Allowing users even 4,500 kilometers away to collaborate, sharing the same workstation: this is what makes it possible to do the first metaverse for industrial training created by Mare Group, a Campania company that with over 500 customers, 280 employees and a turnover of 30 million euros in 2021 has become a point of reference in the scenario outlined by enabling technologies 4.0. The metaverse Mare Group, the first made in Italy designed precisely to meet the needs of the industrial sector, is realized in the exact reproduction of a real environment in a virtual context.
Here it is possible to assemble an electric motor together, collaborating hands-free, without gloves or controllers, passing objects, using tools or exchanging directions, just like two colleagues would do if they were working on the production line. A solution that some large companies have already implemented, to encourage training courses even between factories in different countries. A virtual space destined to transform the training of professionals with measurable effects on the reduction of errors, thanks to involvement techniques based on emotional perception as well as on the technical component. At the Dubai Expo, a few months ago, thanks to the consolidated collaboration with Lef (Lean Experience Factory), the digital company born as an experiential training center from the joint venture between McKinsey & Company, Confindustria Alto Adriatico and other partners, were canceled the distances between Dubai and Pordenone with a demonstration that also allowed to witness the real-time virtualization of physical objects: the movement of a trolley in Friuli, in fact, was instantly replicated in the metaverse to be seen by the user in Dubai.
“We have transported the concept of videoconferencing, known to all, in our metaverse: an optimized environment for industrial training, the result of years of research in extended reality”, explains Giovanni Caturano, director of innovation at Mare Group. “Here it is possible to simulate procedures and verify learning without the need to wear gloves or use controllers, or to have programming skills. An intuitive and natural way of operating that meticulously reproduces what one would do at the actual workstation, with the advantage of not having negative effects in the event of an error ». Not a secondary aspect, in fact, is precisely what concerns safety at work. In addition to encouraging learning in an intuitive and natural way, the metaverse helps to reduce risks, also supporting workers in the management of any errors and dangers.
Furthermore, postures and gestures can be improved to make repetitive movements less burdensome for the limbs. Thanks to continuous investments in R&D, equal to 20% of turnover, and to the collaboration with universities and national and international research centers, Mare Group aims to accompany companies in digital transformation processes, responding to the need for innovation with an integrated strategy of products, services and technology through three business units dedicated to consulting, digital technology and engineering.