Simon Bennett, Head of Research at AVEVA, says digital twin and VR synergies are transforming the industrial metaverse.
Posted: February 5, 2024 11:07 AM Updated: February 5, 2024 11:07 AM
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Simon Bennett, Head of Research at AVEVA, shared insights on how the synergies between digital twins and VR can enhance industrial operations.
At the convergence of digital technologies and industrial operations, the synergy between digital twins and virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a transformative force within the burgeoning industrial metaverse.
Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical entities or systems, have long played a role in industrial environments, providing insight into real-world processes for improved efficiency and predictive maintenance. At the same time, VR has evolved beyond gaming and entertainment, finding applications in a variety of fields including healthcare, education, and industry.
Instead of relying on traditional methods for visualization and analysis, the industry is increasingly adopting immersive experiences facilitated by VR-enhanced digital twins.
In a conversation with Metaverse Post, Simon Bennett, Head of Research and Innovation at AVEVA, highlights the role of digital twins and VR in the industrial metaverse and highlights their transformative impact on business.
Bennett is often referred to as “Mr. Metaverse” also shared complex insights about his role in navigating the tension between disruptive ideas and traditional manufacturing processes at AVEVA. With a team of 2,600 research and development experts, Bennett fosters a culture of innovation, organizes hackathons and collaborates with universities to stay ahead of technological advancements.
Easy collaboration between digital twins and VR in industrial environments
According to Bennett, integrating digital twins and virtual reality into the industrial metaverse will enhance discussion and problem-solving in areas where collaboration and data analysis are critical. Specifically, it improves the efficiency of design reviews for new industrial assets by providing a multiplayer 3D experience for better stakeholder collaboration.
He added that it simplifies troubleshooting field operations by allowing experts from various locations to virtually visit the site and access data from the digital twin to aid in their daily work.
But it’s harder than it looks.
The challenge lies in integrating industrial AI with broader digital twins and upskilling the workforce to utilize this technology effectively. Additionally, leveraging digital twins and AI to promote an industrial metaverse not only visually expresses data-driven ideology, but also expresses it through context.
“There are opportunities for organizations operating in data-rich business environments that rely on sensor data and up-to-date information. This includes factory operations, supply chain management, design-in-construction simulation, safety assessments, operational optimization and any collaborative scenario addressing design, construction or operational issues,” Bennett told Metaverse Post.
He added that generative AI with digital twins allows operators and engineers in industrial environments to efficiently derive insights from vast amounts of high-quality data, enabling informed decision-making and asset optimization. Generative AI’s ability to answer complex questions simplifies analytical tasks and supports asset maintenance and optimization.
Industrial acceptance of digital twins
AVEVA’s approach, integrating digital twin and VR technologies, adds a collaborative environment that fosters immersive experiences, connecting employees around the world in real-time problem-solving and decision-making scenarios.
“Digital twins have proven effective in a variety of industries, from power grids to pharmaceuticals. Case studies demonstrate significant improvements in operational efficiency, time to market, and cost savings through the adoption of digital twin technology,” said AVEVA’s Bennett.
Examples include:
- Life cycle management of asset operations.
- Efficient design process for carbon capture facilities.
- Operating standards at manufacturing plants have been strengthened.
Bennett also believes that incorporating AI avatars into metaverse meetings is not a distant future. The reality is that it is not the fundamental technology that needs to be created. All the building blocks already exist.
“The convergence of digital twins, generative AI, voice-to-text, multiplayer infrastructure, and AI avatars promises improved information experiences and efficient collaboration,” he added.
Regarding the convergence of AR, VR and data science, Bennett said, “We believe it has a broader impact on the technology industry as it promises to empower the workforce and transform the way people work.” Advances like Apple’s Apple Vision Pro are blurring the lines between home and work, creating virtual environments for collaboration and data analysis.”
However, issues such as legal frameworks for AI use and data protection need to be addressed. But this trajectory promises a more immersive and exciting work experience through scalable gaming technology.
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About the author
Victor is the Managing Technology Editor/Writer at Metaverse Post and covers artificial intelligence, cryptography, data science, metaverse, and cybersecurity within the enterprise space. He boasts of five years of media and AI experience working at renowned media outlets such as VentureBeat, DatatechVibe, and Analytics India Magazine. Having worked as a media mentor at prestigious universities such as Oxford and USC, and holding a Master’s degree in Data Science and Analytics, Victor is committed to keeping up with new trends. He provides readers with the latest and most insightful stories from the world of technology and Web3.
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victor day
Victor is the Managing Technology Editor/Writer at Metaverse Post and covers artificial intelligence, cryptography, data science, metaverse, and cybersecurity within the enterprise space. He boasts of five years of media and AI experience working at renowned media outlets such as VentureBeat, DatatechVibe, and Analytics India Magazine. Having worked as a media mentor at prestigious universities such as Oxford and USC, and holding a Master’s degree in Data Science and Analytics, Victor is committed to keeping up with new trends. He provides readers with the latest and most insightful stories from the world of technology and Web3.