The concept of the metaverse was introduced by Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook) during an event held in October 2021. Since then, various innovations have emerged around it. Thus, the so-called industrial metaverse is a reality that is beginning to impact companies.
This term refers to a true revolution that promises to impact various sectors, not only companies dealing with online services.
To understand how industry was included in this new form of technology, continue following this content.
What is the industrial metaverse?
In general terms, the metaverse is a way to create ‘versions’ of the real world within the virtual world, using devices to simulate and recreate situations viewed in parallel.
At first it may seem complex, but this is the result of technological changes that were already taking place. Such is the case of using computing to analyze possibilities and probabilities in problem solving.
Regarding manufacturing, technologies like digital twins in industry help exemplify that modernity has been entering these spaces with great force.
Therefore, the industrial metaverse is the entire range of options that begins to form around the use of virtual reality. Whether to predict behaviors or test products, optimizing resources and efforts spent on their finalization and development.
Meta-factory and digital twins: what is the relationship?
Digital twins are the foundation of the metaverse. They represent the simulation of something physical in the virtual environment.
Through this combination, it is possible to perform detailed analyses and project situations even before they happen, thus knowing what actions can be taken. Organizations already use this feature to create technologies and perform tests.
It is possible to simulate the production chain and industry performance to obtain indicators. By collecting data from this experience, it becomes viable to promote adjustments in manufacturing, acting proactively in improvement.
What are the impacts of the metaverse?
The next step is to understand how mixed reality can impact the future of industry. In this sense, the industrial metaverse represents time and money savings for factories.
With it, physical tests can be simplified and simulated in different ways before manufacturing a prototype.
Other hypotheses are related to various segments. Such is the case of selling virtual land. They exist only in the digital environment, but are worth cryptocurrencies and can appreciate over time, even having ownership registration.
They are a type of investment previously unimaginable. Therefore, the profit forecast for this sector is calculated at up to 3 trillion by 2025. This estimate explains the relevance of the process to the economy.
Industry giants such as Hyundai Motor and Unity recently announced a partnership to build a meta-factory by the end of 2022. The goal is to accelerate innovation in smart manufacturing.
It will be a digital twin of an entire factory that will support a metaverse platform. Thus, it will be possible to test manufacturing virtually, optimize it, and solve problems even remotely.
What are the benefits of the industrial metaverse?
Finally, the concept brings many benefits to companies regarding the use of technology as an ally for important processes and simulations. This helps understand the performance of the workforce and the products developed.
Within industries, the meta universe favors a digital economy environment, which represents a major innovation for the world. Check out the main advantages of the industrial metaverse:
Generation of new jobs
With the influence of the metaverse on human relations, the trend is that new professions will be created.
Many specialties will have to undergo updates in order to understand how to employ this new culture in their daily work routine.
Problem prevention
By expanding the factory’s knowledge of its structure and allowing a macro and immersive visualization of what happens, it will be possible to identify and prevent problems with greater assertiveness.
With a digital twin, managers will be able to resolve impasses even when they are not at the facilities. Thus, consequences are avoided faster and there will be greater flexibility and control in management, making it possible to also focus on strategy.
Increased efficiency
The metaverse promises to generate greater efficiency for industries. Through previously calculated capacity testing and operational optimization, companies will gain:
- Time;
- Competitive advantage;
- Better conditions to adjust their environments, making them more effective.
In addition, other resources such as 5G in industry are increasingly helping to modernize the manufacturing sector, gaining agility, control, and productivity.
5G, by the way, will have a special function by promoting greater contact with the metaverse. It is what will make it possible to monitor everything with greater mobility and speed in this new reality.
Did you understand what the industrial metaverse is and how this can positively reflect on your organization? This novelty has been showing great utility for manufacturing plants, which need to stay informed about trends to remain competitive!
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