Last year Ai Group’s Education and Training Policy team informed members of two cutting edge examples of virtual reality being applied for training on new equipment by Hydac and Skills Lab. In this edition we highlight the work of the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE). IVE is a focal point for interdisciplinary augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) research at the University of SA including wearable computing human-computer interactions (HCI), 3D visualisations and telepresence. The Research Centre partners with industry, government and the community in healthcare, defence, manufacturing, internet-of-things, and interactive art and design. It has a global impact - working with industry partners from around the world that including Google, Saab, Amazon, and Siemens.
One recent application that IVE has undertaken involved Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) as their specialised industry partner. TWE had purchased a large piece of equipment to automate the labelling of many of their bottled products. Whilst the labelling machine was able to handle the labelling of significant numbers of products, the time and cost associated with training the operators was proving to be a constraint on maximising the throughput. Through the use of augmented reality at TWE, it was shown that unassisted training can be conducted using mixed reality in place of a traditional subject matter expert; there was a reduced dependence on in-person trainers; and the ability to maximise output by the machine was reached earlier than would be expected
Transforming manufacturing: In collaboration with Jumbo Vision International (JVI), IVE has developed and commercialised smart manufacturing technologies. Current design processes for manufactured high-end instrumented facilities, such as command centres and control panels, are flawed; the traditional process requires significant time, significant associated costs and can still result in a sub-optimal client experience. IVE has developed VR simulations that provide fly-through animations and guided tours, as well as AR solutions that offer the ability to physically walk around and touch objects; allowing for the modification of a design concept in real time. This AR technology can significantly assist a client's appreciation of the design and the effects of any changes; resulting in a better, more efficient and cost-effective end result.
Hunter Class Frigate Program: In partnership with BAE, ASC Shipbuilding and Australia's Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), the IVE has commenced a project to innovate the Hunter Class Frigate Program by harnessing data visualisation to improve shipyard planning and problem-solving capacity. A first-of-its-kind digital environment of the entire ship design and construction process will be created to improve productivity, quality and safety outcomes in Australia's naval shipbuilding industry. The research is focussing on how narrative visualisation and big data processing can deliver, reshape and refine the highly complex manufacturing environment. The outcomes will be extended beyond the Hunter program, assisting critical local supply chains and future projects across the manufacturing landscape
Medical Health and Wellbeing: IVE innovates the application of augmented, virtual
and mixed reality technologies to improve the wellbeing of individuals through enhancing existing therapies, developing new therapies and creating environments that improve an individual's health and wellbeing.
Digital, Societal, Urban and Creative Cultures: IVE investigate the application of computational and simulation systems in architecture, construction, and urban and regional planning. They also investigate the role of immersive technologies in the conservation of cultural heritage.
The Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments invites potential partners to reach out and explore the opportunities for their own organisations. Make an enquiry: IVECentre@unisaedu.au; unisa.edu.au/IVE
