Asahi has begun a major research project with the Data Visualisation Observatory at AMBS to explore the potential of using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) systems to help train staff.
The Japanese beverage company, which is headquartered in Tokyo and whose brands include Peroni, Super Dry Asahi, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and London Pride, said the project is part of a wider programme of collaboration which will investigate the use of VR visualisations in digitalising and optimising the production, distribution and retail of drinks and related projects and services.
Initially the company is looking at how it can train staff in ‘virtual’ situations which mimic a typical bar environment, creating digital twins of real assets and premises. It also wants to test the use of VR for developing digital twins of equipment, such as for a beer server machine, and test the use of scanning techniques and devices for the creation of digital twins of small objects such as beer bottles and cans.
Collaboration
The collaboration originally came about because an executive at Asahi was part of the same MBA cohort as the former DVO director Nikolay Mehandjiev, and the pair had kept in touch since.
As Ankit Sharma, Project Manager at Asahi Group, explained: “Nikolay invited us over to look at what the DVO can do and we were immediately really impressed at the potential for us as a business because we are really keen to explore how VR can be used, especially in terms of our staff training. We have since returned to Manchester on a number of occasions to learn further about the potential and see further visual ideas at the DVO.
“This project is part of our wider initiative which is looking at developing a comprehensive digital transformation plan focused on the potential of VR and AR. The next step is to demonstrate to all teams what is possible and collate further feedback.”
VR training
Dr Olga Menukhin, a researcher at the DVO, said: “We were excited to work with the Asahi Group, starting with training for the Asahi development team and then assisting them in all aspects of the development of a VR training application.
“In addition to the business considerations and benefits that the company anticipated when initiating this project with the DVO, the new VR application provides a controlled and repeatable environment where Asahi staff and customers can practice complex procedures.
“Our collaborative Asahi-DVO team has dedicated substantial effort to the creation of a bespoke VR environment featuring distinctive company-branded 3D models. It is impressive how swiftly the Asahi team picked up new knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the project's timely completion.”
Fascinating
Dr Qudamah Quboa from the DVO, added: “This has already been a fascinating project to work on with Asahi. The DVO is really opening the company’s eyes to the potential of VR and AR and how it could specifically be used in their industry. Asahi is continuing to build learning capacity in this whole area.
“In Japan the company only has a few physical training facilities on the ground, so personalised training for staff can be very time consuming as they may have to travel considerable distances for their training. Creating virtual environments therefore has obvious benefits because the individual member of staff can be trained in their local bar or retail outlet for instance.
“Looking ahead we are very excited about the future potential of this project and look forward to continuing to work with the company.”