At the Economist Metaverse Summit in Los Angeles, we had the opportunity to speak with Ian Fisher, Siemens’ Product Management – Visualization expert, and Mike Geyer, the Head of Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twins at Nvidia. These industry leaders shared their insights on the industrial metaverse and how it will reshape the complexities of various industries.
Mike Geyer emphasized the indispensability of the Industrial Metaverse, stating that it goes beyond being optional and is a critical necessity. He stressed that in the future, AI and robotic capabilities will be integrated into all aspects of industry. Therefore, it is crucial to meticulously conceive, simulate, and train these dynamic entities within immersive virtual realms. This highlights the pivotal role that the industrial metaverse plays in shaping the future of industry.
The collaboration between Siemens and Nvidia, particularly through the Nvidia Omniverse platform, focuses on creating a collaborative ecosystem. This collaboration leverages Siemens’ expertise in shop floor automation, manufacturing automation control systems, and software platforms. This integration with Nvidia Omniverse and other foundational technologies establishes an open ecosystem that delivers significant value to clients.
Mike Geyer further explained that Nvidia Omniverse serves as an open-source developer’s platform. Its purpose is to enhance and extend existing software and hardware systems, promoting openness that amplifies the capabilities of companies like Siemens. This allows them to cater to the ever-evolving needs of their clients more effectively.
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Ian Fisher exemplified the transformative capabilities of the industrial metaverse through a real-world case involving Freyr Battery, a renowned battery manufacturer. By utilizing the metaverse, Freyr Battery has created virtual factories and simulations. This enables individuals to explore these digital realms, analyze their operations, access data streams, assimilate Internet of Things (IoT) insights, and receive responsive feedback. This avant-garde approach allows them to plan and optimize their operations well before the physical infrastructure is established, making it a groundbreaking leap in industry.
When asked about whether the industrial metaverse could lead to the next industrial revolution, Mike and Ian provided a nuanced perspective. They argued that the current industrial landscape more closely resembles a state of “industry 1.5” rather than a revolution. While digital twins provide a wealth of information, fully realizing their potential requires an innovative approach to data utilization. The industrial metaverse propels us into a realm where data is presented in a context that empowers individuals to extract its intrinsic value.
The conversation shifted towards the challenges of introducing digitization to factory owners and enterprises. Mike and Ian emphasized the importance of having a robust vision and being able to accommodate the increasing demand while collaborating closely with clients. They acknowledged that different businesses absorb information at different paces and emphasized the need to find a balance between the velocity of innovation and organizational adaptability.
Mike Geyer commended the term “Industrial Metaverse,” stating that it accurately represents the creation of vast virtual realms for process optimization and simulation before the physical infrastructure is constructed. He believes that this term encapsulates a grand vision that will endure and continue to shape industries in the future.
In conclusion, the Industrial Metaverse has the potential to redefine the industrial landscape by elevating digitization and immersive virtual training. Siemens and Nvidia are at the forefront of this transformative journey, collaboratively building a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable industrial complex that will shape the future of industries.
