Tag

MR

Microsoft will die Virtual Reality auf den Lehrplan setzen

Die Mixed-Reality-Plattform von Microsoft gehört nicht zur beliebtesten im VR-Bereich, aber das hat das Unternehmen nicht davon abgehalten, die Möglichkeiten weiter auszuloten. Jetzt hat Microsoft die Zusammenarbeit mit VictoryVR bekannt gegeben. Zusammen mit den Spezialisten für den VR-Einsatz bei Nachhilfe, ergänzenden Ausbildungen und im Klassenunterricht, wollen sie das Klassenzimmer in ein Virtual-Reality-Curriculum verwandeln.

Microsoft wird mit dem Projekt 25 Stunden kostenlosen VictoryVR-Inhalt für Schulen anbieten, die ein Windows VR- oder MR-Headset kaufen. Der Inhalt umfasst mehrere Bildungsinhalte, darunter virtuelle Wissenschaftsbücher, virtuelle Exkursionen zur Chinesischen Mauer und 360° VR-Comics, die das Leben berühmter Wissenschaftler wie Isaac Newton zeigen. Wie das aussieht, zeigt folgendes Video:

Im eigenen Blog erklärte Microsoft:

„Studien zeigen, dass das Engagement und die Bindung der Studenten um bis zu 35 Prozent zunehmen, wenn die Studenten mit immersiven und 3D-Technologien wie VR-Headsets lernen. Die Herausforderung besteht darin, den richtigen Lehrplan zu finden, um mit der Mixed Realität zu beginnen – ein Hindernis für viele Pädagogen.“

Das Projekt zielt auch darauf ab, die Lesefähigkeit zu verbessern sowie die Lesegeschwindigkeit und das Verständnis zu erhöhen. Laut Microsoft kann die eigene Immersive Lese-App gut in VR funktionieren. Die App ermöglicht Benutzern unter anderem, das Seitenlayout oder den Wort- und Buchstabenabstand beim Lesen zu ändern und Schlüsselwörter hervorzuheben. Weiter heißt es, dass der Einsatz in der Virtual Reality „für jeden von Vorteil sein kann, der beim Lesen einen zusätzlichen Fokus benötigt, egal ob er fünf oder 85 Jahre alt ist“.

Was halten Ihr von dem Projekt? Kann die Virtual Reality im Klassenzimmer den Schülern einen Vorteil verschaffen?

Quelle:

https://www.androidpit.de/microsoft-will-die-virtual-reality-auf-den-lehrplan-setzen

https://uploadvr.com/microsoft-vr-education/

29. Januar 2019 0 comment

Knowledge Research

Emerging Trends in Education sector in 2019

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

As private players involve in developing mixed reality tools like Microsoft’s HoloLens, Google Expedition and Windows 10’s mixed reality viewer, the lines between real and virtual worlds will blur and the way educators and students engage with content will significantly change. With 5G technologies on the horizon promising lower latency and more robust connectivity, the quality of these tools will continue to grow, expanding their potential to supplement school and higher education.

The upcoming years will see evolved Mixed and Augmented Reality hardware and their integration with mobile technologies to make them more accessible. We will see the rise of mobile educational AR apps for developing simulations, real-time translators, 3D models and AR printable worksheets that educators can provide students to continue their learning at home

Also Read: Indian Education Sector Awaits New Dawn — Industrial Revolution 4.0

STEAM

Over the last decade, STEM Education (learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an interdisciplinary or integrated approach) has become an integral part of schools curriculum to develop future workforce who will lead in innovation and technology. But this led to downplaying of other disciplines like art and creativity. Over the past few years, the STEM to STEAM movement has been taking root and encourages including “Arts” into STEM to truly meet the needs of a 21st century economy.

Also Read: Stem Education Catalysing Hands-on Learning

The business and industry now view Design Thinking and Creativity as critical skills to have to nurture innovators, educators, leaders and learners of the future. There will be a need for educators to explore newer curriculum methods and age appropriate design approaches. School administration will need to create an environment that supports successful infusion of STEAM by investing in Smart Spaces and teacher training. There will be an increased focus on producing STEAM starter kits to accelerate design thinking and logic. The demand for teacher training in STEAM will lead to increased development of professional online trainings for teachers. Coding and Robotics will continue to grow in popularity with private sector’s increased participation in developing innovative educational content, providing expert help and transfer knowledge.

Quelle:

Emerging Trends in Education sector in 2019

5. Januar 2019 0 comment

Examples

how we learned from NASA and the Microsoft HoloLens team to make virtual teleportation a reality

A technology called HoloLens is showing us that the future is now, as it makes sci-fi virtual teleporting a business reality for safer operations and to address issues more quickly on the Chevron front lines.

HoloLens, a headset that operates as a fully self-contained holographic computer, coupled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 remote assist, enables users to troubleshoot problems by connecting field personnel with subject experts located around the world.

did you know

We followed in great footsteps with AR technology. Our use of HoloLens is derived from NASA’s prior adoption of similar remote collaboration between earth and space on the International Space Station Project.

Our use of this technology is derived from NASA’s prior adoption of similar remote collaboration between earth and space on the International Space Station Project. Learning from NASA’s experience, Chevron technical experts foresee many potential ways to work with business units to remotely solve design, operational and other technical problems to ensure a facility’s ongoing reliable operations – all without incurring expensive, time-consuming travel.

microsoft and chevron team up to deploy hololens AR technology

Microsoft video (Chevron is permitted to share and collaborated on the work) featuring Chevron’s use of HoloLens augmented reality technology.

how the microsoft hololens works

A worker in a field location simply dons the HoloLens headset that is attached to a hardhat. The HoloLens is a wearable Windows 10 PC with a camera, microphone and speakers built into the headset and connects onto the Chevron network via internet connection. The remote expert, who might also be at home depending on the time of day, can see on his or her computer monitor exactly what the field-based representative is seeing and guide him or her step-by-step through a resolution, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness. “In addition to seeing each other, the HoloLens allows the user and the remote expert to share data – such as manuals and drawings – at the press of a button,” said Bisram “Sam” Samlall, Technology & Innovation team lead at El Segundo Refinery. “And they can ‘draw’ on what they are seeing in full three dimensions.”

“Our use of HoloLens’ remote expert technology in an increasing number of our business units demonstrates our Chevron Way value of differentiating our performance through technology,” said John O’Brien, R&D Portfolio Manager, ETC Facilities Engineering Department. “HoloLens can reduce travel and stress, improve safety and enable experts to work in a collaborative space for fabrication and other tasks.”

Facilities Engineering recently developed a proof of concept (PoC) program using HoloLens at the expansion project of the Jack/St. Malo field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Design engineers took 3-D models of the designs and holographically projected them at full scale into a conference room. These dimensionally precise holograms allowed them to see exactly what the model would look like and test for clearance, safety and other design issues before a single part was fabricated.

“This tool allows you to gain a much better and more practical perspective of the model and allows you to physically reach up or bend over to access valves and other equipment.”

Ed Moore
Senior Technology Strategist, Chevron Energy Technology Company (ETC)

“The Operations team was very excited about being able to get a physical understanding of their surroundings in the model for checking the maintainability and operability of equipment.”

The proof of concept helped to establish that HoloLens can be used effectively both in fabrication yards and offshore and has capabilities for field verification during construction and in brownfield environments.

“You can overlay the model onto a skid in the fabrication yard — or offshore on the floating production unit — to conduct verifications,” said Gary Fischer, general manager, Special Projects, Project Resources Company. “It allows the user to quickly identify potential design or safety concerns. And it’s very helpful to be able to pull up datasheets, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and other relevant documentation for whatever you’re trying to troubleshoot in the field.”

Quelle:

https://www.chevron.com/stories/how-we-learned-from-nasa-and-microsoft-hololens-team-to-make-teleportation-a-reality

4. Januar 2019 0 comment

Examples

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar und Universität Ulm erforschen den Einsatz von Mixed Reality-Technologien

Realitätserweiternde, computergestützte Applikationen könnten das Lernen und Verstehen komplexer Sachverhalte positiv beeinflussen, davon sind die Verbundpartner von »AuCity 2« überzeugt. Wie die Technologien künftig eingesetzt werden können, untersucht das interdisziplinäre Forscherteam am Beispiel des Studienganges Bauingenieurwesen. Bis Februar 2022 erhält das BMBF-Projekt rund zwei Millionen Euro Fördermittel.

Unter Mixed Reality (MR) werden Umgebungen oder Systeme zusammengefasst, welche die natürliche Wahrnehmung des Menschen mit einer künstlichen, digitalen Wahrnehmung erweitern. Dabei werden reale Objekte und Räume wie beispielsweise Straßen, Brücken oder Gebäude mit zusätzlichen, computergenerierten Informationen wie Formeln oder Erläuterungen ergänzt. Auf diese Weise werden verborgene Einflussgrößen wie Bodenstruktur, CO2-Ausstoß oder Thermodynamik für den Betrachter sicht- und erlebbar.

Insbesondere in ingenieurwissenschaftlichen Disziplinen bieten erweiterte, virtuelle Realitäten daher vielfältige Einsatzmöglichkeiten: »Mixed Reality-Technologien ermöglichen es, räumliche Informationen realitätsnah in drei Dimensionen abzubilden und Interaktionen zwischen Lernenden und Objekten im virtuellen Raum zuzulassen«, erläutert Projektleiter Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Londong von der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Überzeugt vom Potenzial der Technologie, werden MR-Anwendungen wie die App »AugView« bereits seit dem Wintersemester 2017/18 testweise in die Lehre der Fakultät Bauingenieurwesen eingebunden. So analysieren und planen die Studierenden beispielsweise in fiktiven Szenarien die Wasserinfrastruktur der Stadt Weimar.

Lernerfolg durch MR-Anwendungen
Mathematisch-technische sowie räumliche Sachverhalte zu entschlüsseln und miteinander in Verbindung zu bringen, erfordert ein hohes Maß an räumlichem Vorstellungsvermögen. Studien belegen, dass die räumliche Darstellung von Informationen durch den Einsatz virtueller Realitäten besser gelingt, als durch bisherige digitale Medien. An diese Erkenntnis knüpft das Forschungsvorhaben »AuCity 2« an:
»Durch den unmittelbaren Bezug zur Realität wird die Komplexität abstrakter Sachverhalte reduziert, wovon besonders Lernende mit geringem Vorwissen oder geringem räumlichen Vorstellungsvermögen profitieren«, erörtert Prof. Dr. Tina Seufert, Institut für Psychologie und Pädagogik, Abteilung Lehr-Lernforschung an der Universität Ulm.

Im Rahmen des Projektes sollen verschiedene Anwendungsszenarien von Augmented Reality (AR, Erweiterte Realität) und Virtual Reality (VR, Virtuelle Realität) – zusammengefasst durch den Begriff Mixed Reality (MR) – stufenweise umgesetzt und deren Auswirkungen auf den Lernerfolg der Studierenden gemessen werden. Bei der Erstellung, Evaluation und Visualisierung der MR-Inhalte arbeiten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Ingenieurwissenschaften, Psychologie und Medieninformatik beider Universitäten Hand in Hand.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf der Projektwebseite:
www.uni-weimar.de/aucity2

»AuCity 2 – Augmented Reality in der Hochschullehre am Beispiel des Bauingenieurwesens«

Laufzeit: 1. September 2018 bis 28. Februar 2022
Drittmittelgeber: BMBF
Fördersumme: 2.015.003,80 Euro

Projektpartner

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
• Professor Dr.-Ing. Jörg Londong, Bauhaus-Institut für zukunftsweisende Infrastruktursysteme, (Projektleitung)
• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Koch, Professur Intelligentes Technisches Design,
• Jun.-Prof. Dr. Steffi Zander, Professur für Instructional Design – Didaktik medialer Lernumgebungen

Universität Ulm
• Prof. Dr. Tina Seufert, Institut für Psychologie und Pädagogik, Abteilung Lehr-Lernforschung
• Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Timo Ropinski, Institut für Medieninformatik, Forschungsgruppe Visual Computing
• Prof. Dr. Enrico Rukzio, Forschungsgruppe Mensch-Computer-Interaktion

Quelle:

https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/aktuell/bauhausjournal-online/titel/digital-studieren-bauhaus-universitaet-weimar-und-universitaet-ulm-erforschen-gemeinsam-den-einsatz-v/

23. Dezember 2018 0 comment

Knowledge Research

Augmented Reality Maintenance Aid (ARMA)

The Challenge

Aircraft Readiness is a number one priority for both military and commercial aviation. Maintenance task troubleshooting and execution time and error rates are significant aircraft readiness degraders.

An additional stressor occurs when an organization must extend the life of its equipment; in some cases, 10-20 years beyond an aircraft’s expected life. This puts unanticipated strain on systems and structures, resulting in excessive down time for repairs. In some cases, 40%-50% of the inventory of a platform are unusable at any point in time.

Maintenance errors are a leading cause of inventory down time. For example, a mistake made on a fuel cell replacement can result in an aircraft being down for 6 months or longer, driving enormous cost, and risk to global safety. Even the best training tools can reduce errors down to 75%, but today’s economic and global situation require something better. Aerospace needs a training solution that can be used on the job, and produce zero errors.

AVATAR Partners was approached by a community of maintainers to address a common issue in one fixed wing aircraft, which was a Wiring issue (specifically, the Left Main Landing Gear Planing Link Proximity Switch Fail).

The problem was complex:

• The task required 3 non-integrated sources (IETM, Wire Illuminator, Schematic)

• Tasks to gain access to test points was not identified

• Wire Illuminator visuals did not include installed components

• Poor wire illuminator visuals cause confusion in wiring orientation

• Visuals did not show necessary connection points

• Time intensive testing and strict time constraints

The Solution

To address the issue, AVATAR Partners used a standard Criticality, Difficulty, Frequency (CDF) analysis model to identify the optimal training solution; clearly, an advanced solution that would allow the maintainer to get assistance without leaving the job itself, was critical.

AVATAR researched all training technologies available, and designed a Mixed Reality solution, which combines both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. At the time, most Augmented Reality solutions relied on the use of markers or codes to identify the object. AVATAR joined the Vuforia VIP program and developed the Augmented Reality Maintenance Aid (ARMA), and worked with the vendor to develop an advanced object tracking system that would lock on target based on the shape of the object itself (using CAD data). Furthermore, most AR solutions had the issue of drift or jitter when dealing with a large object, such as an aircraft. The maintainer must be able to walk around the aircraft without any shift or jitter; if not, the maintainer loses all confidence in the solution. AVATAR Partners was able to eliminate shift and jitter entirely, regardless of the object size.

The Result

ARMA is a Mixed Reality industrial-grade training and job performance aid, useable under unpredictable environmental conditions. The results are as follows:

ARMA Reduces Time to Troubleshoot by 75%
With lock-on Object Tracking and elimination of drift/jitter, ARMA gains 100% confidence of the maintainer
Because ARMA is configurable, it can be designed to support any aircraft platform type
ARMA is scalable, allowing the maintainer to train in any environment, with or without the aircraft, or with a scaled down model, through the use of object tracking
ARMA is “Two for the price of One” – can be used in both training and on the job
ARMA is a hardware-agnostic and integrates with flight-ready glasses today
Increases the number of Ready Aircraft
Modular, extensible, integrates with any backend system, and allows multi-user collaboration
ARMA offers remote assistance which allows remote Subject Matter Experts to view, guide and record users remotely through steps and processes.

The AVATAR Team has developed other MR solutions that reduce cost and errors throughout the manufacturing process. Another example is the assembly of large, complex ships, where our team developed a Mixed Reality solution that Quality Assurance Time on Task by 90% while Eliminating Errors to Zero. Our ever-present objective, Simplifying Complex Systems™, is a success story that keeps growing.

Quelle:

Marlo Brooke, President and CEO, Avatar Partners

16. Dezember 2018 0 comment

Knowledge Research

INNVESTION is a VR/AR Platform for Industry Base Training Simulation.

The Problem

New technologies are an emerging industry creating employment opportunities and entrepreneurial possibilities. According to projections set out by the European Commission, market demands for qualified information and communications technology (ICT) specialists will not be met, seeing a shortfall of up to 500,000 ICT professionals in 2020. Virtual and augmented reality solutions are amongst those with some of the highest market demand in the ICT sector.

Skills, and skills development, are an essential component of all efforts in this challenging society. Too many workers are simply unprepared to meet the needs of firms, particularly in more competitive economic environments.

New skills development for more complex jobs. Technicians need to be proficient and continue to change rapidly as tasks become more complex. Find the right info at the right moment. Technicians need fast access to all info to take fast and complex decisions.

High Training cost. Time, resources, maintaining and quality standards.
High Digitalization cost (paper, no automatization processes, decisión taking.
Data integration and maintenance. Manuals, documents, files…
Data visualization. Format, devices, availability, usability
Risk and performance. New complex and unpredictable situations. Actions based training methodology.
Quality, standards and sustainability
Expensive or difficult hand on practice (no experimental, no real world scenarios…)
Difficult assessment process.
Most of existing solutions are isolated, expensive and not VRAR designed. Also have a gap about learning processes, methodology and instructional approach.

Industry 4.0 Demands

Industry 4.0 is the of automation information and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.

Enhanced productivity through optimization and automation
Provide real-time data and information for real-time decision makers
Business continuity through advanced maintenance and monitoring possibilities
Higher quality products as a result of real-time monitoring and technology convergence
Better working conditions and superior sustainability

The Solution

Engineers with the right skills, with excellent experience and experimental training, are the demands in the industry worldwide has become acute.

The need for efficient and effective workforce training and operation in the industry worldwide has become acute. VR/AR technology is the most efficient and fastest way to educate new employees and prepare them for their daily work. In the other hand, thanks to VR/AR and digital information, technicians can focus in operation & maintenance task enables them to cut down on time spent on administrative tasks, significantly increasing productivity.

VR/AR and Simulation-based training also helps increase professionals confidence because they can practice procedures until they master them. Further, trainees become more aware of safety procedures because they have to follow them in the simulations.

Reducing Training cost. Experiential training based on VRAR give real-time feedback and improve the efficiency of skills transfer, increased knowledge retention.
Reducing delays & mistakes. Using collaborative VR/AR and digital documentation, we can integrate “all in one”. Minimizing time to action in decisión taking providing technicians the complete background on an asset, detailing all historical data and repairs to quickly perform the task in hand.
Improving Safety. Dangerous or difficult to replicate scenarios can be safely simulated with VRAR. This allows monitors to repeatedly practice critical or unpredictable scenarios while preventing damage to equipment and persons.

Improving quality, and standards. Experiential Training through VRAR actively participation in the activities obtaining higher retention rates. VRAR training allows employees to receive hands on training, in a virtual environment. This prevents expensive down time and disruptions in normal operations
Improving assessment process. Monitors can create specific complex situations to be resolved, where Technicians will deal with different task according their role or responsibility. They will be evaluated based on their performance on the relevant work items. This information can be integrated with the company’s internal record keeping systems for certification and/or administrative action.
Improving preventive maintenance. Integrating applications such as electronic job sheets and work orders, on-site workers are now able to focus on the task in hand while using VRAR with tablets or smartphones. This enables them to cut down on time spent at the end of each day on administrative tasks, significantly increasing productive-time.
Faster and better decisions. Decision-making processes are shortened and problems, as well as defects, can be resolved quickly and efficiently

Imagine a solution, that deploy an intelligent VR/AR ecosystem with the specialized know-how to turn unstructured data into value-adding information, e.g. when providing services such as preventive maintenance, security management or operational management.

INNVESTION is an innovative platform for training, operation and maintenance of plant services, which includes advanced reality technologies in immersive environments (extened reality, 360º video), methodologies in a modular architecture (on/off line).

A cloud platform will allow users to download the different modules. For a full INNVESTION experience, the user only needs a mobile device and VR glasses that fit the device. The training centre will need an internet connection to download modules, and these can be accessed offline, only needing a connection to update new content.

INNVESTION can be used from a single “low cost” VR device based on Samsung Gear Mobile VR, through the most advanced VR Oculus Rift, HTC Vive configuration.

The Results

Simulation-based training, prefaced with traditional training methods on process fundamentals, is the most efficient and fastest way to train new employees and prepare them for their daily work providing huge added value and benefits:

Faster project execution, commissioning and ”time to market“ through improved collaboration
Cost savings through consistent plant information available at all times
Higher plant availability, integrating real time data and 3d visualization
Safe and efficient plant operations

Quelle:

Autor: Carlos J. Ochoa (ONE Digital Consulting)

http://www.thevrara.com/blog2/2018/12/4/see-the-latest-examples-of-vrar-training-solutions-and-rsvp-for-our-webinar

13. Dezember 2018 0 comment

Examples

Mercedes-Benz Shifts to HoloLens for Employee Training

Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has joined the growing list of automakers adopting augmented reality to provide an assist to its manufacturing operations, in this case, via the Microsoft HoloLens.

The company employs more than 100 HoloLens devices in its Mercedes-Benz Global Training program, where about 450 management, product, branding, and sales employees have access to the devices.

Through the HoloLens, participants are able to examine 3D models of vehicles, view the car’s internal parts, and understand its complex systems in more detail. The device also gives them an opportunity to learn how to generally apply AR technology to their various job roles.

Communication and media studio IJsfontein showed off one of the training experiences via video. Built in collaboration Wegesrand Expert Network and Mercedes-Benz Global Training, the app enables customers to view the various features of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class in augmented reality.

„One of our participants, a sales professional, told us that HoloLens would allow him to need only one car in his showroom,“ said Ralf Krieger, a training coach at Mercedes-Benz Global Training, in a Microsoft blog post. „He envisioned using HoloLens in a way that his customers could touch the physical car, but also see, through mixed reality, how that same model would look if they wanted different components.“

Don’t Miss: Microsoft Unveils Remote Assist & Layout, New HoloLens Apps Aimed at Workforce Productivity

In the post, Microsoft illustrates how adaptable AR can be across audiences. For example, Krieger’s colleague, Walter Bauch, only began using a smartphone two years ago. Today, he uses the HoloLens to train his co-workers.

„People come in and hear my story. They realize: Here is this guy who never used a smartphone until two years ago and now he is using HoloLens in his job. People do not believe it,“ said Bauch. „This is the signal we send out to our visitors: It’s not the age of the user that matters. This device is for people of all ages. Our oldest participant was 89. He attended with his 60-year-old son. I will never forget what he told us: ‚I wish I’d had this technology when I was young and handsome.'“

While Mercedes-Benz is focusing on training with the HoloLens (and showroom experiences not unlike those used by Volvo), other automakers like Ford are using the device to improve engineering design processes while Renault Trucks has been using the technology to guide factory workers through complex processes. Elsewhere, Porsche is using Atheer AiR to assist mechanics with repairs.

Though the implementations across brands may vary, and mainstream consumers are still largely unfamiliar with devices like the HoloLens, the increasing adoption of augmented reality among automakers and other manufacturing industries demonstrates that businesses are already finding value and utility in the technology today, even if the rest of the public takes a few years to catch up.

Quelle:

Image by IJsfontein/YouTube

http://www.virtualrealitypulse.com/training/?open-article-id=8691465&article-title=mercedes-benz-shifts-to-hololens-for-employee-training&blog-domain=reality.news&blog-title=next-reality-ar

11. Dezember 2018 0 comment

Examples

Die Präzisionschirurgie von morgen

Die Hochschulmedizin Zürich hat an ihrer Jahresveranstaltung das neue Flagship-Projekt «SURGENT» vorgestellt. Damit sollen Operationen hochpräzis geplant und durchgeführt werden können – unter anderem mit holographischer Navigation.

In der Chirurgie zählen bildgebende Verfahren schon lange zum Standard. Das Ergebnis ist jedoch meist ein Bild auf einem Display, das von den Medizinerinnen und Medizinern interpretiert und auf den Patienten übertragen werden muss. Neue virtuelle Verfahren in der Chirurgie jedoch können Daten aus bildgebenden Verfahren in eine dreidimensionale Darstellung umwandeln, um Diagnosen zu erstellen und Operationen zu planen und durchzuführen.

An ihrer gestrigen Jahresveranstaltung hat die Kooperationsplattform «Hochschulmedizin Zürich» (vgl. Kasten) ihr neues Flagship-Projekt 2018 bekannt gegeben. «SURGENT» (SURGEON ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES) will neue Standards in der Präzisionschirurgie setzen. Ausgehend von der Wirbelsäulen- und Neurochirurgie sollen neue Technologien zur Verbesserung der chirurgischen Fähigkeiten entwickelt und klinisch getestet werden.

Beim Projekt SURGENT werden Forschende der Universität Zürich, der ETH Zürich und der universitären Spitäler interdisziplinär zusammenarbeiten. Geleitet wird das Projekt von Professor Mazda Farshad, Direktor der Universitätsklinik Balgrist, und Mirko Meboldt, Professor für Produktentwicklung an der ETH Zürich.

Chirurgische Landschaften

Die insgesamt acht beteiligten Forschungsgruppen wollen in den kommenden Jahren die Planung und Ausführung von Operationen revolutionieren. Dazu gehört erstens, die individuelle Anatomie und das Gewebe der Patientinnen und Patienten bildgebend zu vermessen und dokumentieren. So sollen interaktive Karten der «Landschaften» geschaffen werden, in der sich die Chirurginnen und Chirurgen später bewegen werden.

Zweitens sollen weitere Modelle und Simulationen entwickelt werden, um Operationen optimal und patientenspezifisch zu planen und das Operationsergebnis vorhersagen zu können. Dies soll das Resultat einer Behandlung zuverlässiger machen.

Als drittes Ziel von SURGENT soll Augmented Reality (AR) genutzt werden, um die Navigation während einer Operation effizient und effektiv zu unterstützen. Der Chirurg erhält dazu während der Operation laufend visuelle und akustische Informationen – seine Sinne sind erweitert. Künstliche Intelligenz wird gleichzeitig helfen, das Verhalten des Chirurgen während der Operation zu analysieren, um ihm zur richtigen Zeit die richtigen Informationen zur Verfügung stellen zu können.

Operation mit Mixed-Reality-Brille

Schon heute finden an der Universitätsklinik Balgrist im Rahmen von klinischen Studien Operationen mit so genannten Mixed-Reality-Brillen statt. Das neue Flagship-Projekt baut unter anderem auf diesen Erfahrungen auf.

Mixed-Reality-Brillen erlauben es, virtuelle Informationen ins Blickfeld des Chirurgen einzuspielen – Realität und Virtualität interagieren so miteinander. Damit wird der Informationsstand des Chirurgen erweitert, wie es bisher nicht möglich war. Dies soll während der Operation etwa eine holographische Navigation mittels eingespielter 3D-Simulation ermöglichen.

Müssen bei einer Operation beispielsweise mehrere Wirbel fixiert werden, soll dem Mediziner die Brille helfen, die Schrauben richtig zu positionieren. Die Brille kommuniziert dabei ständig drahtlos mit einer Navigationsplattform. Die geplante Position der Schrauben wird dann in das Sichtfeld des Operateurs projiziert. Durch die «Mixed Reality» sowie 3D-Positionstracking kann der Chirurg während der Operation die Schraubenposition schneller lokalisieren und die chirurgischen Instrumente besser positionieren. Die Hand des Chirurgen ist sozusagen besser geführt durch die Erweiterung seiner sensorischen und intellektuellen Fähigkeiten.

Hochschulmedizin Zürich

Die Hochschulmedizin Zürich (HMZ) versteht sich als Plattform mit dem Ziel, die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Universität Zürich, ETH Zürich und den universitären Spitälern im Grenzbereich zwischen bio-medizinischen Grundlagenwissenschaften, Naturwissenschaften, Ingenieurwissenschaften, klinischer Forschung und medizinischer Versorgung zu fördern.

Die Flagship-Projekte der Hochschulmedizin Zürich sind visionäre Grossprojekte. Sie vereinen Forschungsgruppen aus verschiedenen Bereichen und haben das Potential für bahnbrechende Entwicklungen mit Ausstrahlung weit über Zürich hinaus. In einer jährlichen Ausschreibung vergibt die Hochschulmedizin Zürich Flagship Grants und unterstützt Forschende bei der Ausarbeitung ihrer Projektideen.

Quelle:

Adrian Ritter und Marita Fuchs sind Redaktoren von UZH News.

https://www.news.uzh.ch/de/articles/2018/hochschulmedizin-2018.html

4. Dezember 2018 0 comment

Hardware Knowledge

Microsoft liefert 100.000 Virtual-Reality-Brillen an US-Militär

Bei Virtual Reality (VR) und Augmented Reality (AR) geht es nicht nur um Videospiele. Auch das Militär hat ein Auge auf die neue Technologie geworfen. Microsoft hat jetzt einen Auftrag der US-Armee über die Lieferung von VR/AR-Systemen im Gesamtwert bis zu 480 Millionen US-Dollar erhalten. Der neue Auftrag zeigt zum einen das Milliardenpotenzial des Zukunftsmarktes und gibt einen Hinweis auf die Stellung Microsofts in diesem Markt.

Die speziell angepassten „Kampfversionen“ der Microsoft „HoloLens“ sollen bei Kampfeinsätzen und in der Ausbildung eingesetzt werden. Die Truppe soll insbesondere mit mehr und besseren Informationen versorgt werden. Laut US-Armee dürfte dies dazu führen, dass „die Letalität der Soldaten erhöht wird, indem der Feind schneller aufgespürt wird, schnellere Entscheidungen getroffen werden und er dadurch früher bekämpfbar wird.“

Besser als die Konkurrenz

Dass der Zuschlag an Microsoft ging, kann von Anlegern als positives Signal für die hervorragende Stellung des Konzerns im Bereich der Mixed Reality gewertet werden. Denn neben dem Tech-Riesen bewarben sich 25 weitere Unternehmen für den Auftrag – darunter auch das aussichtsreiche Start-up Magic Leap. Doch die Microsoft HoloLens scheint zu überzeugen.

Die HoloLens bietet ihrem Träger vielseitige Funktionen. Der Nutzer kann holographische Elemente in den Raum projizieren und durch Stimmen- und Gestensteuerung mit ihnen interagieren.

Technisch hat die HoloLens einiges zu bieten. Eine Besonderheit ist „Spatial Sound“, der Entfernung, Richtung und Umwelteinflüsse von bis zu zwölf Audioquellen simuliert. Dies ist wichtig, da die Hologramme überall im Raum verankert werden. Über Tiefenkameras werden die Bewegungen und die Umwelt wahrgenommen und verarbeitet. Beeindruckend ist dabei, dass die gesamte Rechenpower inklusive Stromversorgung in der Brille verbaut ist. Ein Akku liefert genügend Energie für bis zu 3 Stunden. Mit dieser Technik hat die HoloLens verglichen mit ihren Konkurrenten einige Features mehr unter der Haube.

Milliardenpotenzial

Zudem zeigt das Volumen des Auftrags deutlich, welches Potenzial hinter den VR/AR-Brillen steckt. Microsoft muss in den nächsten zwei Jahren zunächst 2.500 Kampfversionen der HoloLens liefern. Bringt der Prototyp den Erfolg, will die US-Armee über 100.000 weitere Systeme bestellen.

Insgesamt dürfte der Markt für Militäranwendungen jedoch 2025 nur 1,4 Milliarden Dollar umfassen. Weitaus wichtiger: zivile Einsatzmöglichkeiten. Hier dürfte ein Milliardenmarkt entstehen.

Quelle:

http://www.deraktionaer.de/aktie/microsoft-liefert-100-000-virtual-reality-brillen-an-us-militaer-418190.htm

4. Dezember 2018 0 comment

Examples

Toyota Looks To Improve Their Kaizen Philosophy With Microsoft HoloLens

Toyota expands the use of AR technology within its design and production departments.

In business, a “kaizen” philosophy is the practice where all employees – from CEO to new employees – work together proactively for the continued improvement of how an organization is run from top to bottom in every function of the business.

This practice was started by the Japanese and adopted by businesses around the world, most notably it’s a huge part of the automotive giant, Toyota, in what the company refers to as the Toyota Way. So, it would make sense that Toyota would look at any process or technology to explore new ways to better themselves as a company.

Toyota plans on using Microsoft’s HoloLens and AR technology as part of their kaizen philosophy in hopes of giving themselves a boost in efficiency and assistance them overall in how they operate as a company.

Bringing in mixed reality into areas such as the production floor will have Toyota joining the ranks of other big-name automakers, such as Ford and Volvo, who are already using the HoloLens in their design and production departments.

When Kayano Koichi, Toyota’s project manager of 3D data utilization and the primary lead in AR/VR/MR endeavors, first discovered the HoloLens, he instantly saw the potential of how the device and AR would allow them to do things they had never done before.

For example, the task of inspecting the coating thickness on a car normally requires two employee meticulously cutting out small pieces of paper, and then placing them on specific points of the car for measurement. Its normally a long and tedious process that can on average can take the entire day to complete.

Using the Microsoft HoloLens, an employee could complete the same task on their own in just about two hours.

Another advantage Toyota sees with HoloLens and AR/VR/MR technology is the ability to make on-the-spot changes in areas such as 3D design without affecting operations. Instead, you simply make the changes in AR as you go, all while not disrupting your work or completely halting team momentum.

Talking with the Nikkei Asian Review, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, discussed Toyota’s commitment to using the HoloLens by stating how technology, “completely changes the pace and the speed with which you can go about doing something.”

Along with the HoloLens, Toyota is also testing Microsoft’s Dynamic 365 suite, which combines VR and AR tools Microsoft Layout and Microsoft’s Remote Assist. Layout allows you to use VR to design the layout of a site, and explore how large equipment might fit within the location, while Remote Assist will take your Layout design and allow you to view the digital image in a real-world location using AR.

These tools take Toyota’s own kaizen philosophy and turns it into an immersive technology-saturated action plan that creates a collaborative global environment. It’s a virtually seamless system across the board and truly embraces the companies agenda of exploring all options to conceive a dynamic engine for improvements.

For Nadella, technology is key for improving business, and his own philosophy doesn’t focus on just Toyota and Microsoft. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a bank. It doesn’t matter if you’re in retail, or in automotive. All of you are in the software business and in the digital business going forward.”

No matter what business you’re in, you most likely have your own kaizen philosophy for ensuring success, making improvements, and perhaps – like Toyota – you see the potential in how hardware like Microsoft’s HoloLens, or any other type of immersive technology, can help get you there.

Or maybe you just want to play RoboRaid.

Quelle:

https://vrscout.com/news/toyota-kaizen-microsoft-hololens/?utm_source=VRScout+Scouting+Report&utm_campaign=68adc15f68-VRScoutReport_112318&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f3642cd298-68adc15f68-161230117

27. November 2018 0 comment