLINE is that the planning is not only visual but also functional. It allows for the simulation and optimization of weight, ergonomics, and object placement in assembly scenarios, ensuring ergonomic standards are met.

Virtual Reality for Analyzing Work Conditions

One particularly exciting aspect of HALOCLINE’s technology is its ability to analyze human posture and movements in the virtual environment. This provides valuable insights into optimal working conditions and enables the ergonomic design of assembly processes. VR opens up new possibilities for simulating work environments while simultaneously improving efficiency.

Applications Across Various Industries

Dr. Schüler shared several success stories where HALOCLINE has been applied in industries like medical device production and automotive manufacturing. Through virtual planning, companies were able to save both time and costs. The ability to collaborate virtually proved to be a significant advantage, as teams can work together seamlessly across the globe.

The Future of Immersive Technology

The future of immersive technology, especially in engineering applications, looks promising. Dr. Schüler spoke about upcoming advancements in standalone VR headsets and extended reality features, which will further expand the possibilities of VR in the manufacturing industry. These technologies will allow engineers and planners to work even more efficiently and flexibly.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  • HALOCLINE enables shopfloor planning and design in manufacturing through VR.
  • The software supports process analysis and optimization of ergonomics and weight in assembly scenarios.
  • HALOCLINE has proven effective in industries like medical device production and automotive manufacturing, making shopfloor planning more efficient and cost-effective.
  • VR offers valuable insights into working conditions by analyzing human movements and postures.
  • The future of immersive technology looks bright, with new VR headsets and extended reality features on the horizon.

The conversation with Dr. Schüler powerfully illustrated how HALOCLINE and virtual reality are changing the way work environments are planned and optimized in manufacturing. If you want to learn more about how VR is revolutionizing shopfloor planning, be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS: 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Marek Carbon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekczarzbon/

Aidar Solutions website: https://aidarsolutions.com/

 

Halocline Youtube links:

Halocline Youtube Channel
Halocline in 1 minute
Halocline Sanner Medical Item Part 1
Halocline Sanner Medical Item Part 2

Takeaways

Virtual reality technology can solve shop floor planning problems in the manufacturing industry.
Halocline empowers practical experts to design safe and efficient work environments using their 3D editor.
Halocline offers ergonomic analytics to optimize worker movements and reduce waste. Halocline‘s software uses virtual reality technology to optimize shop floor planning and improve efficiency.
The software analyzes object positioning and human postures to enhance ergonomics.
Collaboration and feedback from different stakeholders, including workers on the shop floor, are facilitated.

Episode 3 – Marek with Aidar Solutions- Technical Training in VR

Episode 3 – Marek with Aidar Solutions- Technical Training in VR

Technical Training in VR with Marek Carbon from AIDAR Solutions

In the third episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marek Carbon, the co-founder of AIDAR Solutions. Marek and his team offer innovative training solutions for the manufacturing industry, utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). During our conversation, Marek shared exciting insights into the challenges and opportunities VR and AR present for technical training.

AIDAR Solutions: Revolutionary Training in VR and AR

AIDAR Solutions has two main products: IDAR Skills and IDAR Service. IDAR Skills is a no-code editor for VR training, allowing customers to create and customize their own VR training programs. IDAR Service is an AR application that provides step-by-step machine maintenance and repair instructions. Both solutions are hardware-agnostic and compatible with various VR and AR devices. They also offer remote support and IoT integration, which is especially beneficial in today’s manufacturing environments.

Challenges in Implementing VR and AR

One of the key topics discussed was the challenge of teaching people how to interact with augmented reality. Since there are no unified standards in the industry, introducing these technologies can be quite complex. Marek also touched on the difficulty of creating interactive 3D models and the concerns around the cost and scalability of the technology.

Marek emphasized that using simpler AR solutions, such as step-by-step guides with IDAR Service, is often a good starting point before companies move on to more complex VR training solutions. We also discussed the future of immersive technologies, which will increasingly integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI could soon automatically generate 3D models and analyze user movements for ergonomic assessments.

Success Stories and Practical Benefits of VR and AR

Marek shared several impressive success stories, including how IDAR was used to train employees at Daimler’s new plant and provided remote support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another example was training dentists on 3D scanners. A particularly striking statistic was that 80% of employees trained using VR were able to perform procedures directly with minimal assistance from experts. In contrast, no one was able to perform the procedures correctly just by reading PDF instructions.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  • AIDAR Solutions offers innovative VR and AR training solutions for the manufacturing industry.
  • IDAR Skills allows companies to create their own VR training programs without coding knowledge.
  • IDAR Service provides step-by-step instructions for machine maintenance through AR.
  • The technology is hardware-agnostic and compatible with various VR and AR devices.
  • Future developments will include the integration of AI to generate 3D models and analyze user movements.
  • Challenges in implementation include training employees on AR, as well as concerns about cost and scalability.
  • Success stories demonstrate how VR and AR are revolutionizing technical training and boosting efficiency.

The conversation with Marek showcased how VR and AR are changing the way technical training is conducted and how these technologies are helping to bridge the skills gap in the industry. For companies considering the integration of immersive technologies into their training programs, now is the perfect time, as both the hardware and software systems are mature and capable of supporting efficient implementation. Be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS:

 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Marek Carbon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekczarzbon/

Aidar Solutions website: https://aidarsolutions.com/

 

Episode 2 – Thomas with Visao – Visualization of 3D CAD models

Episode 2 – Thomas with Visao – Visualization of 3D CAD models

Visualizing Complex 3D CAD Models with Thomas Paquin Lamontage from VISAO

In the latest episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas Paquin Lamontage, the founder and CEO of VISAO. VISAO is a software company that specializes in visualizing complex 3D CAD models through the web and augmented reality (AR). My conversation with Thomas provided fascinating insights into the challenges and solutions involved in showcasing and demonstrating complex equipment and machinery, especially in sales and marketing.

VISAO’s Technology: 3D Models Without Additional Software

Thomas explained how VISAO enables companies to easily and quickly access their 3D CAD models through the web, without the need for additional software installations. This web-based 3D engine offers a significant advantage by simplifying the deployment of models. This is especially useful for companies that need to present complex equipment in sales or training scenarios.

Security and IP Protection

Another important topic Thomas touched on is the security and protection of intellectual property on the VISAO platform. In an era where data and models can easily be shared or misused, VISAO places a strong emphasis on ensuring that their clients’ models are visualized securely and protected from unauthorized access.

Success Stories with VISAO

Thomas also shared several success stories from clients who have improved their sales and marketing processes through the use of VISAO. Particularly in the sales of complex machinery and equipment, the platform enables innovative and interactive presentations, providing substantial value in both demonstrations and training.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  • VISAO specializes in visualizing complex 3D CAD models via the web and augmented reality.
  • VISAO’s web-based 3D engine allows for easy access to models without the need for additional software installations.
  • VISAO helps address the challenges of showcasing and demonstrating complex equipment, particularly in sales and marketing.
  • Security and IP protection are central aspects of the VISAO platform.
  • Successful use cases demonstrate that VISAO can significantly improve sales, marketing, and training processes.

The conversation with Thomas was incredibly insightful, showing how VISAO supports the manufacturing industry with cutting-edge technology. If you want to learn more about how 3D visualizations are transforming the way companies present their products, be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS:

 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspaquinlamontagne/

Visao website: https://visao.ca/

Product demonstration:

 

– Maschinex Production Cell : https://demo.visao.ca/viewer/OmVyZSvpTMeQjf0asXJcuw
– Instruction video on how to: https://youtu.be/UJwD8geQ_9Q?si=XriEdjFlc1NvkUDq
– Integration of Visao viewer into the website: https://www.simardsuspensions.com/en/products/front-suspension/ams40t2/
https://www.creaform3d.com/en/portable-3d-scanner-handyscan-3d

– Machitech Automation – model with Animation: https://demo.visao.ca/viewer/TPZe4IirRM27i7ojXHM6Xw
https://demo.visao.ca/viewer/NWmuyTmWTzG53ZL5CXweMA