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FEATURE XR: AUGMENTED, MIXED AND VIRTUAL REALITY
Feature sponsored by
DIGITAL CONTENT IN A PHYSICAL SPACE
Ryan Groom, CTO, Kognitiv Spark, examines why ‘digital content in a physical space’ is key to unlocking the potential of the industrial metaverse
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ccording to analysis by Bloomberg with Newzoo, IDC, PWC, Statista and Two Circles data, the globalmetaverse revenue
opportunity could reach $800bn by 2024. While a positive development, much of the conceived metaverse today is centred around experiences in a purely synthetic space. Even entire real world areas such as New York’s Times Square are being replicated in the virtual world, encouraging consumers to leave the physical environment and delve into a digital replication. In the industrial sector, however, blending
digital content with the physical world is the main aim. The basic premise of a number of metaverse applications is simply enabling virtual interactions that would provide little value in the realmof sectors such asmanufacturing, energy, utilities and nuclear. However, one key component – mixed reality technology – is showingmore promise in industrial applications.
ENHANCING REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES General human-to-human interaction has gone through transformational change, with the invention of the telephone removing in-person conversations, video conferencing then allowing people to see each other, and themetaverse now promising synthetic businessmeetings. However, the very nature of industrial applications means that employees predominately have to deal with physical situations when troubleshooting or learning complex issues. Certain themes and features of the
metaverse can be used to enhance a worker’s productivity and situational awareness. Mixed reality is the perfect blend of digital content in
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the existing physical space and has the power to transform how information is viewed, processed and utilised by workers on the frontline. Rather than abstracting from the real world, it’s about making enhancements to the physical objects in front of us.
THE NEXT STEP With mixed reality providing the foundation of integrating digital content into the real world, the next stage is using spatial computing. This is essentially where the digital identity of the user, input from local sensors, situational data and the physical space, all come together to ensure that the best digital experience is provided to users in the real world. As an example, an industrial worker requires
access to the right content at the right time in order to complete a task effectively. By logging in with a unique account, the system is able to identify the user, and with spatial recognition or GPS, the technology knows where that user is located. With security verified thanks to authorisation on the network, the systemcan also provide the content needed if a trouble ticket is logged or sensor data verifies the issue.While thismay seemlike technology fromthe future, it’s verymuch a capability that’s possible today. The benefits to the worker in this situation
cannot be overstated. They can save time by not having to find the right information via their tablet or other device, neither do they need to disconnect fromthe real world by putting a VR headset on to find the solution. Information is seamlessly available when interacting with physical objects. Spatial computing provides the ability for real data in real-world scenarios
3 DESIGN SOLUTIONS SEPTEMBER 2022
for the best decisions to be made. The varying applications with such technology
can range fromrepair andmaintenance, allowing more inexperienced workers to successfully fix machinery, to hands-on, on-the-job training that doesn’t require cumbersome and easily forgettable trainingmanuals. IoT data endpoints can be tied to holograms of specificmachines or systems, essentially allowing for data to be delivered before any physical work is completed.
A VALUE PROPOSITION THAT’S FIT-FOR-PURPOSE Whether it’s consumer or industry-based innovations in the metaverse, both will require the right mix of hardware and software, but the main difference is how that hardware will be utilised. The consumer metaverse will be powered by a wide range of devices, such as VR headsets andmobile phones. In the industrial space, it’s key that this hardware is hands-free, which will enable workers to focus on physical fixes and improvements. It’s also critical that such a solution isn’t tethered to a device and possesses a transparent lens. It’s these characteristics which will be crucial to ensuring situational awareness remains and participation in the physical world can continue. Whilemany consumers will be drawn to the
appeal of participation in an alternate digital reality that removes themfromthe real world, it simply doesn’t work for industrial applications. While numerous organisations are likely to be enthralled by the potential of themetaverse, they will need to determine if the application of the technology suits their operations and the situations that their employees find themselves in. Mixed reality and spatial computing can empower workers to complete tasks correctly the first time and every time thereafter.
Kognitiv Spark
www.kognitivspark.com
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