Manufacturing in 2025: A Virtual, Interconnected World
Dassault Systèmes, the global 3D technology leader, has long been a champion of the power of virtual worlds in industry.
These worlds draw on the transformative power of AR, VR, automation and digital twins to make processes more efficient, cost effective and sustainable.
In fact, Marc Overton, MD, Euronorth at Dassault Systèmes says that sustainability is "at the heart of what we do at Dassault Systèmes,"
Sustainability has been central to the company's 'Virtual Worlds' campaign, which has spanned London Piccadilly to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Featuring bold, thought-provoking visuals created through AR and VR technologies, Marc explains that this campaign was motivated by a desire to highlight how virtual technologies are reshaping the world.
"Our goal for this campaign is to raise global awareness of how virtual worlds improve the lives of patients, citizens and consumers by showcasing sustainable innovations that are transforming the healthcare, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors," he says.
"Manufacturing is at an inflexion point, and stakeholders need to sit up and take notice.
"With our virtual twin technology, manufacturers can leverage modelling and simulation in the virtual world to enhance operations in the real world.
"They can imagine, design and test new products, materials and processes and deliver results at a global scale.”
As Marc says, manufacturers can experience myriad benefits from virtual technologies.
We give a brief overview of them below, for manufacturers debating if they should invest in 2025.
1. Greater operational efficiency & cost savings
Virtual technologies enable manufacturers to optimise operations, reduce waste and save costs.
By simulating performance in real-time, they can help manufacturers identify inefficiencies, predict equipment failures and optimise maintenance schedules.
Predictive maintenance powered by digital twins minimises unplanned downtime, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
By monitoring equipment virtually, manufacturers can detect wear and tear before it leads to breakdowns.
This approach not only reduces repair costs but also extends the lifespan of machinery.
AR and VR also streamline training processes, saving time and resources.
New employees can undergo immersive, hands-on training in a simulated environment, minimising disruptions to ongoing operations.
This method is particularly effective in industries requiring specialised skills like aerospace or automotive manufacturing, where training on physical equipment can be costly and time-consuming.
2. Improved product development
Virtual technologies empower manufacturers to innovate faster and design better products.
With AR and VR, design teams can create and test prototypes in a virtual space before committing to physical production.
This accelerates product development cycles and reduces material waste.
Engineers can visualise designs in 3D, conduct simulations and identify potential flaws, all while collaborating remotely with global teams.
Digital twins further enhance this process by providing a continuous feedback loop between the virtual and physical worlds.
By integrating real-time data from sensors on existing products, manufacturers can gain insights into how their products perform in the field.
This information helps refine designs and develop products that better meet customer needs.
Customisation is another area where virtual technologies shine. By leveraging AR and VR, manufacturers can offer customers the ability to visualise and configure products before they are built.
For example, a furniture manufacturer might allow customers to use AR to see how a piece of furniture would look in their home.
This level of personalisation enhances the customer experience and drives demand.
3. Improved risk management
Safety is a top priority in manufacturing, and virtual technologies significantly improve workplace safety and risk management.
AR and VR can simulate hazardous scenarios, enabling workers to practice responses without being exposed to real danger.
This training is invaluable in high-risk industries like chemical manufacturing, where safety protocols are essential.
Digital twins contribute to safer work environments by providing real-time data about the condition of equipment and facilities.
For example, sensors in a factory can feed data into a digital twin, alerting managers to potential hazards like overheating machinery or structural issues.
This proactive approach reduces risks and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
AR can also provide on-the-spot guidance for complex tasks, reducing errors and accidents.
Technicians wearing AR glasses can access step-by-step instructions and experience an overlay of digital information on physical objects.
This makes fixing and interacting with technologies more precise, reducing the likelihood of errors or mistakes.
The adoption of virtual technologies in manufacturing is driven by their ability to enhance operational efficiency, improve product development and ensure workplace safety.
As these technologies continue to evolve so will their potential to revolutionise manufacturing.
As industry goes digital, embracing the virtual world will be crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.
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