Theorem Solutions of Tamworth, UK, have launched a ‘Multi-Device’ Visualization Experience App for Augmented (AR), Mixed (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) devices and markets.

Oct 31, 2017 -- The Visualization Experience app forms part of Theorem’s ‘Digital Realities’ product family, and has been specifically developed for users to engage and interact with their Engineering and Manufacturing data. It is one of the first to offer a single solution for all three different technologies in a single application.

Supported devices are:

• Augmented Reality - Windows 10 and Android Tablets and Phones
• Mixed Reality – Microsoft HoloLens
• Virtual Reality - HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

Being Multi-Device, the application allows users to use the same data, in the same visualization application, on ALL of the different low-cost devices.

The app enables users to view, manipulate and interrogate CAD and PLM data using a combination of touch, hand gestures and voice controls-depending on the device- with each device suiting different use cases and scenarios.

“Today, we rely so much on technology - it simplifies our existence - but at the same time, we don’t fully utilize what’s available to us” observes Stuart Thurlby, CEO of Theorem Solutions.

“Some Engineering and Manufacturing processes are still not harnessing new technology or finding new ways of performing established tasks, but technology has evolved and needs to be embraced in order to keep up with, and be ahead of, the game. We see Augmented (AR), Mixed (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) running on the new low cost devices to be that game-changer!”

With new low-cost devices and technologies for Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality emerging for the consumer markets, the natural progression into the commercial arena is beginning.

Existing Assets can be used.

“VR has been available for many years in the engineering and manufacturing space, but it has always come with an enormous price tag and only a few are in the ‘privileged’ position to fully be able to utilize the technology for visualization” Stuart comments, “but now the ability to use existing CAD and PLM assets in all of the latest devices without the price tag is actually a reality.”

How it works

The Theorem server architecture enables the CAD and PLM assets server to talk to other servers and prepare data so it can be streamed to a device. Existing CAD and PLM data assets from CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE, CATIA V5, CREO, Inventor, JT, NX, SolidWorks and STEP formats can be utilised.

Data is optimised and prepared for use once, and then delivers the same Visualization Experience across all supported platforms, saving money on data preparation, training and support.

Where does the technology come from?

These new devices and technologies are not coming from the Engineering and CAD/PLM industries, but from the gaming and social media industries.

Combining gaming technology with engineering CAD and PLM data in a single application creates an interactive user experience, and becomes even more powerful when combined with metadata from MES, ERP, CRM and IoT systems.

Theorem’s Visualization Experience is used for the Digital Twin area of the IoT, design reviews, Manufacturing Build, Quality Control, Service applications and training, and even sales & marketing, with the ability to tailor the experience to a specific use case.

The Visualization Experience integrates into existing workflows. Data can be dragged and dropped onto the server, populated via a PLM Release/Publish trigger or saved directly from CAD applications.

Theorem’s Visualization and Digital Reality products offer a key component to enable the ‘Visualization Pipeline’ and help to democratize AR, MR and VR throughout your organisation.

What Theorem are offering

“What Theorem are offering in the Visualization Experience is a framework, combined with consultancy, enabling you to build your own specific experiences.” Stuart Thurlby explains, “We have ensured that your data and device neutrality is there, which will protect your investment as this world changes. It is effectively future proofing your CAD and PLM assets”

“Ultimately, the Theorem Visualization Experience presents new and innovative ways of performing existing tasks, or creating entirely new processes and methods of delivery.”

For more information visit http://www.theorem.com/Digital-Realities/Digital-Realities.htm