Glass Technology Services (GTS) has partnered with tech start-up VRMT on a virtual reality project for the global container glass industry.
The aim of the project is to address numerous challenges in real-world training, fault diagnostics, optimisation and collaborative technical support.
Glasstec attendees in Dusseldorf, Germany on October 23-26 October will have the opportunity to see the two demonstration units, trial the virtual reality platform and find out how to get involved.
Representatives from Glass Technology Services and VRMT will be on hand in Hall 14, stand F64 to demonstrate the immersive virtual reality systems, as well as being available to discuss other glass R&D developments and technical support.
GTS is supporting VRMT with technical glass expertise, business support and access to glass manufacturers around the world.
The project is the first virtual reality in manufacturing application for the container glass industry.
Built on the Unity Engine software platform and experienced with the Oculus rift hardware, the first release of the virtual reality platform is ready for market, with service support and further features and functionality under development.
It features a fully-functional three-section glass forming (IS) machine - from shear mechanism to lehr.
The primary objective of the system is to improve training – allowing operators to learn about the configuration of machine mechanisms, shear and glass properties, fault diagnostics and bottle inspection - without any effect on actual production and in a safe environment.
Multiple users from different locations can inhabit the same virtual environment – allowing training and technical collaboration between plants on a global scale.
Future applications include the modelling of new mould designs, the potential for custom machine components and bespoke configurations, wider education in the glass manufacturing process as well as extending the project to further stages of the container glass process – or other glass sectors.
