<p>The adoption of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses hinges on the ability of display technology to deliver true immersion. Achieving lifelike visuals requires displays with high resolution, vibrant color reproduction, and optimal power efficiency – all within the constraints of compact, wearable devices. While traditional display technologies have propelled AR smart glasses advancements, they present inherent trade-offs. For example, other type projections struggle with maintaining brightness and color uniformity in outdoor environments, or they require bulky optics that limit form factor miniaturization.</p><p>TDK’s Full-Color Laser Modules (FCLM) introduce a paradigm shift in AR smart glasses display technology. Engineered for ultra-compact integration, these laser modules use Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology to mix red, green, and blue (RGB) laser light into a single full-spectrum beam without the need for complex optical components, like half mirrors and lenses. This innovation enables industry-leading miniaturization and achieves high brightness and superior power efficiency compared to conventional displays.</p><p>A key breakthrough enabled by TDK’s laser modules is Direct Retinal Projection (DRP)—a cutting-edge approach that projects images directly onto the retina. DRP eliminates the need for screens and creates a natural depth effect that enhances clarity and reduces visual discomfort. </p><p>By integrating TDK’s compact laser modules, AR smart glasses and headsets can achieve an unprecedented balance of performance, efficiency, and user comfort, setting a new benchmark for next-generation immersive experiences.</p><h2><strong>Technical Foundation of TDK's Full-Color Laser Modules</strong></h2><p><span><span><span><span><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1742991683979-ES2014_09.JPG" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /><span>Picture of Full color laser module.</span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">Core Design and Miniaturization</h3><p>TDK’s FCLM sets an unprecedented new standard in display miniaturization. Measuring just 10.8 x 5.5 x 2.7 mm and weighing only 0.35 g, these modules are designed to fit within the ultra-compact form factors required for AR smart glasses and head-mounted displays. Such miniaturization is necessary to find the right balance between high performance and lightweight, ergonomic wearability.</p><p>Whereas traditional spatial optical modules rely on bulkier optics with multiple alignment points, TDK’s FCLM employs PIC technology. This innovation unlocks the precise merging of RGB laser light (638 nm red, 520 nm green, 455 nm blue) within a photonic waveguide to eliminate the need for mirrors or lenses. As a result, TDK’s module achieves a 10X reduction in size while maintaining high optical efficiency.</p><p>Beyond its compact footprint, TDK’s proprietary Active-Alignment Assembly Technology accelerates production for a 150X improvement in assembly speed over conventional methods. With such an efficiency leap, manufacturers can achieve increased throughput and scalability for high-volume AR smart glasses hardware production. </p><h3 id="isPasted">Optical Characteristics &amp; Performance</h3><p>Central to TDK’s FCLM is a precisely engineered RGB laser system that delivers unmatched color accuracy and brightness. The module operates with red (638 nm), green (520 nm), and blue (455 nm) lasers, merging these wavelengths into a full-spectrum display for vibrant, high-contrast visuals with a wide color gamut that surpasses traditional AR smart glasses displays in fidelity and intensity.</p><p>One of the defining advantages of TDK’s laser display technology is its exceptional power efficiency. conventional display technologies require high energy consumption to maintain brightness, but laser-based projection systems only emit light where needed, reducing overall power draw. The result is significantly lower energy consumption and extended battery life in compact AR smart glasses.</p><p>In terms of resolution, TDK’s current modules support 1920x1080 (1080p) at 60 frames per second (fps) for fluid motion and clear, sharp images. The underlying technology, however, is scalable to 4K+ resolutions, paving the way for next-generation AR smart glasses experiences with ultra-high-definition visuals. </p><h3>Direct Retinal Projection (DRP): The Game-Changer</h3><p>Direct Retinal Projection fundamentally redefines how images are delivered in AR smart glasses systems. Instead of projecting visuals onto a traditional display panel, DRP beams light directly onto the user’s retina to create images that appear naturally integrated into their field of view. This method eliminates the need for bulky microdisplays and instead allows for ultra-lightweight, compact AR smart glasses that still deliver a sharp, high-contrast visual experience.</p><p>A major advantage of DRP is its ability to resolve the Vergence-Accommodation Conflict (VAC), thanks to the great features of focus-free. VAC is a persistent issue in conventional AR smart glasses where the eyes struggle to focus simultaneously on both virtual and real-world elements. By projecting images that naturally align with the user’s depth perception, DRP reduces eye strain and fatigue and makes extended AR smart glasses use far more comfortable.</p><p>Compared to conventional displays, which rely on screens and complex optics to display images, DRP eliminates distortion and significantly enhances clarity. Additionally, DRP achieves superior brightness without excessive power consumption so that virtual elements are more visible in a wider range of lighting conditions, including outdoor environments.</p><h2 id="isPasted">Other Advances: LiNbO₃ and Advanced Laser Modulation</h2><h3>Precision Alignment and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) </h3><p>One of the most complex challenges in laser-based AR smart glasses displays is the precise alignment of RGB laser beams. In traditional projection systems, aligning red, green, and blue lasers into a single, stable beam requires bulky optical components such as lenses and mirrors. Any misalignment results in color fringing, reduced image clarity, and optical inefficiencies that make high-quality image projection difficult to achieve in a compact form factor.</p><p>TDK overcomes this challenge with its Active-Alignment Assembly Technology, which achieves sub-micron accuracy in optical alignment. This process ensures that each laser beam is perfectly merged at the microscopic level, enhancing color fidelity and reducing image distortion. Whereas conventional approaches rely on manual adjustments, TDK’s precision alignment process is automated and optimized for high-speed, large-scale production.</p><p>Further improving performance, TDK integrates Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) into its FCLM. These circuits eliminate the need for traditional optical alignment components by routing laser light through compact waveguides on a chip. This reduces the size of the module and enhances long-term optical stability for consistently sharp and vibrant image projection with minimal power consumption.</p><h3>LiNbO₃ (Lithium Niobate) for Fast Optical Modulation </h3><p>TDK is pioneering the use of sputtered LiNbO₃ (Lithium Niobate) thin films to advance visible light modulation, a breakthrough that significantly enhances AR smart glasses display performance. Unlike conventional bulk LiNbO₃, TDK’s sputtered thin-film technology enables compact, mass-producible optical modulators that deliver ultra-fast response times and higher-resolution imaging.</p><p>A major advantage of LiNbO₃ is voltage-controlled color tuning, which replaces traditional high-energy laser diode modulation. This feature reduces power consumption while improving modulation efficiency and allows for precise and rapid color adjustments. By integrating LiNbO₃-based photonic chips, TDK’s laser modules offer enhanced clarity, faster refresh rates, and superior energy efficiency compared to conventional technologies.</p><h2>Future Developments &amp; Industry Impact</h2><p>Looking to the future, there is still much room for growth in the field of AR smart glasses display technology.</p><h3 id="isPasted">Scaling Resolution Towards 4K &amp; Beyond</h3><p>TDK continues to push the boundaries of laser-based display resolution by developing next-generation high-density laser projection systems for ultra-HD AR smart glasses experiences. TDK is pioneering the use of LiNbO3 PIC chips for laser projection applications while maintaining compact form factors. These advancements will enable 4K+ resolution displays that significantly improve realism and visual clarity in AR smart glasses environments.</p><h3>Reducing Power Consumption for Extended Wearability</h3><p>Power efficiency remains a limiting factor for AR smart glasses wearables. LiNbO3 -PIC enables to realize power consumption for laser projection. This can lead to thermal energy utilization, to prolong battery life and enhance the practicality of all-day AR smart glasses wearability.</p><h3>TDK in AR Smart Glasses Evolution</h3><p>Future applications may expand into AI-driven holographic displays and spatial computing, where TDK’s precision laser modulation will help create interactive, real-time augmented environments.</p><h2 id="isPasted">Conclusion</h2><p>TDK’s FCLM represents a major advancement in AR smart glasses display technology that delivers unparalleled brightness, resolution, and power efficiency in an ultra-compact form factor. By integrating PIC technology, TDK has eliminated bulky optical components while enhancing display clarity and energy efficiency to set a new standard for AR smart glasses wearables. Meanwhile, TDK’s DRP is a major breakthrough that eliminates the need for physical screens and resolves the Vergence-Accommodation Conflict that has long plagued AR SMART GLASSES users.  </p><p>Looking ahead, laser-based AR smart glasses displays are poised for widespread adoption. TDK’s continued advancements in higer resolution like 4K or beyond, and realization of lower power consumption by adopting LiNbO3 PIC technology will further enhance AR smart glasses realism. As industry adoption grows, TDK’s laser modules will help drive the next wave of AI-driven holographic displays and spatial computing and unlock new possibilities for enterprise, consumer, and industrial applications. The future of AR smart glasses is being built on laser precision, and TDK is leading the way.</p><p>Read more about TDK’s vision of the Future of AR Glasses: <a href="https://www.tdk.com/en/featured_stories/entry_069-ar-glasses-solutions.html">Envisioning the Future of AR Glasses Through TDK’s Augmented Reality Solutions | TDK</a>.</p>

TDK’s Full-Color Laser Modules (FCLM) introduce a paradigm shift in AR smart glasses display technology.

Advancing AR Smart Glasses Realism: TDK's Full-Color Laser Modules Unleashed

<h2 id="isPasted">1. Expansion of Interactions in Space such as Spatial Computing and User Interfaces</h2><p>Spatial computing is revolutionizing the interaction between the digital world and the physical world, creating immersive experiences where virtual elements blend seamlessly with reality. The technology spans augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) and enhances fields such as productivity, education, gaming and industrial design. The expansion of spatial computing, driven by continued advances in hardware, software and artificial intelligence, is pushing the boundaries of interactive immersive environments.</p><p>Position tracking of hands and controllers is important to realize the interaction between the digital world and the physical world. Position tracking and interaction can also be used in other applications.</p><p>Application example</p><ul><li>Touch sensitive displays (3D displays, laptops)</li><li>AR related accurately tracked peripheral devices (bracelets, rings, watches)</li><li>General purpose computer peripheral devices (mouse, trackpads)</li><li>Tools tracking (training tool, surgical scalpel, stylus pen)</li><li>Full-body motion capture</li><li>and more</li></ul><h2>2. How Position Tracking is Used for Interactions in Space</h2><p>The position tracking is fundamental to interaction in space and allows you to accurately track position and orientation of objects in 3D space. Accurate position tracking ensures that input from a user is correctly recognized on devices, that virtual elements are correctly positioned in the physical world, and that a user has a seamless and reliable experience.<br>Without it, the virtual objects cannot properly interact with the real world, reducing immersion and engaging experiences.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662910500-img-tracking-1.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h3 id="isPasted">2-1 Traditional Position Tracking Technologies</h3><p>Several technologies are used to achieve position tracking for interactions in space.<br>The following is a basic overview of the technologies.</p><table><thead><tr><th>Tracking Method</th><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1. Optical hand tracking</td><td>Done only by cameras</td><td><p>Poor accuracy in depth and position</p><p>Heavy dependence on environment</p></td></tr><tr><td>2. Optical marker tracking</td><td><p>Modern technology</p><p>Relatively high accuracy</p></td><td><p>Many track markers such as LEDs needed</p><p>Heavy dependence on environment</p></td></tr><tr><td>3. Inertial tracking</td><td><p>Small</p><p>Low power</p></td><td><p>Calibration and original location information needed</p><p>Poor accuracy with drift and offsets</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Optical hand tracking uses a camera to track form of a hand. This is only done by cameras in devices and does not require additional hardware. However, accuracy of depth and position is poor because the acquired information is 2D images. Moreover, it is heavily dependent on context: environmental light such as sunlight, background textures, contrasts.</p><p>Optical marker tracking uses a camera to track markers such as LEDs or features in environments. This is the modern technology and has relatively better accuracy compared to optical hand tracking. However, many track markers are needed, which leads to hardware design limitations. And it is also heavily dependent on the contexts same as optical hand tracking (environmental light such as sunlight, background textures, contrasts).</p><p>Inertial tracking uses an accelerometer and a gyroscope (and sometimes a magnetometer) to measure movements. With this technology, the devices can be small and low power. However, inertial sensors cannot estimate the position by themselves and require calibration of the original position. Furthermore, inertial sensors suffer from drift and offset, resulting in poor accuracy.</p><p>There are other technologies such as optical tracking and magnetic tracking with base stations. It is difficult for them to spread to the general uses because they are relatively expensive and large.</p><h3>2-2 Next Generation Position Tracking Technology</h3><p>There is a new position tracking technology combining ultrasound, optical, and inertial technologies. This new method addresses the limitations of traditional tracking technologies with the features of small size, high accuracy, affordability, and adaptability. This technology is compatible with any devices which include cameras, microphones, and a communication link such as XR devices. Additionally, this technology contributes to a wide range of tracked devices from small form factors to traditional controllers, which is ideal for spatial computing and user interfaces. In the near future, professional verticals such as simulated reality, training, design, creativity, gaming, virtual production, etc. will grow by new devices.</p><h3>2-3 Technology Demonstrated by Sensoryx's Maliang Magic Pencil</h3><p>The Maliang Magic Pencil represents the smart fusion technology of the ultrasound, optical, and Inertial technologies, realizing the features such as small size and high accuracy. This technology invites it's users to dive into spatial computing with confidence and precision.</p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZGcNceizlI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><h2>3. Advantages of Position Tracking Technology using Ultrasound</h2><p>The position tracking is realized by using 1D information (distance and depth).<br>Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to determine the distance and depth of objects by the principle of time of flight (ToF).</p><p>The ultrasound method has several key advantages.</p><ul><li>High accuracy: It has precise accuracy in determining the depth and the position of objects.</li><li>Compact size: Transducers can be integrated into small devices.</li><li>Low power consumption: It is ideal for battery powered devices, ensuring longer operational times.</li><li>Robustness: It performs consistently well in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.</li><li>Light information: It realizes fast processing and response of sensing.</li><li>Wide field of view: It contributes to wider area of sensing.</li></ul><p>By utilizing multiple ultrasound transducers and their 1D information, the position of objects can be calculated. With this technology, 3D location sensing can be done by only ultrasound, so that the cameras on devices can be replaced.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662946298-1727662946298.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p id="isPasted">This ultrasound technology brings a lot of benefits to realize better position tracking.<br>For future devices, miniaturization is needed. This ultrasound tracking technology offers adoptability with the current devices as the existing microphones can receive low frequency ultrasound, meaning there is no need of additional installation of receivers while other technologies need additional receiver design and optimization.</p><p>In peripheral devices or other tracked devices, the modern technologies cannot offer the size of form desired by the user or designers. This ultrasound tracking technology can offer very small form factor. No other technology can or will be able to deliver the highly accurate position tracking at the same time being able to be embedded in intuitive and small tools or devices, such as: watches, pens, rings, etc.</p><p>For the future devices where compute performance is limited, this ultrasound tracking technology offers currently the only feasible technology to perform high accuracy tracking. Established technologies like optical technologies are not useable on devices with low compute and/or battery life.<br>Sensoryx tracking technology is currently the only 6DoF tracking technology.</p><h2>4. Future Example of Position Tracking Devices using Ultrasound</h2><p>A future example of the spatial computing and user Interfaces of utilizing new ultrasound technology is smart glasses. These devices are equipped with some microphones which are essential for capturing precise audio and environmental data.<br>The advanced ultrasound technology is aligned with these devices, leveraging their multiple microphones to provide highly accurate position tracking even under intense light condition and interaction capabilities without the need for any optical reference.</p><p>Ultrasound only technology is instrumental for developing their accessory ecosystem and ensuring seamless integration with not limited to the smart glasses but including the next generation of tracking devices. As such, it expands the possibility of realization of better spatial computing and user interfaces.</p><h2>5. Murata Manufacturing's Developing Ultra-Small Ultrasound Sensor</h2><p>Murata Manufacturing is now developing piezoelectric MEMS ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) integrating its MEMS technology and ultrasonic technology.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662976105-1727662976105.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p id="isPasted">This pMUT brings many advantages with the following features.</p><ul><li>Compact size: It is designed for integration into small devices, enhancing portability.</li><li>Energy efficient: Its low power consumption makes it suitable for portable and battery powered devices.</li><li>Low frequency: Ultrasound transmitted by the pMUT can be received by MEMS microphones.</li><li>Wide field of view: Wide coverage of sensing can be realized.</li></ul><p>With these features, Murata Manufacturing's pMUT is suitable for ultrasound tracking technology, and it contributes to the realization of more innovative devices for spatial computing and user interfaces in the future.</p><hr><table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%;">Sensoryx Information<p>The next generation motion tracking by combination of ultrasound, optical, and Inertial technologies, and the technology realization image shown in the Other Links video below (Maliang Magic Pencil) are presented by Sensoryx, the forefront of reshaping the XR landscape with innovative motion tracking solutions. They have elevated ultrasonic tracking to unprecedented heights with technologies and solution.</p><br></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://www.murata.com/en-global/products/sensor/overview/dl?intcid1=mar_art_xxx_tac_xxx_tac-ows"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1730732718509-Screenshot+2024-11-04+160450.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a></p><p><br></p>

Spatial computing is revolutionizing the interaction between the digital world and the physical world, creating immersive experiences where virtual elements blend seamlessly with reality.

A New Tracking Technology in 3D space - Using Ultrasound

<h2 id="isPasted">What is fashion tech? - diverse technologies and methods evolving the industry</h2><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662428032-img-0001+%282%29.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Providing new product value and customer experiences with technology</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">“Fashion tech” is a term that combines fashion and technology. It refers to the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and IT in customer services; the development of products incorporating functional materials and wearable devices; and the application of electronics and digital technologies in manufacturing, processing, and distribution processes.</p><p>Fashion tech is expected to garner even more attention as a means to invigorate future consumption activities, products, industries, and markets as technology progresses and new products and services are introduced. As mentioned earlier, fashion tech is a broad term, but it can be classified into two categories based on its nature. One is the evolution of services and customer experiences (CX), and the other is the evolution of product functionality and manufacturing processes. We explain these two aspects of fashion tech in the following sections.</p><h2>Fashion tech evolving the customer experience (CX)</h2><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662469020-img-0002+%282%29.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">An illustration of virtual fitting using AR</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">IT and digital transformation (DX) are currently driving fashion tech. There have been many challenges in enhancing sales CX in stores and on e-commerce sites, but many of these have been addressed through IT and DX initiatives.</p><p>For example, when selling clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches, eyewear, bags, etc., online, a longstanding issue has been the high hurdle for purchase decisions due to the difficulty for individual consumers to imagine how the actual products would look on them. However, in recent years, virtual fitting using AR (augmented reality) that can be easily used with cameras on smartphones and tablets has become widely adopted. Even without 3D data for products, the technology to enable three-dimensional representation in AR using artificial intelligence (AI) if multiple 2D images of the product are prepared has lowered the barrier to service introduction.<br>In parallel with virtual fitting, services are now emerging whereby AI assesses how well eyewear and accessories suit a consumer based on the individual’s facial features and the item’s shape and size. These technological advances are driving the improvement of CX through the introduction of fashion tech.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662507296-img-0003+%282%29.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Leveraging RFID and AI to enhance CX</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">Furthermore, the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, including RFID tags and readers, is also advancing, and its applications are moving beyond rationalizing inventory management. RFID is being used to reduce checkout lines and payment hassles by simplifying self-checkout and to protect brands, such as by authenticating genuine products.<br>Additionally, AI is being used to analyze customer and consumption trends across physical stores and e-commerce sites using RFID data. This enables swift response to customer needs through appropriate inventory adjustments. These are just some of the ways technology is being used. The related articles below explain more details.</p><h2>Fashion tech evolving product value and manufacturing processes through technology</h2><p>The DX and CX-oriented fashion tech mentioned above is expected to develop further. In addition, fashion tech that provides new added value to consumers through new characteristics and functions of materials and products is likely to garner more attention in the future due to advancements in materials, wearable devices, engineering, and manufacturing processes.<br>Here, we introduce technologies such as digital fabrication, smart textiles, smart fabrics, and wearables, which are said to be key to the future development of fashion tech.</p><h3>Digital fabrication</h3><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662547797-img-0004+%283%29.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Example of the use of digital data and a 3D printer</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">Digital fabrication is a general term for technologies that make or process products based on digital data. In fashion product manufacturing, it refers to using 3D scanners and 3D CAD to digitize product ideas and patterns and then importing the digitized data into digital manufacturing machines such as 3D printers and laser cutters to shape or process the ideas and patterns.</p><p>Digital fabrication has attracted attention in recent years due to the diversification of needs and the development of digital technologies. By streamlining the design and manufacturing processes, digital fabrication has made it possible to accommodate high-mix, low-volume production and the manufacturing of personalized products. It is also gaining attention as a technology for providing new added value to products, such as the manufacturing and processing of materials with structures, functions, and properties that were not previously available.</p><h3>Smart fabrics (smart textiles)</h3><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727662583771-img-0005+%281%29.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Providing new added value by imparting functionality to materials themselves</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">Expectations are rising for smart fabrics or smart textiles (hereinafter, smart fabrics), technologies that create new added value by imparting functionality to fashion products’ materials themselves. The digital fabrication mentioned earlier is also a means to realize these technologies.</p><p>Smart fabrics generally refer to imparting functionality to fibers by integrating electronics technology. The functions are diverse. For example, the clothing itself may function as a sensor to monitor the wearer’s health condition, use electricity for sterilization, or regulate temperature. Various R&amp;D and commercialization efforts are underway to realize these functions.<br>Many of these technologies are attracting attention for a wide range of purposes, such as health and medical care, sports and fitness, and safety improvement. The introduction of such technologies into everyday clothing is being plotted to provide new added value through fashion products with advanced functionality.</p>

“Fashion tech” refers to the use of big data, AI, AR/VR, and IT in customer services; the development of products incorporating functional materials and wearable devices; and the application of electronics and digital technologies in manufacturing, processing, and distribution processes.

What is Fashion Tech? Providing New Product Value and Customer Experiences with Technology

<p><strong>In a constantly changing world – saturated with a multitude of impressions – it can sometimes be difficult to maintain an overview. After all, all impressions not only have to be perceived, but also interpreted, which ultimately opens up a wide range of options for action. This is where LUMINOUS (Language Augmentation for Humanverse) system comes into play. The DFKI-technology collects countless impressions, interprets them and can suggest an appropriate action using MLLM.</strong></p><blockquote id="isPasted"><p>"Through our developed technology, virtual worlds become increasingly intelligent. The intuitive interaction (via text) with the system and automatic generation of complex behaviors and processes through 'generative AI' or so-called 'Multi-Modal Large Language Models' enable us not only to experience them, but also to test them. To achieve this, at project LUMINOUS we are working in parallel on several approaches such as automatic code generation, the rapid input of new data and other solutions."</p><footer>Didier Stricker, Lead "Augmented Vision" at DFKI</footer></blockquote><header><h2>System observes, interprets – and refines itself</h2></header><p>In the new LUMINOUS project, DFKI is working on next-generation augmented reality (XR) systems. In the future, generative and multimodal language models (MLLM) will join the existing technical extensions of our visually perceived reality, such as the form of texts, animations or the insertion of virtual objects, and redefine interaction with augmented reality (XR) technology.</p><p>Muhammad Zeshan Afzal, researcher in the department 'Augmented Vision' at DFKI explains, how this might look like in practise:</p><p><em>„Let’s take the following scenario: a fire breaks out in a room. In this case, our system first determines where the person – who is equipped with our technology – is currently located. It then collects relevant data from their immediate surroundings, such as the presence of a fire extinguisher or an emergency exit and passes this on to the generative and multimodal language model. This then determines a suitable recommendation for action, such as initiating the extinguishing process using a fire extinguisher, closing windows, or getting to safety.”</em><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI2NTMwNzIzODgwLTEyNDIxNC5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></em></p><header id="isPasted"><h2>Learning from descriptions creates flexibility</h2></header><p>Until now, R&amp;D endeavours have been largely limited to the spatial tracking of users and their environment. The result: very specific, limited, and non-generalisable representations, as well as predefined graphic visualizations and animations. „Language Augmentation for Humanverse“ aims to change this in the future.</p><p>To achieve this, the researchers at DFKI are developing a platform with language support that adapts to individual, non-predefined user needs and previously unknown augmented reality environments. The adaptable concept originates from zero-shot learning (ZSL), an AI system that is trained to recognize and categorize objects and scenarios – without having seen exemplary reference material in advance.</p><p>The assistance helps LUMINOUS to learn and constantly expand its knowledge – beyond the pure training data. By making names and text descriptions available to the LLM, LUMINOUS will use its database of image descriptions to build up a flexible image and text vocabulary that makes it possible to recognize even unknown objects or scenes.</p><header><h2>Interactive support in real time</h2><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1726530985514-vinicius-amnx-amano-XOnbUXqILzA-unsplash.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on Unsplash</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">The areas of application for augmented reality systems such as LUMINOUS go beyond situational assistance. „We are currently investigating possible applications for everyday care of sick people, implementation of training programmes, performance monitoring and motivation”, says Zeshan Afzal.</p><p>As a kind of translator, the LLM from LUMINOUS should be able to describe everyday activities on command and mediate them to users via a voice interface or avatar. The visual assistance and recommended actions provided in this way will then support everyday activities in real time.</p><h2>LUMINOUS in application</h2><p id="isPasted">The results of the project are being tested in three pilot projects focussing on neurorehabilitation (support for stroke patients with speech disorders), immersive safety training in the workplace and the testing of 3D architectural designs.</p><p>In the case of neurorehabilitation of stroke patients with severe communication deficits (aphasia), realistic virtual characters (avatars) support the initiation of conversation through image-directed models. These are based on natural language and enable generalization to other activities of daily life. Objects in the scene (including people) are recognized in real time using eye-tracking and object recognition algorithms. Patients can then ask the avatar or MLLM to articulate either the name of the object or the first phoneme. To use the language models in the patient’s respective environment, patients undergo personalised and intensive XR-supported training.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1726531264095-amr-taha-JpmhbbPhuZA-unsplash.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Amr Taha™ on Unsplash</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">The LUMINOUS-Tech captures the movements and style of the human trainer with a minimal number of sensors to enable the modelling and instantiation of three-dimensional avatars. The aim is to use only kinematic information derived exclusively from the input of the headset, the position of the head and the hands during training.</p><p>Future users of these new XR-systems will be able to interact seamlessly with their environment by using language models while having access to constantly updated global and domain-specific knowledge sources. In this way, new XR-technologies can be used for distance learning and education, entertainment, or healthcare services, for example.</p><hr><header id="isPasted"><h2>Partners:</h2></header><ul><li>German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence GmbH (DFKI)</li><li>Ludus Tech SL</li><li>Mindesk Societa a Responsabilita Limita</li><li>Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research</li><li>Universidad del Pais Vasco/Euskal Herriko Universitatea</li><li>Fundación Centro de Tecnologias de Interacción visual y Comunicaciones Vicomtech</li><li>University College Dublin</li><li>National University of Ireland</li><li>Hypercliq IKE</li><li>Ricoh International B.V. – Brach Office Germany</li><li>MindMaze SA</li><li>Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois</li><li>University College London</li></ul><p>The project is subsidised by the European Union. Project LUMINOUS (Language Augmentation for Humanverse) does in no way shape or form relate to the AI Language Model Luminous, developed by Aleph Alpha.</p></header>

The DFKI-technology collects countless impressions, interprets them and can suggest an appropriate action using MLLM.

Project Luminous: The next level of Augmented Reality

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The transportation industry is rapidly evolving, driven by a global shift towards electrification. Ambitious climate goals and growing consumer demand for sustainability have made the electric vehicle (EV) market a center of innovation.</p><p dir="ltr">In this evolving landscape, virtual prototyping has become vital for engineers, enabling more efficient and flexible EV development. While physical testing remains essential, its time and cost constraints can limit its effectiveness, making virtual prototyping indispensable for rapid, cost-effective design optimization.</p><p dir="ltr">Virtual prototyping leverages predictive, real-time, and immersive simulation software, allowing engineers across domains to design, test, and validate vehicle components and systems in a digital, single-source environment before building any physical prototypes. It accelerates development, reduces costs, and fosters innovation by enabling rapid iteration and collaborative decision-making, particularly in exploring new designs, battery technology, and lightweight materials.</p><p dir="ltr">Leading automakers such as Volvo, Toyota, SEAT, Renault, Toyoda Gosei, Hyundai, and Audi have embraced virtual prototyping in some capacity to stay competitive in this ever-evolving EV market and meet growing demands for sustainable, high-performance vehicles. This progressive approach enhances design efficiency and aligns with the industry's broader shift towards innovation.1</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.esi-group.com/company/who-we-are" target="_blank">ESI Group</a>, a pioneer in this field, has been at the forefront of virtual prototyping since its first-ever crash simulation with Volkswagen in 1985. Today, ESI leads the field by setting new standards for virtual homologation, enabling automakers to validate their designs from the outset and eliminating the need for multiple costly and time-consuming physical prototypes for safety certification.</p><p dir="ltr">This article provides an overview of how ESI's virtual prototyping solutions are transforming EV development.</p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Overcoming Crash and Safety Testing Challenges</h2><p dir="ltr">Vehicle safety and structural integrity are critical in automotive design, especially for EVs. Simulation techniques are essential for analyzing crash dynamics, safety features, and overall performance. This approach allows designers to rapidly develop innovative solutions that meet evolving regulations and e-mobility challenges, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient vehicles.</p><p dir="ltr">Here is how ESI's <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution" target="_blank">virtual performance simulation</a> (VPS) software helps engineers tackle the most challenging cases in automotive engineering:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Struggling with tight deadlines for testing crash scenarios?&nbsp;Test various scenarios in virtual crash simulation, including frontal, side pole, and far-side collisions, to evaluate vehicle deformation and its impact on occupants and pedestrians without the cost and delays of physical tests.2</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Need to analyze complex airbag deployment? VPS accurately models and simulates airbag folding and deployment, including intricate side curtain airbags and non-uniform pressures, and is renowned for its unmatched accuracy and efficiency.3&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Concerned about evaluating battery performance and safety early in development? Assess full car crash scenarios, regulatory crush analysis, and battery stiffness, shock, and swelling in crash and safety simulation to ensure designs meet rigorous safety standards before physical testing.4&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Looking for a cost-effective way to assess vehicle strength and dynamics?&nbsp;Use ESI's single simulation tool to evaluate vehicle strength and dynamics, including stiffness, pothole impacts, door and hood durability, and the impact of water crossing. This enhances reliability while reducing testing mileage and material cost, making it more environmentally friendly.&nbsp;5</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">In short, ESI's simulation software for virtual crash, safety, and structural testing enables you to effectively manage the complexities of modern vehicle design.</p><p dir="ltr">However, another crucial aspect of vehicle performance engineering that demands just as much attention is vibro-acoustic performance.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Mastering Noise and Sound to Enhance EV Acoustics</h2><p dir="ltr">As vehicle electrification increases, managing acoustic comfort and compliance with noise regulations becomes increasingly crucial. Traditional acoustic testing may not address the complexities of new EVs, making virtual vibro-acoustic simulation a more comprehensive approach for optimizing interior and exterior noise.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">But how efficiently can you conduct vibro-acoustic analysis? Are you struggling to ensure a quiet, comfortable environment for passengers while meeting pass-by noise regulations and ensuring effective acoustic warning systems?</p><p dir="ltr">Here's how ESI's <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/va-one" target="_blank">vibro-acoustic simulation software</a> can help you test and optimize interior and exterior noise performance, ensuring comfort, compliance and protection:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Airborne Noise Simulation: Optimizes how noise control treatments affect cabin acoustics.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Structure-Borne Noise Analysis: Evaluates noise generated through structural loads.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Sound Package Design and Optimization: Designs and tests noise control countermeasures to enhance acoustic performance.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Pass-By Noise (PBN) Simulation: Ensures vehicles meet regulatory noise standards.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS): Designs effective warning sounds to enhance safety.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Wind Noise: Predicts the effect of wind noise on acoustic comfort by integrating CFD data into the vehicle models.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Auralization: Creates realistic sound scenarios to evaluate the acoustic environment before physical testing.</p></li></ul><ul id="isPasted"><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Road Noise Simulation: Predicts and optimizes noise levels from road interactions.6,7</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">With safety and acoustic performance validated, the next step is manufacturability. Just as simulation software has transformed performance testing, manufacturing simulation enhances and optimizes production processes and part performance, ensuring the designs are realized with precision and efficiency.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Virtual Manufacturing for Lightweight Materials and Processes</h2><p dir="ltr">Lightweight materials are essential in modern vehicle body and chassis design as automakers seek to reduce weight for improved fuel efficiency and performance. This shift has led to a transition from only steel to multi-material strategies that combine steel with aluminum and composites such as carbon fiber.</p><p dir="ltr">While these approaches reduce vehicle weight and maintain excellent crash performance, they also introduce new manufacturing challenges, necessitating the validation of the optimal combination of lightweight materials and joining processes to achieve the best performance-cost-weight ratio.</p><p dir="ltr">To address these challenges, automakers should frontload their manufacturing decisions by creating a virtual manufacturing process chain. This approach provides early confidence in material selection, manufacturing methods, and assembly processes before physical production, reducing the risk of costly revisions and ensuring a smoother transition from design to manufacturing.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">ESI's <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/industries/automotive/body-chassis-manufacturing" target="_blank">multi-material assembly simulation</a> allows for thorough evaluation and optimization using the following virtual manufacturing simulation tools:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ProCAST:&nbsp;Predicts and eliminates defects, such as misruns, inclusions, shrinkage porosity, cracks, and excessive distortions, in various casting processes, including large-scale or mega castings.8</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">PAM-STAMP:&nbsp;Virtually assesses defect formation, predicts and compensates for spring back in high-strength steels and aluminum, and explores advanced processes like press hardening.9</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">SYSWELD:&nbsp;Ensures robust, durable spot welds by predicting weld strength and quality. Analyze each assembly step, minimize distortions from gap closing and joining processes, and optimize weld sequences to control final assembly distortions.&nbsp;10</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">PAM-COMPOSITES:&nbsp;The only complete simulation chain that identifies and fixes manufacturing defects in composite products, covering draping, thermoforming, various resin molding processes, infusion, curing, and geometrical distortions.11</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">However, developing sustainable, safe, and comfortable vehicles is just one part of the equation; integrating the human aspect from the early design stages is crucial for perfecting a new vehicle.</p><p dir="ltr">This is where advanced immersive virtual reality (VR) software comes into play.</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI1ODg2NjA2Mzk0LUVTSV9MSVZFX0FVVE9fV2V2b2x2ZXJfMDJfODAweDUwMF92MDEuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><br></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The Industrial Metaverse for Virtual Build and Immersive Product Integration</h2><p dir="ltr">Innovating in EV design and manufacturing introduces new risks that may not be apparent until production begins. These include components integration, assembly, installation or removal challenges, and maintenance issues.</p><p dir="ltr">Without physical prototypes for early evaluation, these issues can lead to production bottlenecks and missed opportunities for optimization, impacting EV's overall success.</p><p dir="ltr">ESI's <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/ic-ido" target="_blank">IC.IDO</a> (virtual reality software) offers an innovative solution, allowing automakers to experience their products within a collaborative industrial metaverse. It provides physically realistic virtual experiences for product assembly and maintenance, offering opportunities to:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Evaluate&nbsp;space constraints, clearances, visibility, and component accessibility.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Assess and optimize&nbsp;cable and hose routing and handling.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Define and refine&nbsp;installation and removal paths.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Develop,&nbsp;test, playback, refine, and optimize assembly processes.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Validate&nbsp;procedures, work cells, and production lines.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">Identifying potential issues early with VR accelerates the development process, reduces costs, and improves the quality and safety of the final product. Therefore, automakers can optimize the entire product lifecycle from initial concept to final assembly by simulating real-world interactions with virtual prototypes.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Discover More EV Innovation at ESI LIVE Automotive</h2><p dir="ltr">To explore these fundamental simulation technologies in detail and gain valuable insights from leading experts, attend ESI LIVE Automotive. This event offers a comprehensive overview of predictive modeling and virtual prototyping through practical examples from the automotive industry.</p><p dir="ltr">Attendees will learn about optimizing EV safety and comfort, mastering noise and sound, virtual manufacturing for lightweight materials, and the role of the industrial metaverse in virtual build and product integration.</p><p dir="ltr">Discover how these technologies are advancing electric vehicle design. Join us to gain valuable insights from industry experts and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>What:</strong>&nbsp;ESI Live automotive digital event</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>When:</strong>&nbsp;October 24th, 2-4 PM CET</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Register:</strong> Free to attend.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://esiliveautomotive.vfairs.com/en/registration?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=all&utm_campaign=registration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="button-main-action">Sign up to attend here.</a></p><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">For more information and to register, visit <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/esi-live-automotive-digital-event-empowering-innovation-through-virtual-prototyping/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ESI LIVE Automotive</a>.</p><h3 dir="ltr">References</h3><ol><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. How is Virtual Prototyping Accelerating Electric Vehicle Development? [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/ebook-how-is-virtual-prototyping-accelerating-electric-vehicle-development" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/ebook-how-is-virtual-prototyping-accelerating-electric-vehicle-development</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. Virtual Performance Solution - Software to Simulate &amp; Test Crash &amp; Safety. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution/crash-and-safety" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution/crash-and-safety</a>&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Baccari, N. Toyoda Gosei Europe Cuts Lead Times in Half Using Virtual Prototyping. (2020). [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/blog/toyoda-gosei-europe-cuts-lead-times-in-half-using-virtual-prototyping" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/blog/toyoda-gosei-europe-cuts-lead-times-in-half-using-virtual-prototyping</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. Software to Simulate Battery Safety. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution/battery-safety" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution/battery-safety</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. Software to Simulate Strength &amp; Dynamics. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution/strength-and-dynamics" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/virtual-performance-solution/strength-and-dynamics</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. Simulation Software Solutions for Acoustic Performance. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/industries/automotive/simulation-software-solutions-for-acoustic-performance" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/industries/automotive/simulation-software-solutions-for-acoustic-performance</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. VA One - Interior Acoustics Simulation Software. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/va-one/interior-acoustics-simulation-software" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/va-one/interior-acoustics-simulation-software</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. ProCAST - Casting Simulation Software. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/procast" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/procast</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. PAM-COMPOSITES - Composite Simulation Software. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/pam-composites" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/pam-composites</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. SYSWELD - Welding &amp; Assembly Simulation Software. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/sysweld" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/sysweld</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">ESI Group. PAM-STAMP - Stamping Simulation Software. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/pam-stamp" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/pam-stamp</a>&nbsp;</p></li></ol><p>ESI Group. IC.IDO - Virtual Reality Engineering Software. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://www.esi-group.com/products/ic-ido" target="_blank">https://www.esi-group.com/products/ic-ido</a>&nbsp;</p>

Virtual prototyping is essential for efficient, flexible EV development, complementing physical testing to overcome time and cost constraints.

How to Drive Faster and More Collaborative Decision-Making for Next-Generation Vehicle Development

<h2 id="isPasted">New whitepaper: How Augmented Reality is redefining product development.</h2><p dir="ltr">Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping many processes in business. Production companies, in particular, benefit from AR because they can leverage its benefits along their entire value chain, from product development to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, customer service, and employee training.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><a href="https://hololight.com/lns-group-saves-prototyping-costs-for-machine-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LNS Group</a>, a Swiss leader in machine tool peripherals, is driving immersive technologies throughout its product development cycles. From early design reviews with global stakeholders to risk assessment and handover to operations, the company is reducing time-to-market by 3 months and saving $5,000 to $10,000 per prototype while improving product quality.</p><p dir="ltr">LNS Group is a global Swiss machine tool peripherals specialist that operates four different product lines and has nine production sites across Switzerland, Italy, the UK, Taiwan, China, Japan, and the USA. The company has around 1,000 dedicated professionals worldwide and is known for its strong focus on research and development as well as its global presence. “The way we communicate is key to the success of the product,” emphasizes Jamie Towers, CTO of LNS. “You can’t really quantify it, but the most important thing in product development is to get buy-in from all the stakeholders and have everyone understand and agree on what we’re trying to accomplish as early as possible.”</p><p dir="ltr">Easier said than done. The CTO and the innovation team recognized the early need to integrate industrial augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) into their research and development processes to encourage better communication and collaboration among global teams and departments. “We chose the XR Engineering solution, <a href="https://hololight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hololight Space</a>, because it met our vision for adaptability and ease of use right from the start. We upload our designs to the cloud platform and simply start a collaborative meeting. In our industry, complexity often leads to resistance, but the solution’s straightforward functionality means our team can focus on pushing the boundaries of innovation without the frustration of dealing with cumbersome systems.”</p><h2>How LNS Group Engages Non-Design Teams with Augmented Reality for Better Outcomes</h2><p>LNS specializes in manufacturing bar feeders, chip conveyors, air filtration, and coolant management systems, &nbsp;essential for the automotive, watch, medical, and aerospace industries. The company follows a standard product development process. They start by reviewing market requirements, then proceed to the development phase, and finally return to the market for implementation.. “We’re 100% committed to delivering customer-focused products,” says Towers. “The only way to do that is to really work with the customer and the people who face the customer. That’s your sales team, that’s your customer service team. And those are the hardest people to engage when it comes to design reviews,” he adds with a smile.</p><p>Non-design teams often struggle with the challenge of visualizing products from onscreen models alone. The difficulty of assessing scale, accessibility, and maintenance considerations from a 3D model on a 2D screen can create a gap in understanding the product in tangible terms, making it difficult to provide the concrete feedback engineers need to better tailor the product to customer needs. This gap often requires the creation and global distribution of multiple prototype versions, at significant financial and environmental cost. Hololight Space now provides a dynamic digital workspace for seamless interaction with 3D CAD data in both AR and VR environments. Users can visualize and work with their 3D content to review designs, plan a factory layout, perform quality assurance, or verify assembly processes. Data is streamed from powerful on-premises or cloud servers with Nvidia GRID GPUs to ensure high levels of security and high-quality visualization without the need for data optimization.</p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pX3jw1FnRyw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><h3>Use Case 1 – How LNS Group Uses AR for Worldwide Collaboration &amp; Design Reviews</h3><p>Using Hololight Space in the design process heralds a transformative shift. Teams can visualize products in real-world contexts, facilitating more accurate and comprehensive early-stage reviews. Tangible interaction with a product before it is physically created, leads to the development of more accurate initial prototypes, significantly shortening the iterative cycle of prototyping. “Visualizing our designs in AR and the real world helps us get valuable feedback from our sales and customer service teams on what might need to be tweaked to better meet customer needs. It also works very well with our customer service teams, such as checking the accessibility on the digital twin to see how we can service a particular product,” explains Brian Scruggs, Global Engineering Administrator at LNS. “We typically use Hololight Space to highlight key features that we need specific feedback on, and then everyone can look at the design together, we take notes, and we also use the live stream so everyone can follow along.”</p><p>Including AR in the design review process not only improves communication but also enhances buy-in from stakeholders. “We are able to get products from the drawing board to market in a short period of time – from large developments with many stakeholders to smaller projects with small groups,” notes Scruggs. By removing the barriers to visualization, AR reduces the number of prototypes needed, thereby lowering costs and minimizing environmental impact. In addition, effective design reviews cultivate company-wide support, reducing the frustration often associated with late-stage design changes. “The ease of use is a critical point, having the backup and support behind it is also a key, and frankly the price point is right for what we need. For us, using Hololight Space is now like turning on a computer. It is second nature to us,” concludes Scruggs.</p><h2>Use Case 2 – How LNS Group Masters CE Compliance and Risk Assessment Across Borders</h2><p>Leveraging its global R&amp;D network, LNS usually designs products in one region and manufactures them in another.. The company manages CE compliance from Switzerland with the help of external consultants. This is an important step in the product development process and is often performed, along with a risk assessment, near the end of the prototyping phase.. “Changes – and there are almost always changes – can have a profound impact on the design, cost and overall concept of the product. As a result, compliance assessments introduced later in the process can add significant time to the schedule,” states Jamie Towers, CTO of LNS. “We were looking for a way to do risk assessment earlier in the design process, before we even built a prototype, not only internally but also with our external consultants.”</p><p>Global Engineering Administrator Brian Scruggs elaborates, “To give an example, we had a project in China with a large machine tool manufacturer where the product would end up in Europe and instead of shipping a product to Switzerland, we decided to use Hololight Space to do a remote risk assessment with our external consultant. We did the risk assessment in Augmented Reality, discovered some changes that needed to be made, and were able to fix the mistakes before we ever built and shipped a product to Europe.” By avoiding shipping, travel, and building a prototype, LNS was able to save $5,000 to $10,000, while significantly reducing the environmental costs associated with building multiple prototype iterations. “We saved at least three months of project time by conducting early risk assessments and avoiding the need for later “patches” to the design,” reports Scruggs. “The result is not only a reduction in time and cost, but also a product that truly meets the practical considerations of the user.”</p><h2>Use Case 3 – How LNS Group Streamlines Operations Handover with Industrial Augmented Reality</h2><p>Finally, “handover to operations” is a pivotal moment. It’s the critical transition where all the plans, prototypes, and theoretical work are handed over to the teams that will implement them in the real world. Early involvement of the operations team is a good starting point for a successful handover. However, understanding complex operations from afar often leads to early production problems, and the travel costs of sending experts to different production sites can be significant.. In addition, internal frustration can result from a lack of understanding and cooperation during this crucial transition period, leading to delays and low morale. “I think it’s important to understand that there is usually some form of compromise when design changes are introduced late in the process,” says Scruggs.&nbsp;</p><p>He adds: “For us, it’s about improving quality down to every sub-assembly. With Hololight Space, our operations teams in different regions can see in Augmented Reality how each assembly is created in real time. They can see the critical points and we can identify where there may be mistakes or confusion; it’s a collaborative effort to get better quality from day one, using immersive technologies to our advantage.” By enabling better collaboration across sites and geographies, AR improves the quality and speed of production ramp-up, ensuring a smoother transition from design to operation. The ability to work remotely with AR technology, especially when multiple international locations are involved, greatly reduces travel-related costs and time. In an era where efficiency and communication are paramount, Hololight Space is proving to be a key tool in transforming the handover of operations into a seamless and streamlined process.</p><h2>How LNS Group Is Getting User Buy-in and Planning New Use Cases</h2><p>To successfully integrate Augmented Reality into the product development process and gain user acceptance, Jamie Towers suggests limiting user interaction. &nbsp;“We usually have an AR-trained member in the room to help with the manipulations, and then we hand the glasses over to the user to just experience the design in AR. There are some people who are never fully comfortable until they actually have something in their hands. But overall, our people are definitely impressed with the technology. They see the value in the technology.”And the next project is just around the corner. “We’re investing in immersive technologies, and it’s natural to keep using them. This time we made a prototype with one configuration, and we’re going to use Hololight Space to show our customer a second, completely different configuration without having to produce a second prototype. Wherever we can find an advantage, we will use immersive technologies to optimize our product development lifecycle,” concludes Towers.</p><p>Want to try Hololight Space for yourself? <a href="https://hololight.com/hololight-space-demo/" target="_blank">Contact us for a free trial.<span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></a></p>

LNS Group, is using immersive technologies throughout its product development cycles. The company is reducing time-to-market by 3 months and saving $5,000 to $10,000 per prototype while improving product quality.


Industrial Augmented Reality-Driven Product Development Evolution

<h2 id="isPasted">New whitepaper: How Augmented Reality is redefining product development.</h2><p dir="ltr">Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping many processes in business. Production companies, in particular, benefit from AR because they can leverage its benefits along their entire value chain, from product development to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, customer service, and employee training.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1739357287533-Untitled.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span>“It’s just a gimmick for large projects. We don’t need anything from another galaxy to operate our plant”. Tobias Bauchrowitz, Head of Engineering at Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance, is familiar with the prejudices that new technologies like augmented reality often encounter: “I sensed that customers were a bit skeptical at first, but then the visualization usually speaks for itself.”&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">With over 3,000 employees, Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance GmbH plans, maintains, repairs, and monitors plants in the process industry. The company is an industrial services market leader and a pioneer in the digitalization and optimization of processes for customers and the workforce.</p><blockquote><p dir="ltr">“Our aim is to meet customer needs and to provide decision-makers with the right information. Especially in the engineering sector, we saw a lot of potential for making planning and development processes more customer-friendly and efficient with augmented reality.” &nbsp;</p></blockquote><p dir="ltr">- Tobias Bauchrowitz, Leiter Engineering bei Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance</p><h1 dir="ltr">Requirements for AR Software</h1><p dir="ltr">Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance had been traditionally developing 3D models with its stakeholders and customers for new construction, conversion or plant modernization projects, either directly in the CAD software or via 3D PDF. “If 3D models are mapped on a two-dimensional plane, the spatial understanding can be deceptive, especially if the stakeholders rarely deal with 3D models,” Bauchrowitz says. The 1:1 scale and the comparison with reality were still missing. In many cases, the digital plans differed from reality in that the smallest details in the plant could not be planned correctly from the start – for example, whether a valve would be accessible at the planned location.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">It is important for the engineering manager to be able to visualize models in their original size and to have the flexibility to place them at the point of use. Other requirements for an Augmented Reality solution were that the software is easy to use, that CAD data (e.g., FBX, OBJ) can be imported smoothly, and that the entire model hierarchy can be mapped and manipulated – both in single and multi-user mode. After a multi-stage selection process with various solution providers, Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance finally chose Hololight’s Hololight Space AR software.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Augmented Reality for Engineers</h1><p dir="ltr">The Hololight Space AR engineering application allows engineers and industrial designers to visualize 3D CAD models in their original size as holograms via AR glasses, to merge these models with real components and to edit them in a real environment ­– at the target location. By bringing virtual content into reality, the software bridges the gap between virtual planning and what is ultimately real. “A plant is an investment. Customers want to know what they’re getting from us, right from the start,” Bauchrowitz says.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">“By visualizing true-to-scale 3D models in the actual plant as holograms, we can provide all stakeholders with a better understanding of the plant before it is constructed, while also creating a real wow effect.” Tobias Bauchrowitz, Leiter Engineering bei Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance</p><p dir="ltr">In Hololight Space, 3D models can be instantly adapted to new situations on-site by adding QR codes. Users can individually select components from the hierarchy, move, rotate, and scale objects, and collaborate on virtual designs using the meeting function. All changes to the digital object can be saved and added later in the CAD system.&nbsp;“At the destination, we merge the virtual and real worlds, check space constraints, and can easily include on-site personnel such as the plant operator for feedback. The use of different perspectives helps us prevent potential complications or errors,”&nbsp;Bauchrowitz adds. “One feature we’re using more and more is to lay out cutting planes in real time to highlight and examine certain angles.”</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIzMDIwMjI5MTI3LWhvbG9saWdodCBiaWxpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h1 dir="ltr">AR as a Key Technology&nbsp;</h1><p dir="ltr">Visualizing virtual designs at the intended location aids in planning and developing installations. It helps identify errors more quickly, gets stakeholders involved from the beginning, and reduces costs by streamlining decision-making and iterations. Engineers and customers can collaborate in Augmented Reality to sketch, discuss, and refine designs and ideas, which allows customers to assess if the system meets their on-site requirements and enables experts to plan and develop more efficiently.</p><blockquote><p dir="ltr">“Our goal is to make greater use of the AR solution within the Group. The potential of Augmented Reality to win over stakeholders and increase customer satisfaction is enormous.” - Tobias Bauchrowitz, Leiter Engineering bei Bilfinger Engineering &amp; Maintenance</p></blockquote><p><strong>Learn more about how AR can have a significant transformative impact on production, customer service and collaboration. Download the latest whitepaper from Hololight below.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable fr-active"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p>

Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance has been effectively utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) in industrial plant engineering since 2019. AR enables seamless integration of customers and stakeholders into the design process, preventing costly errors in the early stages.

Enhancing decision-making processes in plant design through the use of augmented reality (AR)

In this episode, we discuss how BMW is leveraging augmented reality to design, manufacture, and service cars faster using Microsoft’s HoloLens glasses and a cloud based computer design solution called Hololight.

Podcast: BMW Makes Cars Faster With Augmented Reality

<h2 id="isPasted">New whitepaper: How Augmented Reality is redefining product development.</h2><p dir="ltr">Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping many processes in business. Production companies, in particular, benefit from AR because they can leverage its benefits along their entire value chain, from product development to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, customer service, and employee training.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span>Embracing innovation</h2><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">ENGIE Refrigeration, a global specialist in products, solutions and services for economic and energy-efficient refrigeration and heat generation, uses Hololight Space to create efficient workflows and facilitate machine design.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.engie-refrigeration.de/en" target="_blank">ENGIE Refrigeration</a> was looking for a way to better visualize and coordinate work steps in real time to reduce iterations in product development. The company needed a convenient and easy-to-use solution to visualize large and complex machines in detail and in 3D without time-consuming data preparation or conversion.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">To meet these challenges, Jörn Stiegelmeier, Head of Technology &amp; Development, first came up with the idea of using AR glasses in 2017, at a time when AR in the refrigeration and heating industry was still a vision of the future. Today, the company is a global pioneer in the industry when it comes to AR.</p><p dir="ltr">AR headsets and the corresponding applications augment the real world with digital content ranging from information and animations to complex 3D models. They allow users to interact with this content using hand recognition sensors and to overlay it on the physical world – all while still perceiving their environment with all their senses.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">To get the right AR application for their needs, ENGIE Refrigeration partnered with XR expert Hololight and is now using the XR Engineering application <a href="https://hololight.com/products/hololight-space-enduser-application/" target="_blank">Hololight Space</a>.&nbsp;“The cooperation with Hololight is always constructive, friendly, and goal-oriented. My ideas are well received, and the team considers and implements them according to our individual requirements,”&nbsp;says Stiegelmeier.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Improving Workflows With Hololight Space</h1><p dir="ltr">Hololight Space significantly improves complex work processes along the value chain, such as machine design. The application allows users to visualize models, such as prototypes, as 3D holograms that are seamlessly generated from the original CAD file without the need to modify the data.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">ENGIE Refrigeration is using Microsoft HoloLens 2 as the end device for the application. Hololight Space allows the models to be displayed at their actual size and with the same level of detail as the CAD file. Engineers, technicians, and anyone involved in the workflow can get a detailed 3D view of the external and internal structure of the object. They can extract individual components from the full-scale model, use X-ray mode and other features to gain greater insight, take measurements, and make annotations. In multi-user sessions, they can collaborate with others on the same model in real-time, regardless of location.</p><p dir="ltr">Visualization and collaboration via Hololight Space improve understanding of the object or machine, reveal new opportunities for optimization, and reduce development loops. Engineers can identify potential weaknesses early in the product development and design process and eliminate them faster.</p><p dir="ltr">Jörn Stiegelmeier is convinced of the benefits of the application:&nbsp;“Until now, we have only used AR glasses sporadically in development. Now we have reached the point where we are gradually integrating them into our daily work. ENGIE Refrigeration is a global pioneer in our industry when it comes to AR. And that’s something we’re proud of.”</p><h1 dir="ltr">Streaming for a Flawless and Secure AR Experience</h1><p dir="ltr">In the case of ENGIE Refrigeration, as a company that works with detailed CAD data, data models are usually very large and complex due to the dimensions of the various plants.. In addition, data security cannot be neglected. Hololight Space helps ENGIE meet both challenges thanks to its integrated remote rendering solution. The application and the holograms are streamed from a local server to the end device.</p><p dir="ltr">The data never leaves ENGIE Refrigeration’s IT infrastructure, which guarantees absolute data security. In addition, streaming ensures that all users are using the latest version of the application.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 792px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIxOTEzNTYyMTA3LUdhYnJpZWxlMl9zaW1vbnRvcGxha19jb21faG9sb2xpZ2h0X1NUTzM5NzgtY29weS0xMDI0eDY4My5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 790px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">AR can help optimize engineering workflows. (photo: Hololight)</span></span></span></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Customer Value and Improved Sustainability</h2><p dir="ltr">ENGIE Refrigeration customers benefit from machines that run more efficiently than ever before. AR glasses make it possible to identify potential weaknesses at an early stage of development and to eliminate them even faster.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Moreover, AR is another step in transitioning to ‘zero carbon. “With AR glasses, we may be able to avoid service calls in the future. In addition, unnecessary development loops can be reduced. This saves valuable resources such as CO2 and electricity,” says Stiegelmeier.</p><h1 dir="ltr">Looking Ahead to an Even More Immersive Future</h1><p dir="ltr">In addition to technology and development at ENGIE Refrigeration, Stiegelmeier points out that there are other areas where AR glasses could be used. “I am thinking of production, for example, to be able to project the first prototypes in advance. In my opinion, augmented reality will also facilitate service and logistics work. In addition, third-level support will be able to support our on-site service even better in the future with the help of AR technologies. From now on, we will be working more closely on such approaches. Also, we are currently working with Hololight on an intelligent solution for predictive maintenance to provide our customers with an even more efficient service in the future.” His plans are enthusiastic and determined: “There will be more to come from ENGIE Refrigeration in terms of Augmented Reality.”</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Learn more about how AR can have a significant transformative impact on production, customer service and collaboration. Download the latest whitepaper from Hololight below.&nbsp;</strong></p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p>

ENGIE Refrigeration, a global specialist in products, solutions and services for economic and energy efficient refrigeration and heat generation, uses Hololight Space to create efficient workflows and facilitate machine design.

Augmented Reality (AR) helps create efficient workflows and streamlines machine design.

<p id="isPasted">This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/6d409fb4-f5fe-4b00-bc93-dd1a226c63ed?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true"></iframe></span><br></p><p>The full article will continue below.</p><table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%;"><h2><strong>New whitepaper: AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,</strong></h2><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">In a quest to redefine automotive prototyping and concept evaluation, BMW Group has embraced cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology at its Munich headquarters.</p><p dir="ltr">Running on Microsoft´s <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens" target="_blank">HoloLens 2</a> data goggles, the AR Engineering Software Hololight Space from Hololight allows real geometries—on a vehicle body, for instance – to be overlaid with true-to-scale holographic 3D models. Thus, a range of concept variants and assembly processes for future series vehicles can be assessed flexibly and cost-efficiently.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Vehicle Concepts Visualized in 3D</h3><p dir="ltr">Vehicles and their components are visualized via the AR Software Hololight Space, which is linked to the BMW Group’s product data management system. The integrated remote rendering technology <a href="https://hololight.com/products/hololight-stream-software-development-kit/" target="_blank">Hololight Stream</a> enables streaming of the entire AR application. This means that the computing power does not have to come from the AR glasses themselves, but can be provided from the cloud or a high-performance, own controlled server. The data also never resides on the mobile device. A crucial security feature in the event of loss of the glasses or hacker attacks.</p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JA7pixCQCCw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" id="940844127" title="Case Study: BMW Group - Virtual Prototyping | Hololight Space" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe></span></p><p dir="ltr">In the new workflow, the vehicle expert loads CAD files of components from the web-based database into the Hololight Space application. Using AR glasses, he can visualize the CAD data in 3D and their original size in a realistic environment. The AR application is controlled by hand, allowing direct interaction with virtual components.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">With the AR application, a simple hand movement is enough to modify not only the size but also the position and angle of components. In addition, cross-sections can be created in real time to provide a view of the vehicle’s inner structures. Another advantage is the ability to work collaboratively. People at different locations around the world can now employ multi-user mode to team up and review designs and concepts together, as well as identify any errors.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Newly Gained Efficiency Factor with Augmented Reality</h2><p dir="ltr">Using true-to-scale visualization and interaction with concepts and prototypes previously created in CAD programs, engineers can now immediately understand the accessibility, installation options, and visibility of relevant assembly points in complex systems. Above all, the superimposition of real geometry with holographic 3D models enables them to evaluate different variants of a concept in minutes. The BMW Group has thus achieved time savings of up to one year on vehicle module validation.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 790px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIxNzQ1MDQxMzM3LVA5MDQwMDE4OV9oaWdoUmVzX2F1Z21lbnRlZC1yZWFsLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Holograms can be overlaid with real geometry (Copyright BMW Group).</span></span></span></p><h2 dir="ltr">How Hololight Space can significantly benefit the automotive industry.</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Prototyping and Design</h3><p dir="ltr">Enhanced Visualization and Interaction: AR/VR technologies allow engineers and designers to create and interact with high-fidelity 3D models of vehicle components and assemblies. This capability enables a comprehensive evaluation of design elements, fit, and ergonomics without the need for physical prototypes. For example, designers can view and manipulate a digital twin of a car interior to assess user experience, identify potential issues, and make real-time adjustments. This not only accelerates the design process but also improves the overall quality and innovation of the vehicle design.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Time and Cost Savings</h3><p dir="ltr">Reduction of Development Cycles: Implementing AR/VR in the automotive industry can significantly cut down the time required for vehicle concept validation. Traditional prototyping involves multiple iterations of physical models, which is both time-consuming and expensive. AR/VR allows for rapid iterations and instant feedback, facilitating quicker decision-making and reducing the overall development cycle. BMW, for instance, reported that using AR/VR reduced their concept validation time by up to a year, translating to substantial cost savings and a faster time-to-market for new models.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Enhanced Collaboration</h3><p dir="ltr">Real-Time Remote Collaboration: AR/VR platforms enable seamless collaboration between geographically dispersed teams. Engineers, designers, and stakeholders can simultaneously access and interact with the same virtual prototype, discuss modifications, and make collective decisions in real time. This collaborative environment reduces the chances of miscommunication and errors that often occur in traditional workflows. Additionally, it fosters innovation by allowing diverse teams to contribute their expertise, ensuring that the final product benefits from a wide range of insights and perspectives.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Training and Maintenance</h3><p dir="ltr">Immersive Training Experiences: AR/VR technologies provide highly immersive and interactive training modules for automotive technicians and assembly line workers. Trainees can practice assembly, repair, and maintenance tasks in a virtual environment that closely mimics real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience enhances learning and retention, making technicians more proficient and reducing the likelihood of mistakes. Furthermore, AR/VR training can be tailored to different skill levels, ensuring that all employees receive the appropriate level of instruction and can perform their tasks efficiently.</p><h3 dir="ltr">The latest whitepaper from Hololight explains the impact of AR on the future of manufacturing and production. &nbsp;Get access now via the form below.&nbsp;</h3><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p>

BMW Group has embraced augmented reality (AR) technology at its Munich headquarters to redefine automotive prototyping and concept evaluation


BMW accelerates concept evaluations with  industrial augmented reality and virtual reality

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping many processes in business. Production companies, in particular, benefit from AR because they can leverage its benefits along their entire value chain, from product development to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, customer service, and employee training.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzM5MzU2MjYxMTY5LVVudGl0bGVkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span>Augmented Reality (AR) presents significant opportunities to revolutionize existing processes across industries. Despite our three-dimensional physical world, most data is two-dimensional, constrained to screens, creating a gap between the real and digital realms. AR effectively bridges this gap by overlaying digital data onto physical objects and environments, placing information directly within its application context. This integration enhances the assimilation, understanding, and targeted processing of information.</p><p>AR is poised to become a continuous interface between humans and machines across various sectors. While many consumers are familiar with AR through entertainment applications, its potential in business and industry is even more transformative. Forward-thinking companies are already leveraging AR throughout the industrial value chain, including product development, manufacturing, logistics, marketing, service, and training. This technology is driving significant improvements in quality and productivity across these domains.</p><p>In practice, AR enhances how users visualize information, follow instructions, and interact with products. Moving forward, the strategic application of AR will be pivotal for companies aiming to maintain competitive market positions. Integrating AR into business strategies and processes is crucial, and companies must explore AR’s full potential and evaluate its impact on customers, products, and the entire value chain.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIxNzIxMzgyMjk4LUdhYnJpZWxlMl9zaW1vbnRvcGxha19jb21faG9sb2xpZ2h0X1NUTzM5NzgtY29weS0xMDI0eDY4My5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h3>Developing an Effective Augmented Reality Strategy for Companies</h3><p>A well-conceived Augmented Reality strategy is essential for companies aiming to harness its benefits. Companies should determine how AR can support the differentiation of their product and service offerings. For instance, AR can enhance product features and provide customers with more information, thereby increasing customer retention and loyalty. Additionally, AR can improve product user-friendliness, support services, and provide valuable feedback on product usage, offering insights for further development.</p><h3>Internal Expertise vs. External Partnerships in AR Development</h3><p>Companies must decide whether to develop in-house AR expertise or collaborate with external partners. While qualified AR specialists are scarce, having knowledge in user experience and user interface design (UX/UI), digital modeling, and AR content management is crucial. Establishing specialized teams to develop and maintain AR content can be beneficial.</p><p>However, despite many companies developing their AR expertise, they often underutilize the technology’s full potential. Managers frequently face the decision of whether to hire and train AR staff or to engage with specialized software and service providers. Investing in AR specialists as strategic assets makes sense when AR is central to a business strategy. Conversely, for companies where AR is important but not critical, partnering with external providers can be more practical. Developing comprehensive AR technologies involves significant challenges, time, and costs.</p><p>Initially, limited AR technology and service providers led many companies to rely on in-house capabilities. Today, the market has expanded with vendors offering turnkey AR solutions, making it increasingly difficult for companies to keep pace with advancements. Therefore, strategic decisions regarding AR development and implementation are paramount for leveraging its full potential and ensuring competitive advantage.</p><h3 id="isPasted">Partnering with HoloLight for Augmented Reality Success</h3><p>Given the complexities and strategic importance of implementing AR, choosing the right partner is crucial. HoloLight stands out for companies looking to harness the full potential of AR technology. With a strong focus on industrial applications, HoloLight offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance product development, manufacturing, and maintenance processes. Their expertise in creating immersive AR experiences ensures that digital information is seamlessly integrated into the physical world, providing users with intuitive and effective tools.</p><p>HoloLight's comprehensive suite of AR products and services, including their high-performance streaming technology and user-friendly development environment, enables companies to accelerate their AR projects while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. By partnering with HoloLight, businesses can leverage advanced AR capabilities to improve productivity, optimize workflows, and gain a competitive edge in the market.</p><p><strong>Learn more about the impact AR can have on business and engineering processes in the whitepaper, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0:</strong></p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p>

New whitepaper: How Augmented Reality is redefining
product development.

Augmented Reality as a Booster for Industry 4.0

<p id="isPasted"><em>The utilization of advanced 3D vision technology is critical in pushing the boundaries of robotic capabilities, especially in challenging environments such as space. Extend Robotics, dedicated to making robotic operations more accessible through extended reality technology, embarked on a comparative evaluation of 3D vision solutions to enhance their robotic interface software. This comprehensive test aimed to identify the most suitable 3D camera for demanding applications, including those required in extra-terrestrial conditions.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Partner:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.extendrobotics.com/" target="_blank">Extend Robotics</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Challenge:</strong></p><p>Extend Robotics aims to address the global skill mismatch caused by automation by making robotic arm programming more accessible. Their mission is to enable non-robotic experts to operate robots remotely using extended reality technology (MR/VR/AR). In their latest exploration project, they sought to demonstrate their technology’s capability to remove and replace satellite modules in a 27U CubeSat at the Catapult test facility for In-Orbit Service and Manufacturing. This project was part of their incubation with the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC UK).</p><p>To achieve their goals, Extend Robotics needed a 3D vision solution that could handle extreme and challenging environments, including those found in space. They conducted a comparative test between three different 3D cameras to select the optimal hardware for these demanding applications.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Solution:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.photoneo.com/motioncam-3d/" target="_blank">MotionCam-3D Color</a></p><p>Extend Robotics conducted extensive testing to evaluate the performance of Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color against other 3D cameras. The MotionCam-3D Color was tested under extreme light conditions, including a 5,000 watt light simulating the brightness of the sun in space. The camera’s ability to deliver high-resolution 3D scans in both extremely bright and pitch black conditions set it apart from its competitors.</p><p>The MotionCam-3D Color utilizes Photoneo’s advanced Parallel Structured Light technology, which ensures unparalleled accuracy regardless of environmental light levels. This capability is crucial for space applications where lighting conditions can vary dramatically.</p><p>By leveraging the MotionCam-3D Color, Extend Robotics can create precise and accurate 3D models necessary for their remote robotic operations. The model is projected in the virtual headset of the operator who can interact with it. This solution not only enhances the safety and efficiency of their technology but also enables the execution of physical tasks remotely, overcoming geographical limitations.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1720524677538-1720524677538.png" alt="" width="400" height="180" srcset="https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-400x180.jpg 400w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-768x346.jpg 768w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-2048x922.jpg 2048w, https://www.photoneo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Extend_BLOG2-480x216.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></p><p><strong>Discussion:</strong></p><p>The integration of Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color into Extend Robotics’ system marks a significant advancement in remote robotic operations. The high-precision 3D vision capabilities of the MotionCam-3D Color allow for detailed scanning and modeling, which are essential for complex tasks such as satellite servicing.</p><p>This collaboration highlights the importance of selecting the right 3D vision technology for demanding applications. Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color has proven to be the optimal solution for Extend Robotics, enabling them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automation and robotics.</p><p>Would you like to discuss how Photoneo technology can benefit your applications? <a href="https://www.photoneo.com/contact-us/?utm_source=Wevolver&utm_medium=Case%20Study&utm_campaign=Extending%20Robotics%20Capabilities%20in%20Space%20with%20Photoneo's%20MotionCam-3D%20Color" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact us</a> to explore how our advanced 3D vision solutions can enhance your projects.</p>

Extending Robotics Capabilities in Space with Photoneo's MotionCam-3D Color

Extend Robotics leveraged Photoneo’s MotionCam-3D Color for its exceptional 3D vision technology, enabling precise remote operations in challenging environments like space. This innovative solution enhances robotic capabilities, allowing for high-resolution scans under extreme conditions.

<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%;"><h2><br>New whitepaper: AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0</h2><p dir="ltr">Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping many processes in business. Production companies, in particular, benefit from AR because they can leverage its benefits along their entire value chain, from product development to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, customer service, and employee training.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span>How can Augmented Reality (AR) enhance business operations? Is it beneficial for small to mid-sized companies?</p><p dir="ltr">In the midst of a global pandemic, Tipteh, a machine builder and system integrator based in Belgrade, Serbia, began exploring how immersive technologies could facilitate collaboration among its engineers and engage with customers while adhering to social distancing measures.</p><p dir="ltr">AR has the potential to assist small—to mid-sized businesses in various ways, from collaboration to faster design cycles to encouraging new ideas and methods of working. In this article, we showcase how one European machine builder managed all three by using Hololight solutions.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">A New Way of Engineering</h2><p dir="ltr">Tipteh is an industrial automation specialist with about 90 employees and more than 4000 customers worldwide. The team faces the constant challenge of creating effective and efficient solutions quickly. The road from an idea to a real machine that will fulfill customer needs and requests is very complex and often involves many iterations.</p><p dir="ltr">“To avoid extra costs and save time, we needed a tool that would give our designers a complete insight into the machine design through a real 3D view,’ explains Mileta Vracar, Development Manager Engineering at Tipteh.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">In order to meet Tipteh´s high standards for its engineering process, the collaboration solution they were looking for also needed to be able to visualize as many details as possible to help engineers collaborate on the 3D model with no errors or misunderstandings. It was essential to fulfill all ergonomic requirements during the designing phase. “Especially because we were in the time of a global pandemic we were reliant on an innovative solution to collaborate without traveling, while saving time and resources. We liked Hololight Space instantly when we tried it,” Vracar further comments.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Faster Design Times with AR</h2><p dir="ltr">The Hololight Space now enhances collaboration and synchronization within Tipteh´s industrial designer team. When designing complex machines with 3D CAD tools engineers sometimes struggle to picture the design in their minds and understand the real dimensions and positions. With robot-based solutions, these challenges are getting even harder. Perfect designs with zero errors or problems become a necessity to keep the engineering process efficient. Engineers need to see how all the parts are fitted in a real 3D environment.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">With <a href="https://hololight.com/products/hololight-space-enduser-application/" target="_blank">Hololight Space</a> the engineers are looking at how designed parts are fitted together and if there are potential problems. Understanding all aspects of the 3D model helps to recognize any mistake or problem early on and prevents costly errors in production or machine failures. Checking safety requirements and ergonomic issues during the designing process by experts in the field is also very important. Same as preparing the installation team so they can build the machine in the fastest and most efficient way.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Incorporating Clients and Business Partners</h3><p dir="ltr">Incorporating clients and business partners into the design process through Augmented Reality (AR) can significantly enhance collaboration and satisfaction. AR tools allow engineers to present design concepts in a highly interactive and immersive manner, making it easier for clients to visualize and understand complex projects. This technology enables real-time feedback and iterative design improvements, ensuring that client requirements are met accurately.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Tipteh uses Hololight Space to show customers and partners design concepts in progress. Engineers and customers jointly sketch, discuss and further develop designs or ideas in Augmented Reality.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p dir="ltr">“Hololight Space helps collaboration and coordination in our design team and we avoid costly errors before production. We also needed to incorporate our partners in the designing process to actively present stages during specific machine designs.” - Mileta Vracar, Development Manager Engineering at Tipteh</p></blockquote><p dir="ltr">The customer can give feedback on whether the design meets his requirements and also see – using a HoloLens 2 for example – the digital twin in the real production environment. In turn, Tipteh´s engineers can plan and develop in a more targeted manner. “With this approach, we are saving costs in the right place and make our customers more satisfied,” says Vracar.</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIwNTI4OTUwODk0LWhvbG8yLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Augmented Reality as a Key Technology</h3><p dir="ltr">Now, all of Tipteh´s engineering teams have used Hololight Space to exchange ideas and show their work to see how it interconnects with other parts of the design. “Our employees find Hololight Space very intuitive and easy to use. Hololight also responded super-urgent to any request for training and support,” Vracar notes. “The implementation of Mixed Reality on HoloLens 2 with Hololight Space was new for our company and now is becoming an integral part of our designing process.” Thus, for the future Tipteh also plans to use the technology in integration and retrofitting of existing machines.</p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Learn more about the impact of AR from Hololight's recent whitepaper.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr"><strong>Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below. </strong></p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p>

From avoiding costly mistakes to faster design decisions and stronger customer relationships: How Hololight Space plays a big role in the product development process for global engineering company Tipteh. 

Case Study: AR as a Game Changer for Machine Builder Company

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">A new article series from XR software company Hololight demonstrates how AR can impact product development, showcasing its potential to radically change the way you bring products to life. In the six-part series, the authors discuss the technology's practical applications and guide you through the steps of implementing AR in your organization.</p><p dir="ltr">Whether you're a seasoned product developer, engineer, or just curious about the future of AR technology and product design, this series is your roadmap to leverage the power of immersive AR.&nbsp;</p><table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%;"><h2><br>In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;</h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Key highlights of the whitepaper:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table><h2><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe></span>Article 1 – How Far can Augmented Reality Go?</h2><p dir="ltr">Article 1 of the series shows the importance of digital continuity to ensure smooth data integration and utilization. It introduces the concept of immersive AR for 3D content, highlighting its potential to transform visualization in product design. With the help of AR glasses like Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 in combination with the right software, engineers can see and collaborate on 3D digital twins or prototypes in real-time. This allows for a more intuitive and faster way to develop products. This results in unprecedented application scenarios, including digital X-ray vision for process optimization, precise measurements, and improved fault diagnosis and correction.</p><p dir="ltr">The article makes clear the ways in which AR applications must adhere to the principle of digital continuity, ensuring that holographic 3D models match the source data down to the smallest detail.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/series-how-establish-ar-product-development-part-1-hololightgmbh/?trackingId=ily27qu1SBa74eox4CdSpw%3D%3D" target="_blank" class="button-main-action" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read the full article here</a></p><h2 dir="ltr">Article 2 – How Do You Find Individual AR Use Cases for Product Development?</h2><p dir="ltr">Article 2 of the series identifies specific use cases for AR within the product development lifecycle. The article shows how implementing immersive AR in product development is achievable for any company with existing 3D data. Analyze your product development process and identify areas where physical steps can be replaced with digital ones using AR.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Immersive AR plays two key roles:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Replacing Physical Prototypes: Digital prototyping is faster and cheaper than traditional methods like 3D printing or clay modelling. Designs can be easily updated and tested, leading to more rapid development cycles.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Cross-Site Collaboration: Teams around the world can collaborate on 3D holograms in real-time, eliminating travel time and streamlining communication. This collaborative approach extends to quality assurance and other downstream processes.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">By reducing costs, prototype iterations, and travel time, AR helps companies bring products to market faster.</p><p dir="ltr">The article highlights the core principle of optimizing existing processes rather than creating entirely new ones. Start small and let your employees discover new use cases as they become familiar with AR's capabilities.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/series-how-establish-ar-product-development-part-2-hololightgmbh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="button-main-action">READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE</a></p><h2 dir="ltr">Article 3 – How Do We Ensure Occupational Safety &amp; Technology Adoption?</h2><p dir="ltr">The third article of the series tackles two key concerns for companies considering AR: worker safety and employee adoption.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Safety First</h3><p dir="ltr">AR headsets come in various configurations, with some prioritizing safety features. Look for wireless devices with an open peripheral vision design that works indoors and outdoors and offers a flip-up display for maintaining situational awareness. Depending on your specific needs, other headsets might be suitable. Consulting with neutral experts ensures you choose the optimal hardware for your use case.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Building an AR Fan Club</h3><p dir="ltr">Your company needs employees who are passionate advocates and champions for AR, promoting it internally.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Lead by Example: They should actively use and promote AR, showcasing its benefits across departments.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Speak Up: They should advocate for AR at external events, generating excitement and buy-in.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Focus on Results: They should back their claims with concrete examples and success stories from AR pilot projects.</p></li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">Experience Days: Building Momentum</h3><p dir="ltr">The article advocates for companies who are introducing AR to organize an "Experience Day" to foster internal support for AR. This event allows departments to showcase their AR projects, discuss challenges and benefits, and let everyone experience AR firsthand.</p><p dir="ltr">Sharing ideas and seeing AR in action creates an internal innovation network where employees learn from each other and discover new possibilities.</p><p dir="ltr">As employees witness the time-saving efficiency and frustration-reduction AR offers in their daily work, acceptance grows naturally. They'll even start proposing new uses for AR beyond product development, like logistics planning or factory design simulations.<br><br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/series-how-establish-ar-product-development-part-3-hololightgmbh/" target="_blank" class="button-main-action" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read the full article here</a></p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzE5NDE1MjMxMzkxLTIwMjQtMDYtMDZfd2V2b2x2ZV9HcmFmaWtfMTQ0MHg4MTBfNCAoMSkucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Article 4 – What about IT Integration and Data Security?</h2><p dir="ltr">This article emphasizes using a "single source of truth" approach, where data is stored securely and accessed indirectly through AR applications. This ensures the original data remains protected.</p><p dir="ltr">For smooth integration and scalability, your AR platform should:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Support multiple devices, similar to how WhatsApp works on various smartphones.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Utilize streaming functionality - users access an interactive video stream of the AR application instead of running it locally on their device. This keeps the original data secure on a central server.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">The article goes on to stress that high-quality, lossless streaming is essential for maintaining digital continuity (explained in Part 1) and integrating AR into your existing IT infrastructure. Most companies can leverage their existing network for AR streaming without needing a dedicated setup.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/series-how-establish-ar-product-development-part-4-hololightgmbh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="button-main-action">Read the full article here</a></p><h2 dir="ltr">Article 5 – What is the ROI of AR?&nbsp;</h2><p dir="ltr">Article 5 of the series dives into the return on investment (ROI) you can expect from AR. Here's the key takeaway: AR can pay for itself within months by saving time, materials, and travel costs.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Identifying AR's Impact</h3><p dir="ltr">Look for processes where AR can replace physical steps (e.g., 3D printing prototypes) or real materials (e.g., physical prototypes themselves). These areas hold the most ROI potential.</p><p dir="ltr">Once you implement AR for a few initial use cases, it becomes easier to identify further optimization opportunities. As experience grows, the cost per AR project decreases, leading to a faster return.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Measuring Success</h3><p dir="ltr">Companies can track ROI at various stages of product development. Here are some key metrics discussed in this article:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Time saved through collaborative work on digital prototypes</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Material savings from using virtual models</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Prototype iteration speed compared to traditional methods</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Number of defects found and fixed in prototypes</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Reduced travel time</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;<a href="https://hololight.com/series-how-to-establish-ar-in-product-development-part-5/" target="_blank" class="button-main-action" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read the full article here</a></p><h2 dir="ltr">Article 6 – Who Will Drive AR Technology in the Future?</h2><p dir="ltr">This final article of the series discusses leadership and the future of AR in business.</p><h3 dir="ltr">AR Adoption: Beyond Initial Steps</h3><p dir="ltr">While getting started with AR is easy, true transformation requires executives' commitment. Leaders with a long-term vision must champion AR and integrate it across various business processes.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Ownership and Vision</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Clearly define ownership of AR projects and the overall "Industrial Metaverse" strategy. This fosters enterprise-wide adoption.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Titles like "Mixed Reality Solutions Lead" or "Chief Metaverse Officer" reflect the growing importance of AR leadership.</p></li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">The Industrial Metaverse Advantage</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Companies that embrace AR now gain an "early adopter" advantage, similar to those with an early web presence in the 90s.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Immersive AR is the key to entering the Industrial Metaverse, a future where virtual and real worlds converge across all business areas.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/series-how-establish-ar-product-development-part-6-hololightgmbh/?trackingId=gm17h4CrTdGNrfygDO6l0A%3D%3D" target="_blank" class="button-main-action" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read the full article here</a></p><h2 dir="ltr">Final Words – Stepping into the Industrial Metaverse with AR</h2><p dir="ltr">This six-article series will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of how Augmented Reality (AR) can revolutionize product development. We've explored the technology's potential, from creating immersive 3D prototypes to fostering collaborative design across teams.</p><p dir="ltr">By adopting AR now, companies gain a significant advantage. AR is a gateway to the "Industrial Metaverse," where immersive technologies will transform how businesses operate.</p><p dir="ltr">Check out the informative webinar from Hololight to learn more about the opportunities associated with implementing AR within your business.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">What you’ll learn</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Explore detailed methodologies on how AR can significantly reduce your time to market and lower prototype expenses. The webinar provides insights into the cost-saving mechanisms enabled by AR.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Learn about AR's capabilities in improving communication and collaboration among engineering teams. The session covers specific tools and techniques that facilitate more efficient project execution.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The webinar includes technical discussions on the scalability and adaptability of AR solutions.</p></li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">How to Access the whitepaper</h3><p dir="ltr">Accessing the whitepaper is straightforward. Register below and gain immediate access to this valuable resource.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="375" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFADOuIpMi5uFqx4kFxnXAbJZjZ1rUhokyPyY5Gp274m07aPRe_mHj4suO_nbj5UL9pW_5_ZZjaQ4EEZIFaUvd5IC7lmHPF6BWNRRNr2B4VDWQnWiaXJryDfxLFUcoT3rcjrTS5wGXTe8-vzsC_VH_WlW-wMaqXePqpXvK7TIfAip3geYqjBtdVfWGosE6vOLpwiW608f78-d6" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe></span><em>This article was edited by Hiba Akbar.&nbsp;</em></p>

Imagine a world where engineers can collaborate together on 3D holographic prototypes, manipulating them with ease, and where workers see real-time data superimposed on physical objects. This isn't science fiction; it's the transformative power of Augmented Reality (AR).

How to Establish AR in Product Development?

<p><strong>How can virtual reality (VR) be experienced haptically, i.e., through the sense of touch? This is one of the fundamental questions that modern VR research is investigating. Computer scientist André Zenner, who is based in Saarbrücken, Germany, has come a significant step closer to answering this question in his doctoral thesis – by inventing new devices and developing software-based techniques inspired by human perception. He has now been awarded the prestigious "Best Dissertation Award" at the world's leading VR conference.</strong></p><p id="isPasted">The award-winning work is about how physical props (technical term: "proxies") can be used to make objects in virtual environments tangible. "Of course, you can't have a proxy for every virtual object, then the approach wouldn't be scalable. In my dissertation, I, therefore, thought about what devices could look like that could be used to simulate the physical properties of several different virtual objects as effectively as possible," explains André Zenner, who completed his doctorate at the Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science at Saarland University and is now conducting research at Saarland University and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence.</p><p>This resulted in the prototypes for two special VR controllers, "Shifty" and "Drag:on." VR controllers are devices that can be held in the user’s hand to control or manipulate objects in virtual reality using tracking technology.</p><p><a target="_blank"></a></p><header><h2>Shifty</h2></header><p>"Shifty" is a tubular controller in which a movable weight is installed. The weight can be moved along the lengthwise axis by a motor, changing the center of gravity and inertia of the rod. "In combination with corresponding visualizations in virtual reality, Shifty can be used to create the illusion that a virtual object is getting longer or heavier," explains André Zenner. In experiments, he was able to prove that objects are perceived as lighter or smaller when the weight is close to the user's hand and that, coupled with the corresponding visual input; they are perceived as longer and heavier the further the weight in the rod moves away from the user. "This is mainly due to changes in the inertia of the controller, as the overall weight does not change," explains André Zenner. The research and development department of gaming giant Sony is already experimenting with this concept and cites André Zenner's work in the development of new VR controllers.</p><p><a target="_blank"></a></p><header><h2>Drag:on</h2></header><p>The second controller, "Drag:on," consists of two flamenco fans that can be unfolded using servomotors, thus increasing the air resistance of the controller. This means that the further the fans are unfolded, the more force the user has to exert to move the controller through the air. "Coupled with the right visual stimuli, Drag:on can be used to create the impression that the user is holding a small shovel or a large paddle, for example, or that they are pushing a heavy trolley or are twisting a knob that is difficult to turn," explains André Zenner. Both controllers are basic research and so-called "proof of concepts." This means that the prototypes can be used to show in user experiments that different controller states can improve the perception of different VR objects. Still, specific products using this technology are not yet available on the market.</p><p><a target="_blank"></a></p><header><h2>Similarity and colocation problem</h2></header><p>With the controllers, the Saarbrücken-based computer scientist first addressed the so-called ‘similarity problem.’ The aim here is to ensure that virtual and real objects feel as similar as possible. In the second part of his work, he dealt with the so-called ‘colocation problem,’ i.e., the question of how the proxy can be spatially located in real life where the user sees it in virtual reality. This is particularly challenging as the controllers act as proxies for different virtual objects. Consequently, the user must be given the illusion that they are reaching for various objects, although in reality, they will always grasp the same proxy.</p><p>To achieve this, the researcher made use of the already established method of "hand redirection." As the name suggests, this involves redirecting the movement of the hand in virtual reality so that the user thinks they are reaching to the left, for example, even though they are actually stretching their hand forward. "We conducted experiments to investigate the point at which users realize that their hand has been redirected. Our results showed that this point was reached quickly, so we thought about how we could better conceal the hand redirection," says André Zenner. The solution: he tricked the brain by only redirecting the hand when the brain was blind to visual changes - namely during blinking. Together with a student under his supervision, he developed the appropriate software and used the eye trackers built into many VR headsets. In control studies, the team was then able to show that their new controllers, in combination with hand redirection algorithms, led to more convincing VR perceptions than previously possible.</p><p>This research achievement has now been recognized internationally. The work entitled "Advancing Proxy-Based Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality" was awarded the "IEEE VGTC Virtual Reality Best Dissertation Award" in mid-March at the "IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces", which took place this year in Orlando, Florida. According to the IEEE, the award is presented each year to the author of the most outstanding dissertation defended in the previous two calendar years in the research fields of virtual and augmented reality. A total of 16 dissertations were submitted to the 2024 edition of the conference and reviewed by an international committee of experts. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Antonio Krüger, CEO of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Head of the Ubiquitous Media Lab at Saarland University.</p><hr><p><strong>Original Publication:&nbsp;</strong>Zenner, A. (2022). Advancing Proxy-Based Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality. Universität des Saarlandes. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.22028/D291-37879" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">doi:10.22028/D291-37879</a></p>

How can virtual reality (VR) be experienced haptically, i.e., through the sense of touch? This is one of the fundamental questions that modern VR research is investigating.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Profiles