The SELFEX2 team is working to bring real-time, interactive training to the manufacturing sector using extended reality (XR) technologies. Through their participation in the CORTEX2 support programme, they are developing a solution that enables one senior operator to train multiple junior operators remotely, bridging geographical gaps and preserving vital know-how.
Keep reading to learn how SELFEX2 is addressing training challenges in manufacturing and the impact it could have on efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development.
Q: What is SELFEX2 in one sentence?
A: Our aim is to integrate the SELFEX concept into the CORTEX2 framework. This allows for real-time training between one teacher-senior operator in one location and several junior operators in remote locations.
Q: What problem are you solving? What makes your solution unique?
A: SELFEX2 will improve the manufacturing learning process, reducing trainer time, providing an objective of the readiness of the operator, decreasing errors in line and usage of machinery due to short trainings, saving senior know-how and allowing remote trainings which are currently impossible. The impact is extremely relevant from a European landscape, and taking into account the CORTEX2 specific objectives.
Q: What are SELFEX2’s main objectives?
A:
- Allowing a real-time interaction between trainer and students when learning manufacturing tasks using finger-tracking information. This would be achieved by integrating the SELFEX concept into the CORTEX2 framework.
- Demonstrate and evaluate the SELFEX2 approach with real users who eventually may adopt it. This would be achieved by interacting with manufacturers and customers of the SFC products.
- Provide a supplementary use case to CORTEX2 to validate its framework.
CORTEX2 support programme progress
Q: What have you achieved so far?
A: The main conclusion is that the real-time behaviour will be provided using the Rainbow calls. This means that the SELFEX platform will have the capability to launch a Rainbow call between SELFEX users, in which video, audio, and kinematic (finger and wrist positions) information would be shared. Since audio and video sharing are already available in the Rainbow platform, the challenge is how to share kinematic information during the call.
The requirements from the client’s and SELFEX2’s point of view have been compiled, and the use cases that will be used as a tool to validate the system have been described.
Q: How is participating in CORTEX2 supporting SELFEX2?
A: CTAG, as the technology provider, will benefit from the evolution of the current SELFEX solution by integrating new features and modules from the CORTEX2 framework. SFC, as the technology adopter, will benefit from the reduction in costs of travelling, higher productivity due to less time spent in displacements, and higher employee satisfaction due to an increase in work-life balance. CORTEX2 will benefit from a supplementary use case to validate its framework.
The stakeholders will benefit from know-how retention, increased worker efficiency and fewer errors due to short experience, development of new skills, and reduced energy and resources needed while training and configuring machinery. In the long term, the solution could enable tasks that can be done remotely, implying fewer people on site in each work shift and thus less transportation costs and emissions.
The reduction in the number of travels per employee will have a significant economic impact on the companies. It includes the travelling costs themselves (flights, hotels, diets), and employees’ overtime payments. Moreover, it will impact the reduction in CO₂ emissions. It is estimated that the aviation CO₂ emission is around 100 kg CO₂ per passenger per hour.
Another important economic impact will be the retention of know-how and reduced downtime sometimes required until the training of new employees is completed. All these aspects reflect in an enhanced operational efficiency for both the technology adopter and stakeholders.
Q: What are your next steps within the programme?
A: For the next phase, CTAG will lead the development of the new functionalities into the SELFEX concept, and SFC will support from a user perspective.
Also scheduled is the integration in the CORTEX2 framework and deployment of an MVP:
- Usage of the CORTEX2 tools and components during the development.
- Integrating the developments into CORTEX2.
- Deploying an MVP as a result.
Learn more about SELFEX2 and stay updated on its progress!
Want to explore more XR innovation? Browse all our supported projects on the CORTEX2 website: