Mixed Reality for Wienerberger: how an innovative application makes working on machines more efficient​

The challenge

Wienerberger, an Austrian leading industrial company in the field of brick production, had the opportunity to apply the latest technologies in one of its factories. Engineers work with complex machines and equipment that send a variety of sensor data. It turned out to be particularly challenging to train new skilled personnel efficiently on the complex machines. This task could be met with a mixed reality application.​

The solution

Tietoevry Austria supported Wienerberger in the course of establishing a novel mixed reality solution. The goal was to increase efficiency and make training for future specialists on the machines easier. A mixed reality application was developed for the Microsoft HoloLens 2, which enables the specialist personnel to display real-time machine data, circuit diagrams, 3D models of the machines as well as their individual parts and videos. The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a display unit worn on the head similar to a pair of glasses and superimposes interactive 3D holograms in the immediate environment. In the case of the machines in one of Wienerberger's production facilities, these are points defined in advance, which the glasses read and then projects the appropriate content. This includes texts, images, videos, 3D models and real-time sensor data. Information such as sensor data or circuit diagrams can be used by technical personnel, for example for preventive fault detection. Other information, such as videos and 3D models of the machines, can in turn be inspected by trainees to gain deeper insights into how they work and how they are built.

More about the solution​

• First, the solution enables engineers and specialists on site to perceive and process machine data in real time.​
• Secondly, it is now much easier to train prospective experts. In addition, even after the training phase, they can access all data such as images, videos and 3D models via the HoloLens 2 at any time.​
• Third, all information can be shared with other sites worldwide, avoiding redundant content creation.

​

About the customer

Wienerberger AG is the largest domestic producer of solutions for brick masonry and ceramic roofing systems. The company operates six production sites for hollow bricks and three sites producing roof tiles in Austria. Pipelife Austria is the leading plastic pipe manufacturer in Austria and produces sustainable, high-quality and innovative products and solutions for infrastructure, building services and irrigation.

Visit Wienerberger.​