What's Next For Training? Takeaways From The Augmented Enterprise Summit

Introduction

In October, we once again attended the Augmented Enterprise Summit (AES) and hosted our partner Matterport at our booth. As a leading event for Extended Reality (XR) in industrial applications, AES allowed us to connect with industry leaders and share insights, resulting in valuable takeaways. This blog highlights key insights from AES, emphasizing its focus on enterprise engagement, particularly among Fortune 500 companies.

‍

Who will be the successor of Microsoft Hololens and Magicleap?

One of the most pressing questions in the XR landscape is, "Who will be the next successor for Magic Leap and HoloLens?". 

Major players like Microsoft and Magic Leap are shifting their focus towards enterprise solutions. Microsoft has discontinued production of its HoloLens 2 headset, while Magic Leap plans to pivot from selling AR headsets to enterprise, and instead move to license its AR optics tech. These changes signal a move away from consumer-focused AR and raise questions about the long-term support for existing users.

Although Meta Orion is set to enhance wearable AR technology in the next two years, mobile devices remain the most practical option for AR experiences today. Companies are increasingly recognizing this, leading to a growing emphasis on mobile AR solutions, which Treedis actively supports.

Treedis focuses on creating adaptable technology for multiple devices, prioritizing accessibility in mobile AR and virtual reality applications. This commitment aligns with their mission of empowering users to integrate digital twins into their environments, enhancing business operations and user experiences.

How XR Training is Transforming Learning: A Mature Solution for Enterprises

Imagine entering a training environment where, instead of passively watching slides or listening to lectures, you’re fully immersed in a realistic simulation. You can interact with virtual equipment, practice complex procedures, and experience real-world scenarios without any real-world risks. This is the power of XR training using digital twins of working environments.

XR encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, merging the physical and digital worlds to create interactive learning experiences. This immersive approach boosts knowledge retention by up to 70% compared to traditional methods. Think of it as learning by doing, but in a safe and controlled environment. 

In 2024, Treedis launched Flows, a no-code feature that streamlines the creation of step-by-step workflows for XR environments, enhancing training experiences. With virtual reality safety training has shown a 43% reduction in lost time from injuries, this tool underscores XR's potential to improve safety and workforce preparedness across industries.

In a recent webinar with Treedis and Matterport, Daniel Mekis of Granite Construction discussed the impact of streamlining training and operations with XR: 

“It’s nice to be able to give people the ability to come visit the site without distractions, hazards and risks they might run into; it lets you focus on the content or on what you’re trying to present to them without being live on site with all the noise. Treedis gives them the ability to learn without all the risks associated with coming on site."

At AES, we learnt that companies view XR as a mature training solution that enhances learning outcomes. Beyond virtual scenarios, XR training incorporates digital twin-based methods, providing hands-on experience that improves understanding and performance in real-world situations.

How XR Technology Enhances Maintenance and Boosts Efficiency

The benefits of XR extend beyond the training room and into the field, revolutionizing maintenance operations. By leveraging digital twins and integrating IoT technologies, XR empowers frontline workers to visualize equipment, diagnose issues, and perform repairs with increased efficiency and accuracy.

‍

Imagine a technician with access to AR through their device who can see real-time data overlaid on a piece of machinery, providing step-by-step guidance for troubleshooting and repair. This real-time access to information and remote expert support leads to an impressive 84% increase in first-time fix rates, minimizing downtime and optimizing labor.

Companies are increasingly looking to adopt XR technology as a standard tool for maintenance and operations use cases. Treedis’ Connected Worker Solution exemplifies this holistic approach by integrating XR into everyday workflows; this solution allows workers to access critical information instantly, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration across teams.

By adopting a "train first, maintain after" strategy, organizations can ensure their workforce is well-prepared to tackle equipment challenges, leading to significant cost savings and improved operational performance. As XR technology continues to evolve, its role in maintenance operations is set to grow, making it an essential component of modern industrial practices.

Why Enterprises Are Adopting a DIY Approach for XR and AR Solutions

Enterprises are increasingly seeking a DIY approach to XR and AR, driven by the desire for scalable, cost-effective solutions. Companies have expressed a clear preference for systems that allow them to create and manage their own XR experiences, moving away from traditional service-based models. This shift enables organizations to build internal teams capable of handling learning and development initiatives without relying heavily on external developers or specialized hardware.

Treedis embodies a DIY philosophy that empowers users to control their XR applications through no-code platforms and accessible AR solutions on common devices like smartphones and tablets. This approach promotes innovation and adaptability within organizations. By enabling employees to become creators, companies can lower development costs, enhance agility, and build internal expertise, ultimately boosting productivity and operational efficiency.

What Are Some Leading Companies Offering XR Training Solutions?

The XR training market is dynamic, with several companies offering innovative solutions:

Treedis

Treedis is a no-code platform that transforms industrial teams into connected workers, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime. By uploading 3D scans, companies can digitize workflows with interactive layers on their digital twins, accessible throughAR & VR. Treedis is the only platform where one process offers both digital, AR, and VR solutions for remote and physical use cases. This user-friendly solution allows businesses to create AR training experiences without external developers, promoting safety, collaboration, and IoT connectivity while minimizing downtime.

Strivr

Strivr is a prominent player known for its immersive learning experiences that leverage XR technology to enhance employee engagement and performance. With a focus on enterprise training, Strivr collaborates with Fortune 500 companies and sports teams, providing a robust platform for operational efficiency and skill development across diverse sectors

Squint

Squint provides immersive learning solutions that leverage XR technology to create engaging training experiences. By focusing on user-centric design, Squint enables organizations to develop interactive content that enhances knowledge retention and skill acquisition across various sectors.

Motive

Motive specializes in utilizing VR for workforce training, particularly in high-stakes environments such as manufacturing and healthcare. Their platform offers realistic simulations that prepare employees for real-world challenges, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.

Immersal

Immersal revolutionizes training by enabling organizations to map any space and add layers of information that deepen user experience. This technology allows for the augmentation of industrial environments with critical safety information and operational data, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in training scenarios.

Convai

Convai focuses on creating conversational AI solutions that enhance XR training experiences. By integrating natural language processing into immersive environments, Convai allows users to interact with virtual scenarios through dialogue, making training more intuitive and engaging.

Conclusion

As the XR landscape continues to evolve, enterprises are seeking adaptable and accessible solutions that empower them to take control of their training and maintenance processes. The shift towards a DIY approach, coupled with the availability of no-code platforms and versatile AR technologies, is driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors. By embracing these advancements, organizations can unlock the full potential of XR to enhance learning, optimize operations, and drive future growth. Treedis' participation during AES reinforces our commitment to these goals, as we engage with industry leaders to shape the future of XR solutions