• New paper machine can be brought to life as early as the planning phase 
• Better learning outcomes thanks to customized, interactive training programs for new and existing machines.
• Staff can acquire proficiency in a safe virtual environment

Heidenheim/Frankfurt, Germany. On 26 June, during ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2018, Voith introduced its new smart service package, Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper. It offers paper manufacturers the opportunity to have their new machine modeled in virtual reality. This means that Voith customers can benefit from more transparency, efficiency and safety in paper production over the entire life cycle of the machine.

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can obtain a digital representation of their very own new machine. The system allows the machine to be brought to life before it is even built, either on a monitor or for an even more realistic experience using virtual reality goggles. In the planning phase this makes it much easier to configure the machine and develop infrastructure e.g. for stock preparation, buildings and access routes in the planning phase. Providing information to stakeholders is also a much simpler matter if the characteristics and functions of individual components and the entire machine can be represented realistically at any location in the world. 

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper effective use can be made of the time available prior to commissioning of the machine. Operators, maintenance crews and managers can acquire proficiency and familiarize themselves with the machine and those inner workings that are not directly accessible in real life. Virtual training programs allow personnel to acquire experience with the operation even though their paper machine is not yet running. Training in a virtual reality environment is about more than just visual perception; there is also a realistic noise backdrop and controls allow the user to move along the entire machine and execute certain hand actions. Much better learning outcomes can be achieved by addressing several sensory perceptions at once.

Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper also ensures more efficiency during operation itself. Staff can practice maintenance activities in advance in interactive training scenarios. The training not only includes all work processes, which are simulated step by step with the necessary tools, it also focuses on occupational safety. For example, the replacement of a press sleeve or screen basket can be simulated and practiced in a safe virtual environment before the task is due to be performed at the machine. The routine acquired in this way then leads to shorter downtimes in real-life maintenance, a lower error rate and a reduced risk of workplace accidents.

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper the company is taking its next step on route to Papermaking 4.0. “Our aim is to combine the potential offered by digitalization with the physical manufacturing process and in this way optimize paper production,” explains Thomas Holzer, President Business Line Projects Voith Paper. In doing so, Voith is once again offering its customers a tailored, intelligent service solution based on customer requirements that will significantly increase machine availability and process reliability.