December 15, 2022 by Brett Gallagher Manufacturers of all ages are embracing new technology to move better and faster into the future. Next Generation of Manufacturing Professionals at IMTS 2022. Manufacturing has always been influenced by technology, helping businesses stay ahead of their competition while the most successful manufacturers stay at the forefront of advanced and smart manufacturing innovations. Whether it’s to improve production processes or upskill workers, companies are looking for smart manufacturing options to enhance their business. A market analysis report from Grand View Research states that global ARand VR in manufacturing market size was valued at USD 5.57 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.3% from 2022 to 2030. The report goes on to discuss the increase in adoption amongst the manufacturing sector stating that this growth is due to the preference for AR and VR technology enabling manufacturers to access manual processes and automated data simultaneously. Further, the application of AR and VR technology for production training, enhancing process efficiency, and the well-being of employees fuels manufacturing market growth. The use of AR and VR for maintenance within manufacturing facilities is another contributor to industry growth. New Technology is the Solution SME is launching new programs and products each year to advance manufacturing. Tooling U-SME, the leading provider of manufacturing training solutions, recently unveiled Virtual Labs, an immersive virtual reality training curriculum bridging the gap between learning and doing to enhance productivity, increase safety, lower costs, and engage a younger workforce. "With Virtual Labs, we are taking yet another step forward by providing high-tech, experiential learning using the latest technology available," said Chad Schron, Senior Director for Tooling U-SME."As Smart Manufacturing revolutionizes the industry, our mission is to elevate workforce knowledge and capabilities for individuals, manufacturers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations so they are ready for what's here and what's next." Virtual Labs resonate for learners of all ages and experience levels. Younger users enjoy donning the Meta Quest 2 headset and entering a virtual world and seasoned employees are engaged through new learning delivery methods. What it ultimately comes down to is that people learn in different ways. Whether you’re a visual, audible, or hands-on learner, Tooling U-SME’s Virtual Labs provides immersive, realistic training experiences that meet the needs of all different types of learners. AR and VR are part of manufacturing’s future, the only question is how manufacturers will make the most of these new tools. Closing the Generational Skills Gap CSME member, Bill Faulkner participates in a virtual reality training demonstration at the Tooling U-SME booth during NOCOM 2022. Manufacturing progress is contingent on both the adoption of technologies and the development of the workforce. This type of evolution was on display during Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership (NOCOM). NOCOM is a manufacturing tradeshow in Colorado dedicated to expanding the manufacturing sector, and connecting suppliers, manufacturers, and public partners. During this year’s event, SME member, Bill Faulkner participated in a VR demonstration at the Tooling U-SME booth and scored 100% on the manufacturing safety awareness lab. His excitement for this new technology is inspiring. “I’ve never used virtual reality before, my first experience with it was during NOCOM,” said Faulkner. “It seems like you could do a lot with this technology. I think virtual reality could be a great tool for training workers. I’d love to go through additional training and learn more myself. It’s interesting to me and only a matter of time until I end up with my own personal VR headset.” Faulkner is 81 years young and has been involved in the SME professional chapter since 1982. He is a perfect example of how technology can span across generations and debunks the generalization that only younger individuals will be able to use advanced technology such as AR and VR. Manufacturing companies are facing extensive amounts of vacant roles and onboarding new employees quickly is key. One way to accelerate the process is through the implementation of AR and VR. This technology can speed up the onboarding of new workers and improve productivity by offering more immersive on-the-job training for current workers. Technology doesn’t have to be a hindrance. In fact, advanced technologies can do quite the opposite. In the case of Faulkner, he showed how AR and VR will close the generational skill gap and benefit people in all stages of their manufacturing careers.
