Partnering with BT, Ericsson and NVIDIA, Hyperbat is set to benefit from a world first 5G Virtual Reality (VR) ‘digital twin’ solution which allows remote teams in different parts of the country to connect, collaborate and interact using a virtual 3D engineering model. By enabling dispersed teams across design, engineering and manufacturing to collaborate more efficiently, the technology is set to accelerate the pace of innovation within the UK manufacturing sector.

Hyperbat alongside its partners – BT, Ericsson,Qualcomm Technologies, NVIDIA, Masters of Pie and The Grid Factory - unveiled details of the solution at the NVIDIA GPU Technology Conference (GTC) demonstrating how it will reduce product cycle time between design, engineering and manufacturing teams based in Coventry and Oxfordshire.

The solution offers a world first untethered 5G native experience that will allow design and engineering teams to walk around and interact with a 3D lifesize model in real time through a single self-contained device, and without the constraints of a physical connection. Hyperbat colleagues in different locations will be able to work with a 1:1 product scale hologram of the design in-situ on the factory floor, review designs in real time, and manage workflows much more effectively.

The solution comprising high bandwidth and low latency 5G connectivity, integrated by Ericsson’s D-15 Lab in Santa Clara, California, will enable Hyperbat to deliver engineering projects at scale. This will empower teams to improve build efficiency within its manufacturing processes, whilst removing current complexities between product management systems, supply chain and factory operations.

The 5G VR digital twin solution will be deployed by BT and Ericsson on a 5G mobile private network, using the world’s first 5G-enabled VR headset powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2 Platform. The VR headset will run on the Masters of Pie Radical platform, enabling Hyperbat to use cloud-based virtual reality within computer-aided design (CAD) software. Using high performance edge compute, the solution also includes cutting-edge hardware and software from NVIDIA to seamlessly integrate into existing factory floor operations. Qualcomm’s VR headset incorporates split rendering where all the perception-based data is held locally on the device, but the computing is handled in the cloud and streamed by the NVIDIA CloudXR and solutions. This helps to achieve a seamless, high fidelity VR experience that produces a real-life experience for the manufacturing teams.

Hosein Torabmostaedi, Digital and Innovation Manager said: ‘‘Hyperbat is honoured to be working with such an incredible consortium of partners to pioneer a solution that lays the foundations for smart factory architecture and efficient, flexible and collaborative manufacturing. The solution mainly targeted at collaborative mobile workforce with the use of 5G native headsets and seamless integration of design and manufacturing systems with the digital twin technologies. Hyperbat also to extend the solution to the use of 5G connectivity for machines to enable configurable and flexible production lines. The solutions will be demonstrated and trialed at Hyperbat’s facility in Coventry, United Kingdom.”

Jeremy Spencer, 5G Innovation Senior Manager, BT’s Enterprise unit said: “This world-first 5G digital twin solution is a powerful reminder that 5G connectivity and Edge Compute is very much here now, delivering real business benefits for our customers. 5G connectivity, when combined with the latest emerging tech can produce incredible efficiency gains which will be so important in boosting the UK manufacturing sector as it recovers from COVID. It will also bring a welcome boost to many other industries where collaboration is required. We’re thrilled to be working with Hyperbat and such a strong network of partners to bring this innovation to life, made possible by combining our collective strengths across a range of technologies.”

“5G will have a transformative impact in the industries and technologies of the future and this collaboration with BT, Hyperbat and other eco-system partners is another demonstration of how low latency, edge compute and wireless networking will be critical to digitalisation within the enterprise sector. By delivering operational efficiencies through 5G technology, we are laying a foundation that can help to drive innovation in manufacturing, boost the economy and position the UK as a leading 5G nation,” said Björn Odenhammar, CTO, Networks & Managed Services, Ericsson UK & Ireland

 “Bringing remote teams together in VR to collaborate and refine manufacturing processes will produce great efficiencies and innovations,” said David Weinstein, director of virtual reality and augmented reality at NVIDIA. “This 5G VR digital-twin solution -- powered with NVIDIA RTX technology, CloudXR, and NVIDIA RTX Virtual Workstation software -- will enable real-time immersion for teams both on the factory floor and remotely.”

The Hyperbat solution is near completion with results of the collaboration expected in early summer.

Corey Taylor, from Nuneaton, served in the military for six years specialising in radio and satellite communications and setting up communications during operational tours.

His work involved operational tours of Iraq and Kosovo but with a young family, Corey decided to leave the Army to spend more time with them. He initially began working in IT and then took a two year career break while studying electrical installation at college as a mature student.

But, despite gaining a recognised qualification, Corey struggled to find a suitable job. Thankfully, he found out about the STEM Returners programme – a scheme that works with employers to recruit, develop and retain qualified and skilled people who are looking to re-start their careers or transfer their skills to another sector.

Applications for the next intake are now open until 26 April. For more information visit www.stemretuners.com

Corey, 41, has now secured a job as a BT engineer, helping maintain the company’s power network.

He said: “I really enjoyed my time in the Army and served all over the world. My role setting up the hubs enabled troops on the ground to communicate with each other. It was difficult work but my training made it easier to get the job done.

“The STEM Returners programme gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills and experiences by getting me a foot in the door of BT. After attending an informal open day, I was invited to join the programme - a paid internship to learn the job and hone my recently acquired qualifications in a practical environment. At the end of the programme I was delighted to accept a permanent position as a Power Engineer at my local BT site.”

Corey’s role at Telecom Centre, Coventry, includes maintaining the engines that generate their own electricity and power BT’s exchanges in case of emergency.

He added: “No day is the same and I'm constantly learning new things and completing new training.”

Pete Buckle, BT engineering services director, said he hoped Corey’s success would encourage more people to consider a career in engineering through the programme.

He said: “I’m delighted to have Corey working with us. It’s incredibly important to have an inclusive and diverse workforce - it adds a different set of skills and perspectives.

“We need to make STEM subjects and engineering more attractive to everyone, that will allow us to choose from a diverse and representative range of applicants.”

The STEM returners programme is open to anyone with electrical engineering or power planning skills who has taken a career break or would like to transfer to a different sector but lack the relevant work experience.

BT is also one of the largest employers of former armed forces veterans and reservists in the UK. The company’s support for the armed forces includes another programme called Transition Force, which helps service leavers and veterans find the right civilian career.

Notes

Stem Returners

STEM returners is a programme open to anyone with electrical engineering or power planning skills who has taken a career break, or would like to transfer to a different sector but lack the relevant work experience.

Once on the programme, participants join a paid 12-week structured return to work, which will include soft skills training, technical training and on the job experience, as well as coaching and mentoring support.

At the end of the 12 weeks, job offers will be made to those who have shown the necessary skills and aptitude to join the engineering specialists.