I had the pleasure of attending AVEVA World 2023 and had the opportunity to sit down with Rob McGreevy, the Chief Product Officer at AVEVA, to discuss the future of digital twins and their transformative impact on industries. We delved into the evolving landscape of digital twins and the specialized functionalities they are beginning to offer. Rob highlighted how digital twins are moving towards catering to specific industry needs, such as maintenance, production, and sector-specific nuances. This shift allows for a more tailored and nuanced approach, particularly in capital-intensive industries like power, chemicals, and oil and gas.
In our conversation, Rob emphasized the importance of openness, neutrality, and adherence to industry standards when it comes to integrating data for digital twins. He stressed that interoperability and adherence to open protocols are crucial for facilitating a smooth exchange of data. Extensibility Mechanisms and APIs play a vital role in achieving this seamless integration.
We also discussed the concept of the ‘industrial Metaverse’ and its perception within AVEVA and the industry as a whole. Rob mentioned that there are diverse perceptions within the industry, ranging from a focus on practical application and benefits to skepticism and misconceptions associated with over-marketing. To combat this, he emphasized the need to demystify the concept and focus on real-world use cases and value.
The conversation then shifted to the evolution of human-machine interactions, and Rob highlighted the potential impact of improved immersive headsets. While these headsets enhance interactions, Rob noted that practicality may still lie with devices like phones and tablets for exploring environments. He anticipated that immersive experiences would primarily serve training and collaborative environments, while augmented reality (AR) technology would likely dominate real-world applications.
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AVEVA’s endeavors with machine learning and AI were another topic of discussion. Rob shared that the company is using large language models for industrial activities, combining their strengths with specific industrial skills to safeguard proprietary information while leveraging AI’s capabilities. AVEVA prioritizes the integration of AI while ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive industrial information.
Looking ahead, Rob expressed enthusiasm for energy transition and sustainability. He emphasized the significant opportunity the industrial sector has to positively impact the world and revealed his intrigue for disruptive technologies. Predicting and investing ahead of technological curves challenges AVEVA, but they find it to be a thrilling prospect.
Rob McGreevy’s insights provide a glimpse into AVEVA’s commitment to driving innovation in the industrial landscape. Their focus on the evolution of digital twins, the potential of the industrial Metaverse, and the exciting trajectory of technology in the coming years is evident. I would like to extend my gratitude to Rob and the AVEVA team for the interview and the opportunity to attend AVEVA World 2023. The event was truly inspiring, and it was fascinating to learn about the advancements and future possibilities in the world of digital twins and industrial technology.
