The industrial metaverse: more than a concept, the technology that will revolutionize work in industry

The industrial metaverse is not just a theoretical concept anymore; it is a technology that has the potential to transform work in the industry. This technology is already reshaping the way many companies visualize their operational assets, and it’s important to understand its benefits and applications.

A robust and dedicated digitization strategy is a key element for the successful implementation of a sustainability plan. Businesses that invest heavily in their transition to a fully digital approach gain a competitive advantage by being able to provide services more efficiently and gaining a deeper understanding of their operations. The digital twin is at the core of a well-established digitization strategy. It is a virtual model of a physical system that integrates real-time data sources, models, and analytics in one place, enabling a comprehensive view of the lifecycle of assets.

Consider the case of ADNOC, the national oil company of Abu Dhabi, whose immense industrial operations are powered and directed by the Panorama Digital Command Center – an integrated platform for real-time data visualization. This technology enables ADNOC to gain valuable insights, increase efficiency, and discover new ways to optimize its diverse sites. Through the Panorama Center, ADNOC has a comprehensive national view of its oil and gas production and assets, making it a unique asset for the company.

Immersion in the industrial metaverse

But what is the industrial metaverse?

The industrial metaverse can be defined as a virtual space that is based on a faithful 3D representation of a real industrial environment, where teams can collaborate simultaneously. This environment can be accessed from any device with an interface and is compatible with any data source, providing real-time access to up-to-date engineering and operational data based on user profiles. It allows all employees to participate in technical or other meetings, requiring only a mouse and keyboard, without the need for headphones.

To summarize, the industrial metaverse is a digital representation of actual operating assets, driven by real-time data feeds, enabling collaborative problem-solving, task management, and discussions with colleagues. The metaverse relies on the digital twin as its foundation, which primarily deals with sorting, cleansing, and preparing data. The digital twin’s crucial role is to facilitate connections and foster collaboration among people, making it a critical component of the industrial metaverse.

The industrial metaverse, a factor of significant advantages in terms of sustainability

The industrial metaverse is set to enable a virtual immersion into a company’s entire expertise and supply chain, reducing CO2 emissions generated by excessive travel, speeding up decision-making, and mitigating security incidents through this virtual universe. As companies worldwide strive to drastically reduce their carbon footprint, digital solutions will act as catalysts in achieving significant progress in sustainability. Forward-thinking companies will prioritize their digitization strategies at the core of their operations to prepare for a sustainable future, leveraging reliable data-driven decisions enriched by artificial intelligence.

The industrial metaverse presents great opportunities for sustainable construction practices by minimizing the use of materials such as steel and concrete, and increasing factory automation through collaborative efforts. As access to the digital twin becomes more widespread, companies can maintain control over data access while maximizing the value of their information. Being a part of the industrial metaverse will offer an immersive experience comparable to being on-site, with the ability to work with global colleagues and suppliers, interact with assets, and share real-time information, all while enjoying a level of collaboration akin to in-person interactions. As businesses strive to decarbonize operations, the industrial metaverse is poised to play a critical role by fostering sustainable practices and facilitating rapid decision-making through reliable data and artificial intelligence.