Virtual Reality takes its place in AkzoNobel’s real world training
It’s been a good year for AkzoNobel, says Matt Anzardo, global segment manager. The company’s been building on its technology innovations, taking its VR in a suitcase across the globe and training a whole raft of people on paint applications . . . including MIN’s managing editor at METSTRADE.
As well as its mobile VR, AkzoNobel now has VR equipment stations in its Yacht Painting Application Centers (YPAC) located in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, which can be used for training either beginners or developing the techniques of those with experience.
The tech was developed by the aerospace coatings part of the business and can be programmed with various paint specifications, such as the thickness of the coating required. So as the operator uses the spray gun, they can see whether too much or too little paint is being used and look for inconsistencies in the way the coating is being applied.
“We put trainees into a boat virtually, using the proper equipment, to see how they’re applying paint. This gives an opportunity to take people who never sprayed paint, whether the captains or crew or just distributors or anybody, and show them what it actually takes. The data that you get from that is absolutely amazing,” says Anzardo.
“The captain is not going to be painting the boat,” he concedes, “but at least they have an understanding of what actually goes into it.”
AkzoNobel notes skilled labour can be trained with VR
That leads him neatly onto his next topic, the need for skilled labour in the marine industry.
“Years ago you had a long apprenticeship on the floor,” learning a skill and moving-up gradually. Now that system has changed dramatically, Anzardo says AkzoNobel’s VR is a good way of getting trainees to the next level.
“It is a tool, it is not a way to make you an expert,” he says. But the data which comes from the system is a great way to develop a skill set without the need for using real world applications and the waste that can come from missteps.
The data collated look at how many passes an applicator takes, their speed and how much paint they’re using. . . . which means costs per square metre can be easily calculated.
“The feedback has been fantastic. People were a little sceptical at first, but then they could see what it was like. Our trainers were amazed at how realistic it was.”
And it’s being embraced worldwide. “Lots of people say the industry is very traditional and slow to adapt to change. Covid forced everyone to change their position – absolutely nobody wanted to do a video call. Everyone is now doing them. When you’re forced into this, and you look at other ways to do things, you start to see change.”
VR Spray Gun users can choose between conventional, pressure pot and electrostatic spray guns, which are all complete with air compression sounds and the real life resistance that is felt when pulling the spray gun trigger.
Applicators are taken through the whole process of ‘virtually’ spraying an entire Awlgrip, Interlux, International or Sea Hawk system on either the top or bottom of the boat and can learn the difference between primers, topcoats and fouling controls without the need to wait for the paint to dry between coats. The process allows users to see the way they virtually painted the part, how much paint was used, the application time and the cost associated in both time and product. More about the systems, including Awlgrip, can be found on AkzoNobel’s website.
RealWear camera headset used for diagnosis
Plus, the company’s also using a RealWear camera headset. That’s a hands free visual assistant tool that connects applicators directly to the AkzoNobel team for real-time technical support. Users wearing the RealWear glasses can stream video and take pictures, allowing the AkzoNobel technical team to observe issues and offer support in real time from anywhere in the world. The software can be used via mobile and is compatible with both Apple and Google operating systems.
As the yachting industry is spread across the globe, accessing real-time technical support and on-site training can be a challenge for boatyards and applicators. AkzoNobel says its digital solutions are designed to strengthen its support and increase access to its technical team.
But more than skill development and time saving, the AkzoNobel’s VR is jolly good fun. Trainees can paint MIN onto the side of a superyacht if they so choose, or step aboard a sport fishing cruiser and practice spraying overhead.
And, without the material humiliation of their dodgy skill being on display for a long time (this mess disappeared with the click of a button), operators can joyfully splurge paint wherever they so wish before getting down to the business of learning.
Leave a Reply