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Monthly Archives: September 2019

//September

Varjo Accelerates Global Expansion with US Headquarters

Varjo announced the opening of its US headquarters in the Washington D.C. area. The company, which is celebrating three years of business this month, has seen unprecedented momentum to date in the industrial virtual reality space, having brought to market the human-eye resolution headset (Varjo VR-1); launched a reseller program for local, on-the-ground customer support of its VR-1 device; and announced several integrations with software partners in the design, training and simulation and research ecosystems. As the company continues to grow, the United States represents an increasingly important target market for Varjo. Beyond establishing its U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, located just outside of Washington D.C., Varjo also announced the continued expansion of its recently launched reseller program. Two additional U.S. resellers – GC Micro and FoxGuard Solutions – have joined the network and this expansion, coupled with the newly open U.S. office, ensures Varjo is better able to actively reach and support customers and partners across North America, while also maintaining ideal communication with the home office in Helsinki, Finland. “2019 has been an exciting year for us so far with the announcements of our first two products – the Varjo VR-1 and Varjo XR-1 Developer Edition – among [...]

By | 2019-09-12T13:26:57+00:00 September 12th, 2019|
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Varjo VR-1 Integrates with UNIGINE

Real-time 3D engine UNIGINE has announced support for the Varjo VR-1 in its 2.9 release. UNIGINE is a global company focused on real-time 3D technologies, delivering industrial solutions for simulation, visualization, scientific research, virtual reality systems and more. Current industry use cases for UNIGINE include safer training for transport; readiness of first responders; visualization of projects in fast, real-time 3D; and virtual exploration of inaccessible or hostile places. The integration of Varjo VR-1 with UNIGINE ensures professionals are now able to visualize their 3D models and simulations using visual fidelity VR. Varjo VR-1 is a human-eye resolution headset with integrated eye tracking. The visual quality in VR-1 means that every detail, texture, contour and color are just as crisp and clear as they are in the real world. Even the smallest texts and objects are distinguishable in the VR environment. The Varjo VR-1 is to be utilized for UNIGINE’s industrial use cases, including complex training simulations, architectural models, and 3D design. The Varjo plugin will be available in the August release of UNIGINE 2.9.    

By | 2019-09-12T13:14:08+00:00 September 12th, 2019|
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Construction sector in New Zealand looks to VR for training

In a bid to boost training and employment opportunities, the construction sector in New Zealand is using VR technology. The Ministry of Social Development has partnered with Joy Business Academy (JBA) to develop the Skills for Industry Virtual Reality Training and Employment Tool. Its aim is to improve job opportunities and help employers in the construction sector, upskilling people anytime and anywhere. "Jobseekers can try out tasks like driving a dump truck by using the virtual headset," said Minister for Social Development Hon Carmel Sepuloni. "They can make an informed decision about whether it’s a job they’ll like to pursue before going on expensive training courses. These tools also work well for some people where mainstream education doesn’t, particularly for those with limited literacy and numeracy skills." Minister for Employment Hon Willie Jackson said the tools would appeal to young people. "Three-quarters of the construction workforce are millennials, so it’s important to find tools they relate to," he said. "Virtual reality is their thing. It’s about getting people into work. It matches people who need work with employers who need staff." Construction sector in New Zealand JBA founder and CEO James Coddington said education has been evolving beyond the classroom whiteboard [...]

By | 2019-09-12T12:47:00+00:00 September 12th, 2019|
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CM Labs Introduces New Crane Simulator Training

CM Labs’ new Mobile Crane Training Pack features new assessment tools and training exercises, including the industry’s only tandem lift exercise for mobile cranes. The tandem lift exercise teaches the lead crane operator how to safely and efficiently manoeuver a steel pipe load in tandem with a secondary crane, operated from another simulator connected in a multi-machine virtual environment. This type of team-based training can be difficult and expensive to reproduce in real life, but is safe and easy to set up with Vortex Simulators. Also included is an all-new mobile crane operator assessment exercise, featuring advanced lifting techniques and a scoring system that’s fully customisable to company’s needs.

By | 2019-09-10T16:15:44+00:00 September 10th, 2019|
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CM Labs Announces Major Updates to Vortex Studio

CM Labs Simulations announced Vortex Studio 2019b, a major version update to Vortex Studio. Adding features that strategically enhance the capabilities of Vortex Studio, this latest update makes it easier-than-ever for users to install, build, test, and deploy high-fidelity real-time simulation. CM Labs announced a new, expanded Deformable Terrain zone with features that go beyond digging and pushing soil. While still allowing the deformation of a given surface using digging tools (bucket or blade), vehicles' wheels can now directly impact the terrain, compressing and deforming it on each pass, creating ruts and graphical marks modeled on specific textures. “Ruts are a challenging, dynamic part of any off-highway scenario, whether that’s driving in a military convoy or hauling logs in a forestry setting,” remarked Daniel Holz, team lead, Vortex Engine (Physics & Graphics). “Adding compression caused by tires and tracks wasn’t a simple feat, but our highly skilled team worked diligently to add this additional layer of realism to our simulations.” With a majority of the simulations built in Vortex Studio being related to vehicles, making these mechanisms easier to customize has been a key focus for CM Labs. In Vortex Studio 2019b, users can now start wheeled vehicle designs from [...]

By | 2019-09-10T13:37:00+00:00 September 4th, 2019|
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RGU brings world-first decom simulator to SPE Offshore Europe

  Visitors to this week's SPE Offshore Europe can try out a suite of simulators, including the DRILLSIM:5000 Decom Simulator. The DRILLSIM:5000, and the associated software which it runs, is a world-first. It supports decommissioning activities in the UK from its home at Robert Green University in Aberdeen, Scotland. A collaboration between RGU, OGTC, KCA Deutag and Drilling Systems, the simulator focuses on well-plugging and abandonment (P&A). Delegates to the Scottish show will be able to test their skills on the simulator, which is currently supporting oil and gas operators and service companies with the planning and preparation for well P&A, in a similar way pilots get trained and tested on flight simulators. RGU’s Drilling Simulation Manager Phil Hassard will man the kit at SPE. He said it was a unique opportunity to experience an "extremely sophisticated piece of kit.". “Since we launched the simulator at the end of 2017, we have been able to support the industry by enhancing the safety, improving the efficiency and reducing the cost associated with decommissioning oil and gas wells.” As well as the DRILLSIM:5000, there will be the opportunity to try out two other simulators. On-The-Rig (OTR) is a portable simulator which brings [...]

By | 2019-09-04T13:47:23+00:00 September 4th, 2019|
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