„Virtual planning and communication“
New era in the field of service and support
With new technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik is ushering in a new era in the field of service and support. These functions, which will be presented for the first time at Blechexpo 2019, permit the complete simulation of processes and components, while also improving the support provided during production.
The new VR and AR headsets from Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of this year’s Blechexpo. This is because with these innovations, Bihler is demonstrating nothing less than the future of service and support, which will become far faster, more transparent and more efficient as a result. Bihler’s VR solution opens up completely new dimensions even before production operations start. This is because it permits the detailed virtual representation of entire systems and production lines. “In the future, this VR technology will support everything that involves processes that users need to have explained to them,” explains Peter Bertling, Departmental Head for CAx Consulting & Sales. This makes one thing clear: Bihler’s VR solution will bring about enormous added value for both sides. Comprehensive virtual information will create even greater transparency and reliability for users of Bihler technology.
Interactive 3D model
Bihler’s VR solution is based on the 3D engineering data that is available for every system in-house at Bihler. This data is converted into an interactive 3D model via a software platform that is installed at the customer’s site and at Bihler. The visual depiction is then presented via the corresponding VR headset. In practical application, the real-time accompaniment by Bihler’s experts then ensures that customers find the optimum solution quickly and reliably. In the future, this VR technology will also bring benefits to the field of training.
AR for live service
By contrast, in the future, Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik will use AR solutions involving AR headsets specifically for its service activities, in order to provide customers with optimum support during the operation of their systems. This AR functionality will then replace the conventional on-site activities of service personnel. This is because problems can be solved more efficiently using AR headsets by means of video calls. Everything that the customer sees on-site can also be viewed in its entirety by the Bihler service employees and, because we are talking about AR here, can be enriched with additional information. The range of potential applications is a wide one. Alongside the elimination of problems at the systems themselves, the solution also permits the optimum identification of parts. The AR data headset is based on a preconfigured service platform that makes all the functionalities available in the form of an app. The AR headset is currently being tested for the Bihler service department and a range of documents are being prepared for it. AR-assisted service for customers is due to be introduced as of 2020.
