Virtual environments
Boost efficiency and reduce risks with an interactive 3D environment.
A virtual environment is a digital 3D representation of, for example, a space, a product or a piece of equipment. It lets you examine things safely and flexibly on a computer or through VR glasses.
You can use it, for example, to practice operating equipment, simulate special situations or check space use to support design. You can also explore places or work steps that would be risky to examine in a physical environment, for example for reasons of workplace safety or hygiene.
A virtual environment (virtual reality, or VR) can be built from a 3D design model, scan data, or 360° images or video. With VR glasses, you can step into the virtual environment and move around the space just as if you were really there. You can also explore it on a computer, without any CAD software or skills. The environment can match reality, be created from a space that is still at the design stage, or be enriched with various information, images and animations.
A virtual environment is a visual, interactive experience. A conventional 3D design model is primarily a tool for the designer, containing technical information about structures, dimensions and process equipment. Using it usually requires CAD software, expertise and spatial ability. A virtual environment makes a 3D design something you can experience and understand, even without a technical background or skills. This opens up a new, spatial way to present sites, products, work steps and processes.
Benefits at different stages of a project
Examples of use cases
Training and onboarding
Research shows that learning is more effective with VR technology. A virtual environment provides a realistic place to safely practice operating a plant or, say, a ship, even before the physical environment is complete, or without disrupting production.
Use cases
Valmet Virtual Mill has been a tremendous help for our training. It is considerably easier to introduce a new person to a massive machine when they can go through it virtually in their own time, and no one has to walk beside them for hours up and down the hall..
Jari Schuuman, Training Specialist, Valmet
Supporting sales and marketing
Visual observation speeds up communication and makes operations more efficient, when technical 3D content is available to stakeholders in an understandable way. In a virtual environment, you can present products, solutions and plans in a visual, experiential and easy-to-understand way.
Käyttökohteita
“The virtual presentation environment is an extremely handy and impressive sales and marketing tool. Starting a conversation with customers, for example at trade shows, is effortless when the line is easy to grasp. We were pleased with Elomatic’s proactive approach in the project: our role was mainly to supply the requested material according to Elomatic’s instructions.”
Marko Mäntylä, President, Anpap
Our solutions
VR Hub
VR Hub is a scalable digital environment covering an entire plant, production facility or vessel, where users can move around freely, explore processes and practice safely in a realistic way.
It is built on a 3D design model, and the same source data adapts efficiently to many different uses. VR Hub works as an impressive review tool in design projects, a memorable training solution, and striking marketing material.
The environment can be enriched with scan data and visual elements, such as interactive content, maintenance tasks, instructions and technical equipment data. Sensor data can also be brought directly into the right spots, so the user gets the information they need exactly when they need it.
The VR Hub product family includes
VR Hub Review
- The best way to review and experience spaces
- The 3D design is brought into VR glasses, so it can be experienced at true scale
- The whole project team can evaluate how well the spaces work together
VR Hub Training
- A superior training experience
- Research shows that workflows and processes are remembered better when you can test them in a realistic VR environment
VR Hub Safety
- A powerful way to build commitment to HSE practices
- Simulating and practicing hazards and risks safely
- A concrete experience – a stronger memory
VR Hub Visuals
- Convincing material for sales and marketing
- Marketing material, for example for presenting spaces
- Other products derived from the material, such as animations, marketing images and maintenance manual images
360°
360° environment is a fast and cost-effective digital representation of an existing environment, where users can look around and move between viewpoints. With our 360° service, you can present products, spaces, processes and whole facilities. It is particularly well suited to training, marketing and virtual presentations.
A 360° environment can be created either from a 3D model or by filming with a 360° camera. Additional information, such as text, images, videos or links, can be added to each viewpoint, creating an informative experience.
360° content is easy to publish and share across different channels: PCs, websites, VR glasses or learning environments.
Read more about the solution we built for Anpap here!
360° content integrate seamlessly with the most common LMS learning environments (learning management system, or LMS) as part of an organization’s training paths, for example in Moodle. This makes running, tracking and managing training smooth.
Visual and interactive elements help learners absorb information faster and more reliably, which reduces errors and makes onboarding processes more efficient. The content is based on 360° images or 3D models, enriched with interactive content for effective onboarding and training. It can be used to create a wide range of training scenarios, from safety procedures to operating instructions and equipment-specific maintenance tasks.
The content is scalable and easy to update, so new material can be added quickly, and the same material can be used for different target groups. The result is an engaging, cost-effective and impactful learning experience.
Virtual Replica
Virtual Replica is a fast, effortless and advanced digital copy of an existing environment, area, plant or piece of equipment. It offers an easy-to-use, safe and cost-effective way to present the current state virtually, without heavy processes or long production times.
Digitization is done with a 360 camera or even a phone, after which the material is processed using the gaussian splatting method. This technology turns images and video into a three-dimensional environment where the user can move around freely and view the subject from different angles.
Virtual Replica is a scalable solution that can be expanded as needed. You can add, for example, images, videos, animations, documents or individual 3D objects to the environment. This creates an informative and visually rich whole that is suitable, for example, for
- evaluating investment projects in the early stages
- observing large areas
- illustrating design and changes
- presenting spaces and equipment
- communication
The result is a lightweight yet impactful digital environment that brings the real world into view virtually, with sufficient accuracy.
Let’s figure out the best solution for your needs together!
This depends on things like
- The current state of the subject to be visualized
- The source data available
- The size and complexity of the environment
- The desired outcome and intended use
- Budget
Feel free to ask for a demo!
Contact us
Haluatko tietää lisää?
How to train staff for operating a machine several hundred meters long?
The Virtual Mill virtual environment, developed by Elomatic and Valmet, enables factory workers to explore their work environments virtually. This not only facilitates training but also aids in the planning of maintenance and upgrades. Model Sachsen Papier in Germany has been utilizing Valmet Virtual Mill since the fall of 2023, with really positive feedback.
Virtual Mill: New opportunities for plant design, training and maintenance with virtual models
Virtual models of production plants offer significant benefits at all stages of a plant’s lifecycle. From the visualisation of a plant design to streamline the construction process to a digital twin serving alongside an operational plant, the immersive experience utilising a VR headset allow the user to dive into the environment created by the 3D model in a realistic way. VR is particularly well suited for training, as virtual training is safer and more costeffective than training in the physical environment, while still offering a hands-on approach to learning.
Virtual environment for the production line boosts Anpap’s sales and marketing
Markkinointia ja myyntiä varten Anpap kaipasi esitysmateriaalia, jolla konelinjasto voitaisiin esitellä asiakastapaamisissa visuaalisella ja informatiivisella tavalla. Elomaticin Valmetille toteuttamat virtuaaliset tehtaat olivat yritykselle entuudestaan tuttuja, joten toiveena oli saada samantapainen virtuaaliympäristö kevyemmin toteutettuna.