Modern industry increasingly emphasizes production efficiency, cost reduction, and employee safety. One of the innovative solutions contributing to these goals is the implementation of training based on Mixed Reality (MR). This technology combines virtual and augmented reality, enabling interactive learning in realistic conditions.
One of the key challenges in the steel industry is the waste generated during the production and processing stages. The causes of this issue can include operator errors, improper equipment configuration, or a lack of adequate employee training. Depending on the size of the company, losses can amount to millions of dollars annually.
MR training allows for realistic simulations of production processes without the need to consume actual raw materials. Employees can practice machine operation, cutting, welding, and steel forming in a virtual environment, thereby eliminating waste generated from incorrect operations. This results in significant raw material savings and lower production and waste disposal costs. MR training can reduce operational costs by 15-30% through waste reduction and process optimization. This is due to better employee preparation, minimizing errors and machine downtime. By testing processes in a virtual environment, waste reduction of 20-50% can be expected, especially during prototyping and early production stages.
Safety in steel plants is a priority, as working with hot/sharp metal elements, heavy machinery, and tools involves a high risk of accidents. Traditional training can be costly and may not always provide adequate preparation for real hazards. With MR, employees can undergo realistic simulations of dangers, such as machine failures, molten metal leaks, or improper tool use. Participants learn in a controlled environment, which enhances their understanding of safety rules and minimizes the risk of errors in real work situations. Hazard simulations in MR can reduce the number of accidents by 30-50%, resulting from better employee preparedness for emergency situations. Training time can be shortened by up to 40%, and knowledge retention increases by 30-40% compared to traditional methods.
The use of MR technology in training for the steel and metallurgical industry can bring numerous benefits – reducing waste and lowering production costs while simultaneously enhancing employee safety. Investing in modern training methods translates into higher operational efficiency and fewer accidents, making MR an extremely valuable tool in this and other industries.
