Virtualizing Machines: Efficiency Through VR Simulations

Waygate Technologies, a leading manufacturer of X-ray equipment for the non-destructive testing of workpieces, faced a challenge: its machines are big. They are the size of a minivan and weigh ten metric tons. Showing this equipment at trade shows around the world is not only a logistical headache but also expensive. But that is a thing of the past. Today, Waygate brings these machines to every trade show virtually.

The solution: machines in VR

Instead of continuing to ship these huge machines, we recreated the equipment for Waygate in Virtual Reality. With our VR solution, Waygate now takes all of its machines in a single VR headset to every trade show. Even when real equipment is still on display, our simulation enables a comprehensive product presentation right in the VR headset, with no effort and no radiation concerns.

Radiation-safe and interactive

X-ray equipment, as everyone knows, works with radiation. Although operating it is safe, running the equipment at trade shows is often not permitted. In the VR simulation, however, visitors can operate the machines: they position samples virtually, test different placement methods, and work through the entire operating process interactively.

For users, this means hands-on experience that gives them a realistic feel for the size of the machines, the workflows, and how complex they are to operate.

Available anywhere in the world

The benefits go beyond trade shows. Learning to operate the machines correctly in training is essential, but employees and customers often used to have to travel long distances to attend training sessions where equipment was available. Now all it takes is shipping the VR headsets. Whether in Europe, Asia, or the US, the machines are available at any time, right where they are needed. This significantly reduces travel costs, time, and CO₂ emissions.

Flexible for sales and training

The VR simulation also shows its strengths in sales. Sales reps can simply take the VR headsets along to customers and present every machine there: compact, easy to understand, and interactive. This makes the entire portfolio tangible without any logistical effort.

Multiplayer for a real experience

A highlight of our solution is its multiplayer functionality. Sales reps or trainers also put on a VR headset and can enter the simulation together with the customer. They see and hear each other as avatars, which lets them explain how to operate the machines in detail. The application works both offline on a local network and over the internet, so experts can join at any time, wherever they happen to be.

Forward-looking and efficient

With this solution, Waygate shows how Virtual Reality can not only change trade shows and product presentations but also make training and sales more efficient. The technology doesn’t just save costs. It brings the machines directly to people, without the usual hurdles of shipping, radiation, and logistics. That is real added value for the company and its customers.

Would you like to learn more about custom VR solutions like this and find out how your company can benefit from virtual machines too? Then get in touch with us!