Project

Project background

The Project is based on Savonia University of Applied Sciences’ previous XR expertise in health and technology, as well as it’s vision of society’s digital competence needs. An example of expertise are previous projects e.g. FutureEdu, Digikeskus and SoTeVi.

The goal of the virtual learning environments produced in previous virtual technology projects (SoTeVi, and FutureEdu projects) has been to enable learning, familiarization and control of work processes regardless of time and place. In addition, the project has produced solutions for remote consulting, e.g. in connection with maintenance or equipment operation. Virtual learning environments were produced for the joint use of education and working life, where students, teachers and representatives of working life work together.

In the projects, various technologies (e.g. XR, 360 environments), learning platforms and their usability have been studied and gotten acquainted with. The Digital Technology RDI Environment (Digikeskus) project has developed and tested various XR applications with the latest technologies in the field. These projects have accumulated knowledge and understanding of technologies and their applications for the development of various functions. In addition, many of the applications produced are those that can be transferred to other companies and organizations for piloting.

Goals of the project

The key objective of the project is to address the challenges of the current COVID-19 pandemic and future similar emergencies. The project develops operating models that enable the effective orientation of personnel in companies and organizations in various fields, the provision of remote services, process control, learning and the smooth running of other activities in a variety of challenging conditions in a cost-effective manner.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how, for example, the maintenance or commissioning of equipment becomes more difficult and delayed when the supplier is outside Finland. This causes a significant financial disadvantage when the equipment cannot be used. In these situations, various remote solutions based on virtual technology can be utilized, which also saves significant costs.

The project utilizes virtual environments made possible by virtual technology and augmented reality solutions in the Northern Savonia region. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the potential of XR technology in the development of companies and organizations through training. As part of the training, new practices and operating models are applied to the development needs of companies and organizations from their own point of view. The suitability and effectiveness of the measures will be assessed during the project. The project promotes the networking of companies and organizations, technology know-how, digital capabilities and increases RDI investments in XR technology.

Project results

1. Train a group of companies and organizations that understand, know how to apply virtual technology and apply it. The experts trained in the project support the uninterrupted operation of companies and organizations with their own technological expertise.
2. As part of the training, various applications and operating models are produced that can be transferred from one company to another.
3. Implement training courses related to the use of virtual technology and its application
4. Emerging learning models and training materials related to virtual technology are emerging
5. A co-operation model and service entities will be created between the Savonia XR Center and the actors in the project’s target group.