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So far Amanda Towner has created 185 blog entries.

Qualcomm Technologies Announces First 5G XR Platform

The Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Platform is the first 5G-supported extended reality (XR) platform. It unites Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.’s 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations with its XR technology for a new era of mobile computing. This platform unveils custom features and multiple firsts that can be scaled across augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). Hugo Swart, VP and Head of XR, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. unveils the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Platform. Image credit: Qualcomm Technologies. The Snapdragon XR2 Platform has significant performance improvements compared to its current XR platform, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile XR Platform, to deliver 2x the CPU and GPU performance, 4x more video bandwidth, 6x higher resolution and 11x AI improvement. It is the first XR platform to support seven concurrent cameras and a dedicated computer vision processor. Additionally, this is the first XR platform to enable low latency camera pass-through to unlock true MR, which allow users to see, interact and create a hybrid of the virtual and real world while wearing a VR device. To meet the demands of immersive XR, the platform has customized visuals, interactivity and audio technologies, all of which utilize the foundational technology of AI and [...]

By | 2019-12-12T16:18:14+00:00 December 12th, 2019|

NOCTI Partners with zSpace to Deliver AR/VR Training

NOCTI announced a partnership that will offer NOCTI career and technical education (CTE) certification opportunities as part of the teaching and learning content provided through zSpace. The ability to incorporate NOCTI credentials as an extension of a zSpace CTE program empowers schools to better prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers and leverage the comprehensive data provided by NOCTI that can be used by students, teachers, and administrators for individual, instructional, and program improvement opportunities. “NOCTI’s mission is to build a competent workforce through creative learning solutions — we must be preparing students for technology-driven careers utilizing cutting-edge learning opportunities,” said John Foster, Ph.D., NOCTI and Nocti Business Solutions president and CEO. “Our partnership with zSpace delivers even more training advantages to students seeking our certifications, who will enter the workforce and be on an immediate path toward career success.” “When CTE programs embrace AR and VR technologies, students are not only more engaged and motivated, but also directly exposed to training that will set them on the path to job and career success,” said Paul Kellenberger, zSpace chief executive officer. “AR and VR are transforming the teaching and learning processes for CTE programming, and our partnership with NOCTI will easily [...]

By | 2019-12-09T21:02:30+00:00 December 9th, 2019|

Screen Therapeutics Enters Drug Development Partnership

Screen Therapeutics LLC has formed a partnership with Immunaccel to focus on the discovery and development of next generation cancer immunotherapies. Screen Therapeutics will combine its immunology expertise, capabilities and know-how with Immunaccel's IP, know-how and proprietary cell lines to discover next-generation cancer therapies targeting stromal interactions in the tumor microenvironment. This transaction is also part of a broader strategy for Immunaccel to leverage its intellectual property (IP) and know-how in developing human relevant translational platforms. Underlying the company's programs is a combination of proprietary ex vivo 3D platforms and well characterized human cell lines that enable the simulation of the tumor microenvironment. Screen Therapeutics will leverage these platforms to study the tumor stromal barriers that affect T cell activity and migration of immune cells in tumors. "With approximately 30-40 percent of patients not responding to current immunotherapies, it is important to study the stromal factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Together with advanced imaging and complimentary technology platforms, we aim to simulate the various tumor immune microenvironments ex vivo, which will allow us to dissect the cross talk between immune cells, stromal cells and tumors with the goal of identifying novel targets and biomarkers," said Tonya Webb PhD, scientific [...]

By | 2019-12-09T20:35:49+00:00 December 9th, 2019|

Doron Introduces COTS JLTV Driving Simulator

Doron Precision Systems, Inc. used internal research and development to design a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) driving simulator for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) in an effort to offer a cost-effective and easily accessible solution. The company introduced the simulator during the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, the world’s largest modeling and simulation conference. “We are changing the way that many military customers buy vehicle simulators,” said Don Wenzinger, Doron’s CEO. “Historically, customers have often waited years, and spent millions of dollars for driving simulators. Those days are coming to an end. If we see a realistic need for vehicle simulators, and the opportunity makes sense for us, Doron will invest in its development and bring the products to those customers very quickly.” The new simulator, the 550JLTVplus, is a variant of Doron’s off-the-shelf 550plus series, which is widely used by the U.S. military, technical colleges and truck training industries. The newest design includes a realistic driving compartment with numerous instruments and controls that provides trainees with transferable skills. The 550JLTVplus offers a virtual training environment with several challenging terrain features such as rough trails, steep inclines, side hills, moguls, and a river to cross. The [...]

By | 2019-12-09T18:57:32+00:00 December 9th, 2019|

AdventHealth Nicholson Center Unveils 3D Printing Prototype Lab

AdventHealth Nicholson Center announced the official launch of its Prototype Lab to provide the technology, industry knowledge and testing needed to take a medical product from concept to working prototype. Image credit: AdventHealth The Prototype Lab is a space for physicians, researchers, engineers and other healthcare professionals to develop their ideas for medical devices. Nicholson Center’s in-house engineers use the latest technology in 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling and 3D printing to develop, test and refine inventions to improve clinical outcomes. “Our expert team can help bring an idea from ‘napkin sketch’ to reality, and our 3D printing capabilities allow inventors to hold an actual version of their device in their hands for evaluation,” said Jodi Fails, B.S., Biomedical Engineer and Prototype Lab lead at AdventHealth Nicholson Center. “Most product developers assist with creation but have to look externally for lab testing. However, with Nicholson Center’s Prototype Lab, we have the unique ability to take inventions straight from the printer to the lab for immediate testing on high-quality tissue.” To begin the development process, the Prototype Lab engineers first take the inventor’s initial concept and complete a preliminary art and patent search. Then, they begin the process of [...]

By | 2019-12-06T17:53:06+00:00 December 6th, 2019|

Fundamental Surgery Wins Award For VR Healthcare Of The Year

Fundamental Surgery has won an award for VR Healthcare Of The Year. The VR Awards are at the centre of recognition and celebration of outstanding achievement in virtual reality. Combined with year-round international initiatives, the VR Awards bring together a night of red carpet highlights, the celebration of excellence and access to influential names in immersive technology. VR Healthcare of the Year recognises projects that are changing the landscape of healthcare industries for good, awarding both B2B and B2C solutions that can demonstrate a clear impact and understanding of the market. The future of surgical training is changing and Fundamental Surgery is striving towards bettering patient outcomes.

By | 2019-12-11T19:37:58+00:00 December 6th, 2019|

Vortex Studio Simulation Platform to Integrate with Unreal Engine

CM Labs Simulations, Inc. announced the upcoming release of a new integration—Vortex Studio for Unreal Engine—connecting Vortex Studio and Unreal Engine. Available in December 2019, the free software integration developed by CM Labs will allow developers to publish and connect simulations built in Vortex Studio with an Unreal Engine workflow. This makes an interoperable toolkit for those integrators and design teams looking to develop simulations for applications; such as virtual prototyping, driver-in-the-loop testing, operator training, and simulation-based training of AI. “The integration with Vortex Studio connects the best of both worlds. It allows for a seamless integration of Vortex Studio’s high-fidelity simulation toolset and Unreal Engine,” said Sébastien Lozé, Industry Manager, Simulations at Epic Games. “CM Labs has provided a way for engineers and simulation experts to easily combine the tools needed to generate high-quality, high-fidelity machine system level simulations with operational scenarios built in Unreal Engine.” In particular, the Vortex Studio and Unreal Engine integration allows development teams to take full advantage of the rich visual and scenario development pipeline of Unreal Engine with a workflow that supports mechanical and systems engineers in order to: build and test vehicle and equipment in real time multi-body simulations; integrate hardware-in-the-loop, such [...]

By | 2019-12-06T15:13:54+00:00 December 6th, 2019|

Charles River Develops System to Assess Cognitive Workload

Charles River Analytics Inc. recently worked with NASA to assess astronaut workload and performance during the testing and evaluation of new NASA systems. The company used the measurements from its CAPT PICARD system to determine how best to display health and status on the Orion space vehicle. Image credit: Charles River Analytics NASA is continually developing new technologies to improve astronaut effectiveness. These technologies risk overloading astronauts’ cognitive capacities, degrading performance. Charles River’s system for Cognitive Assessment and Prediction to Promote Individualized Capability Augmentation and Reduce Decrement (CAPT PICARD) supports testing and engineering, allowing engineers to quantitatively and continuously evaluate the cognitive demands of new tools and systems, as well as how they affect task performance. Conducting workload assessment during developmental testing of a new system means users can identify features and designs that result in high workloads early in the process when redesigns are more feasible and less costly. The R&D Charles River conducted under CAPT PICARD and other cognitive workload assessment projects can also measure the training effectiveness of realistic training simulations. Visitors of I/ITSEC can learn more about CAPT PICARD and the company’s related capabilities from Dec. 2-6 in Orlando, Florida at Booth #1239.

By | 2019-12-05T14:47:48+00:00 December 4th, 2019|

Chevron Shipping Upgrades Simulator Hub with VSTEP Simulation

Chevron will receive new NAUTIS Maritime Simulator upgrades as well as the opportunity to train with a Response Simulator in virtual reality (VR). As the shipping industry brings forth new challenges and demands, this latest deal will make Chevron well equipped and more capable to boost their crews’ training skills using the latest technological advancements. The new simulator upgrades are set to be delivered to Chevron’s facilities in San Ramon, United States, and Clydebank, Scotland, and includes turnkey solutions for NAUTIS Maritime Simulators. These setups give both the instructor and trainee the possibility to experience fully integrated training and include the latest NAUTIS console designs in the market. In addition to this, Chevron will also receive custom content, meaning that training will be done with an even higher degree of familiarization. Vessels will behave as they would in real-life scenarios, which is possible due to the integration of the hydrodynamics by MARIN into NAUTIS. Though there have been many steps taken in raising safety standards, the industry remains susceptible to risks. VSTEP Simulation's simulator solutions, which were developed in close collaboration with industry experts, align with Chevron’s safety training standards. The delivery will be made to Chevron’s Shipping division, which [...]

By | 2019-11-22T17:55:44+00:00 November 22nd, 2019|

UL Launches OSHA-Authorized General Industry Outreach Training

UL, a global safety science company, in collaboration with Environmental Health & Safety Association for High Technology (SESHA), is releasing a General Industry 10-hour outreach training course, designed for the semiconductor and high-tech industries. The course provides businesses with critical guidance to understand pertinent risks, establish strong institutional knowledge, and optimize processes to build and maintain safer, healthier workplaces. Workers in these industries face unique workplace hazards, including the potential for exposure to pyrophoric, flammable, toxic and corrosive gases and liquids. Employee education and safety training to work with specialized chemicals, such as silane, arsine and Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), is uncommon and expensive to develop. This presents a significant occupational health and safety management challenge for businesses. "In these specialized industries, tools, equipment, processes and energy control precautions can be particularly complex," said Scott Barnard, managing director of UL PURE Learning. "We leveraged our online training course development leadership while working with SESHA content matter experts to develop targeted employee learning to address these higher-risk workplace hazards. The training we offer helps businesses to demonstrate their commitment to worker safety while building workplace excellence to manage overall enterprise risk." Workers in the geographic jurisdiction of the U.S. Occupational Safety and [...]

By | 2019-11-20T22:05:16+00:00 November 21st, 2019|