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B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

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B&R has integrated its “industrialPhysics” simulation tool into its Automation Studio engineering environment.

The company says the 3D simulation software greatly simplifies model-based machine development, enabling easier digital twin development.

B&R says developers can import CAD data from machine components or entire machines directly into the simulation tool, and then they can quickly and easily generate a digital twin for developing and testing the machine software. [Read more…] about B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

BMW highlights application of virtual and augmented reality in production

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Automotive giant BMW is providing an insight into its application of virtual and augmented reality in the company’s production system.

The company says the “fast and flexible” planning of new workstations in production is made possible by virtual reality and digitized 3D factory data.

It’s still a learning process but augmented reality technologies is making it possible to design training courses without any coding knowledge.

It also enables comparison between the camera image and CAD models for fast, straightforward quality checks of parts and vehicles. 

Full story below… 

[Read more…] about BMW highlights application of virtual and augmented reality in production

Stanford boffins invent 4D camera to improve robotic vision and augmented and virtual reality specs

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A team of researchers at Stanford have designed a 4D camera which could improve vision for applications in robotics and virtual and augmented reality technologies. 

The new vision technique could also be used in autonomous vehicles, add the researchers – Donald Dansereau, a postdoctoral fellow in electrical engineering, and Gordon Wetzstein, assistant professor of electrical engineering, and others.

The new camera Stanford has developed is a proof-of-concept and the university plans to start building a smaller prototype suitable for commercialisation in the coming months.  [Read more…] about Stanford boffins invent 4D camera to improve robotic vision and augmented and virtual reality specs

Opinion: Augmented and virtual reality ‘open up whole new world of opportunities’

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augmented-reality-glasses atheer

By Douglas Bruey, electrical engineering program lead at Synapse

At first glance, a gamer playing Pokémon Go has little in common with a surgeon saving lives in an operating theatre. But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that might not be the case for much longer.

Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies are poised to open up a whole new world of opportunities. We’re already seeing the effects of VR when it comes to gaming. But in future could AR add a new dimension to surgery?

AR and VR both have the ability to alter our perception of the world. AR takes our current reality and adds something to it – virtual objects or information. VR, on the other hand, immerses us in a different – virtual – world.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Augmented and virtual reality ‘open up whole new world of opportunities’

You could be seeing things that aren’t there: Google Glass finds new home in old industries

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About four years ago, when Google first showed off its Glass product – a pair of hi-tech spectacles capable of running augmented reality apps – it was met with some scepticism, incredulity even. 

Few people thought it would take off, as interesting as the idea was. Maybe people generally couldn’t see themselves walking around wearing glasses which could be seen as intrusive.

Theoretically, Google Glass could display images on pretty much everything and everyone you looked at while wearing them – and would people in your eyeline appreciate that?  [Read more…] about You could be seeing things that aren’t there: Google Glass finds new home in old industries

Husqvarna launches virtual reality game for lumberjacks

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husqvarna limberjack

Husqvarna, which makes robotic lawn mowers and demolition robots among other things, has launched a virtual reality game for lumberjacks.

Probably intended to test the market for future products such as smart glasses featuring augmented reality, aimed perhaps at the forestry and logging industry, the game is called Limberjack and is available through Steam.

The company says the game is aimed at anyone who wants to test their chainsaw skills or, to be precise, “limbing” skills. Limbing is the process of removing branches from the stem of a fallen tree.  [Read more…] about Husqvarna launches virtual reality game for lumberjacks