Tradiebot will Transform Training
Tradiebot Industries and Deakin University launched a collaborative research project to help train the next generation of auto technician at the Skills Skills Show Australia in Sydney on 1 June.
The project explores the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies to develop a revolutionary new Industry 4.0 training system for the automotive collision repair and service industry.
The project will develop the industry’s first virtual/augmented reality training and service solution, to enable and drive new career pathways in the automotive repair industry by redefining the way information, communication and training is delivered.
Training using virtual and augmented reality technologies blurs the line between the physical world and the cyber world, creating a sense of immersion and bringing complex modern-day vehicle repair catalogues alive.
The project is being developed using Deakin University’s CADET Virtual Reality Lab - a unique facility in which the developers can walk round, walk through, and even touch objects in the virtual world and test systems and products that are yet to be realised using virtual reality technologies.
Future apprentices and their parents attending the Skills Show were the first to experience Tradiebot Industries’ revolutionary 4.0 automated and virtual environments in development including VR training for spray painting and AR training for auto repair. Dr Ben Horan, Director CADET VR Lab, Deakin University explained that the system on the stand was an ultra simple prototoype. In time the trainee will use and actual spray gun to virtually paint the car, getting used to the weight and performance of different guns. The training programme would give real time feedback on technique improving paint usage and blending skills for instance.
Tradiebot Industries and Deakin University were joined at the Skills Show by automotive industry heavyweights Capital S.M.A.R.T. Repairs and PPG, on a shared platform of taking a world-leading approach to training their current and future workforces, and a passion for unlocking and accelerating promising talent in science, engineering and future technologies.
Dr Ben Horan, Director CADET VR Lab, Deakin University said: “Tradiebot Industries is working with us to look at how virtual and augmented reality technologies can revolutionise the workplace and automation. Immersive Reality, which encompasses VR and AR, provides a fantastic opportunity to help overcome some of the skills training challenges in sectors such as collision repair. Virtual Reality can provide access to training environments which are either difficult to access or don’t exist, and Augmented Reality can help provide digital assistance while performing a task.
“We have worked with many industry partners and applications to help translate these technologies into competitive advantage. This work builds on our world-leading expertise and research in immersive technologies, to support the communities we serve.”
Mario Dimovski, founder ofTradiebot Industries said: “At Tradiebot Industries we are creating the technologies that will revolutionise the automotive collision repair sector.
“Like many trades, our industry is facing a serious shortfall of skilled talent and an ever-widening skills gap as repair businesses struggle to keep up with the latest OEM repair methods and industry best practice. Rather than wait for our technologies to hit the shop floor and face a productivity-sucking gap while talent is trained up to use them, we are partnering with the leading employers who will be deploying these technologies, and developing state of the art training solutions now to teach the skills that will be needed.
“We are creating new skills and exciting new career pathways in safer environments for both the talent we already have and to entice new apprentices to the sector.
“We’re collaborating with researchers to transform our industry and then partnering with industry leaders like S.M.A.R.T. and PPG to create the smarter workforce our future needs.”
David Marino, CEO, Capital S.M.A.R.T Repairs:
“S.M.A.R.T continuously strives to lead the repair industry by creating innovative solutions for our business partners and customers.
We are proud to be associated with Tradiebot Industries who share the same values and we look forward to partnering with them to train and develop the next generation of automotive technicians.”
Kevin Woolerton, Business Improvement Manager, PPG:
“PPG has long-standing a reputation as an innovator so it is, perhaps, no surprise that we are always keen to welcome exciting new innovations and support their transition to market. The collision repair industry is constantly changing and, with each evolution, new technologies arrive and are embraced before going on to become part the ‘new normal’ repair process.
“What might a collision repair shop look like in 10 or even 20 years’ time? PPG has global research and development resources focused on these very questions. With that same vision in mind, PPG is very pleased to partner with Tradiebot Industries in the development of breakthrough technologies that will help to transform repair processes. Their approach and energy has mobilised resources from major universities and research institutions to tackle a range of ground-breaking projects.
What is next for the collision repair industry? We think Tradiebot Industries’ technologies provide an intriguing snapshot!”