Virtual and Augmented Reality for Automation Engineers

• Basic knowledge of automation and control systems
• Familiarity with industrial processes and technologies

Audience

• Automation engineers
• Industrial engineers
• Systems integrators
• Robotics engineers

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that creates a simulated environment, allowing users to immerse themselves in a three-dimensional, computer-generated world. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images, videos, or 3D models, onto the real world.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at intermediate-level automation engineers who wish to use VR and AR technologies to design, develop, and implement VR/AR solutions in industrial automation contexts.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basics of VR and AR technologies.
• Explore the applications of VR/AR in industrial automation.
• Gain hands-on experience with VR/AR tools and software.
• Learn to design and develop VR/AR solutions for automation projects.
• Integrate VR/AR technologies with existing automation systems.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Lots of exercises and practice.
• Hands-on implementation in a live-lab environment.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized training for this course, please contact us to arrange.

Introduction to VR and AR

• Definitions and differences between VR and AR
• Historical development and evolution
• Current trends and future outlook
• Overview of use cases in different sectors
• Benefits and challenges of VR/AR adoption

Hardware and Software for VR/AR

• VR headsets, AR glasses, and other hardware
• VR/AR development platforms and software tools
• Comparison of popular VR/AR systems

VR/AR Applications in Automation

• Training and simulation
• Maintenance and troubleshooting
• Process monitoring and control
• Design and prototyping

VR Development Tools

• Unity and Unreal Engine
• VR SDKs and APIs
• 3D modeling and simulation software

AR Development Tools

• ARKit, ARCore, and Vuforia
• Mobile AR development platforms
• Marker-based and markerless AR

Integration with Automation Systems

• Connecting VR/AR with PLCs, SCADA, and DCS
• Data visualization and interaction

User Experience and Interface Design

• Principles of VR/AR UX/UI design
• Ergonomics and user comfort
• Interaction models and input devices

Prototyping and Development

• Creating VR/AR prototypes
• Iterative development and testing
• Debugging and optimization techniques

Project Management

• Planning and managing VR/AR projects
• Collaboration and team roles
• Budgeting and resource allocation

VR Training Simulator

• Developing a VR training environment for industrial operations
• Simulating real-world scenarios and emergencies

AR Maintenance Application

• Creating an AR app for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Integrating real-time data and interactive guides

Process Monitoring with VR/AR

• Designing a VR/AR interface for real-time process monitoring
• Visualizing data from automation systems in a virtual/augmented environment

Next-Generation VR/AR Technologies

• Advances in hardware and software
• Potential future applications in automation

AI and Machine Learning in VR/AR

• Enhancing VR/AR experiences with AI
• Predictive maintenance and intelligent automation

Ethical and Safety Considerations

• Ensuring safety in VR/AR applications
• Addressing ethical concerns and data privacy

Summary and Next Steps