Operational Benefits from Industrial Metaverse – The Most Feasible Use Cases

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to identify and prioritize the most feasible use cases of the Industrial Metaverse (IM) to deliver operational benefits for companies. It is based on recent findings from a co-research project that consists of five case studies from different industrial enterprises representing different sectors.

The research is to pursue understanding and gain new insight on the companies’ needs of how to utilize virtual IM applications in their digital transformation. The research represents a qualitative multiple case-study approach and follows inductive reasoning. Case study material includes company specific interviews and analysis as well as joint workshop discussions and surveys on potential use cases. The paper includes the evolution of industry digitalization and the emerging concept of Industrial Metaverse with its expected benefits. The use cases are studied from the lens of industrial enterprises seeking benefits from new immersive technologies. Best practice sharing to apply new digital capabilities is an essential part of the study.

The findings of the case studies deliver new insights into the use of digital twins, video analytics, quadruped robots, as well as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) -capabilities. The selected use cases emphasize the important role of advanced 5G and edge computing to provide an integrated platform offering full mobility, real time data capabilities, cybersecurity, and interoperability across information, communications, and automation system environments.

The main conclusion is a set of prioritized Industrial Metaverse use cases in the cost-efficiency, sustainability, and safety opportunity areas. Remote operations and VR training with simulation capabilities are considered the most feasible and high value use cases.