Tradiebot Industries Using Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies to Train Automotive Workforce

From midair 3D designing and undertaking immersive experiences to learning more about things like coffee and our planet, from testing out 3D digital drones and how to modify nuclear pumps to getting a closer look at molecules, many companies around the world are introducing augmented and virtual reality into their operations. At the WorldSkills Skills Show Australia 2018 in Sydney this week, Deakin University and Tradiebot Industries launched a collaborative research project that will explore using both AR and VR to prepare workers for the future of manufacturing. Using these technologies for training purposes can blur the line between the physical and cyber worlds to create a true sense of immersion.

This is the first time that Tradiebot is exhibiting its transformative projects at the show. In addition to the university, Tradiebot, which worked on the automotive Repair Bot project, is also attending the show and partnering with automotive industry heavyweights Capital S.M.A.R.T. Repairs and PPG on the project.

“At Tradiebot Industries we are creating the technologies that will revolutionise the automotive collision repair sector,” said Mario Dimovski, the Founder of Tradiebot Industries.

“Like many trades, our industry is facing a serious shortfall of skilled talent and an ever-widening skills gap as repair businesses struggle to keep up with the latest OEM repair methods and industry best practice. Rather than wait for our technologies to hit the shop floor and face a productivity-sucking gap while talent is trained up to use them, we are partnering with the leading employers who will be deploying these technologies, and developing state of the art training solutions now to teach the skills that will be needed.

“As a technology company, we think it is important that we play a role in the creation of new career pathways as we create technologies that help our industry evolve, informed by real-time data insights. We are creating new skills and exciting new career pathways in safer environments for both the talent we already have and to entice new apprentices to the sector.

“We’re collaborating with researchers to transform our industry and then partnering with industry leaders like S.M.A.R.T. and PPG to create the smarter workforce our future needs.”

The project’s goal is to create a new Industry 4.0 training system for the automotive collision repair and service industry. The partners are working to develop the first Virtual/Augmented Reality Training and Service Solution in the industry, which will drive and make new career paths in the $7 billion automotive repair industry possible – by changing the way we deliver communication, information, and training.

“PPG has long-standing a reputation as an innovator so it is, perhaps, no surprise that we are always keen to welcome exciting new innovations and support their transition to market. The collision repair industry is constantly changing and, with each evolution, new technologies arrive and are embraced before going on to become part the ‘new normal’ repair process,” said Kevin Woolerton, PPG’s Business Improvement Manager.

“What might a collision repair shop look like in 10 or even 20 years’ time? PPG has global research and development resources focused on these very questions. With that same vision in mind, PPG is very pleased to partner with Tradiebot Industries in the development of breakthrough technologies that will help to transform repair processes. Their approach and energy has mobilised resources from major universities and research institutions to tackle a range of ground-breaking projects.

“What is next for the collision repair industry? We think Tradiebot Industries’ technologies provide an intriguing snapshot!”

Deakin University’s CADET Virtual Reality Lab is being used to help develop the unique project, which will help bring the complex, modern vehicle repair catalogs to life. The lab is the world’s first of its kind – developers can walk around and through objects in the facility’s virtual world, and even interact with objects inside of it. Using VR technologies, users can test out products and systems that haven’t been fully realized yet.

“Tradiebot Industries is working with us to look at how virtual and augmented reality technologies can revolutionise the workplace and automation. Immersive Reality, which encompasses VR and AR, provides a fantastic opportunity to help overcome some of the skills training challenges in sectors such as collision repair. Virtual Reality can provide access to training environments which are either difficult to access or don’t exist, and Augmented Reality can help provide digital assistance while performing a task,” said Dr. Ben Horan, Director of the CADET VR Lab at Deakin University.

“We have worked with many industry partners and applications to help translate these technologies into competitive advantage. This work builds on our world-leading expertise and research in immersive technologies, to support the communities we serve.”

Deakin University, Tradiebot, Capital S.M.A.R.T. Repairs, and PPG will work together on this innovative approach to training the current and future automotive workforces.

“S.M.A.R.T continuously strives to lead the repair industry by creating innovative solutions for our business partners and customers,” said David Marino, CEO, Capital S.M.A.R.T Repairs.

“We are proud to be associated with Tradiebot Industries who share the same values and we look forward to partnering with them to train and develop the next generation of automotive technicians.”

The future apprentices, and their parents, who are attending the Skills Show in Australia will be the first to encounter Tradiebot’s developing 4.0 automated and virtual environments, which includes AR training for auto repair and VR training for spray painting.

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