AUTOMATE
Augmented reality and simulation in virtual environments are two of the pillars of Industry 4.0. Although both aim to improve efficiency in business operations, a distinction should be made between the two technologies, which have significant differences.
For Augmented Reality (AR) refers to the real-time integration of digital information with the physical environment perceived by the user. Its purpose is precisely to "augment" reality by adding computer content with which humans can interact. It allows to help operators in carrying out specific actions, contributing to the achievement of high performance in terms of safety, quality, and speed.
A typical use of augmented reality is to support ordinary and extraordinary maintenance activities. In this context, Automate has realized solutions for important airports, enabling operators and technicians to carry out intervention and inspection activities in total safety.
The term Virtual Reality (VR) refers to the creation of a three-dimensional environment, entirely digital, within which it is possible to move and interact. It involves the construction from scratch of a virtual space where users, through special hardware devices (glasses, gloves, headsets, ...) can live an immersive experience.
The virtual reality can be more or less defined depending on the type of use for which it is designed. For example, when working on product prototyping, it's essential that the digital environment is a perfect copy of its real-life counterpart; a car manufacturer will be interested in visualizing what the car will look like before starting production. Wearing suitable VR glasses he will want to navigate inside the cabin, view all the details and evaluate specific parameters. All this without physically building a prototype so as to save time and money.
Different is the case of using VR solutions to perform dynamic simulations or emulations of real systems, including time as a variable. In this situation, the level of detail of the digital model (or digital twin) will depend on what is expected to obtain through the new generated reality. Accurately representing a mechanical joint may be essential for evaluating the operation of a machine, but negligible for analyzing the performance of a complex material handling system. It will be up to the designer to identify the true needs in each situation and guide users towards the adoption of the most appropriate technology.
Automate is committed to ensure a constant updating of the skills of its resources with the aim of helping customers in the implementation of innovative solutions that use Augmented & Virtual Reality for the management of infrastructures and plants of different types.
WHAT WE OFFER
Augmented & virtual reality solutions and digital twins
We provide solutions for addressing different objectives in different areas:
Operator training
using augmented and virtual reality technologies we support our customers in the training of specialized personnel. This is particularly useful to ensure safety at work. Building a digital environment identical to the real one allows to evaluate in advance the dangers of particular actions and to instruct on appropriate behaviors. Moreover, through augmented reality tools, it is possible to help operators in the execution of their activities. Let's think, for example, of those who have to enter a particularly inaccessible area of an industrial plant to maintain or repair a machine. With AR glasses they will be able to obtain detailed information on how and where to intervene in a simple and quick way, without the need for paper instructions.
Virtual commissioning
it is common knowledge that the nominal flow rate of a system is always higher than the actual flow rate that can be achieved. The reason is typically linked to several simultaneous causes whose combined effect can be difficultly estimated a priori. Simulation, considering detailed data and replicating the operation of plants that exist or must be built, is a valid tool to mathematically demonstrate the adequacy of particular choices or to evaluate alternative scenarios. Enabling a "what-if" approach, it makes it possible to compare different dimensioning and functioning options, accurately analyze advantages and disadvantages, and thus optimize the performance of examined facilities.
Throughput analysis
It is common knowledge that the nominal flow rate of a system is always higher than the actual flow rate that can be achieved. The reason is typically linked to several simultaneous causes whose combined effect can be difficultly estimated a priori. Simulation, considering detailed data and replicating the operation of plants that exist or must be built, is a valid tool to mathematically demonstrate the adequacy of particular choices or to evaluate alternative scenarios. Enabling a "what-if" approach, it makes it possible to compare different dimensioning and functioning options, accurately analyze advantages and disadvantages, and thus optimize the performance of examined facilities.
Machine prototyping
we help our customers to design digital prototypes of next-generation systems. Starting from existing CADs, we develop emulators that allow to animate the involved three-dimensional elements, faithfully replicating machine operations. This enables to test kinematic sequences and control logics in a virtual environment, bringing a reduction of both costs and development time.
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