Kiwa Finland is strongly involved in Necoverse research project, where the goal is to create an industrial metaverse for working remotely in training, design and operations. If we succeed, the training, planning, inspection and assessment tasks could be carried out with the help of latest Metaverse technology.
After the summer of 2023, we have made significant progress in the research project. We have agreed on cooperation with our research partners and device manufacturers, prepared a more detailed project plan and organized metaverse training for the Kiwa team. Our goal of this research project is to learn about the possibilities of remote inspections and assessments and to develop new services for customers in the future. We have selected and started planning the first pilots, the studies of which will enable us to create significant benefits for customers in the future.
Pilot projects and their importance
Crane pilot
Together with Aalto University and crane manufacturer, we are implementing a crane remote inspection pilot. Success would enable inspections to be carried out partially or completely remotely, even internationally in the future.
Elevator pilot
The Aalto University research elevator is planned to be used in remote inspection pilot, in cooperation with Kone. This pilote promotes the possibilities of remote inspection of elevators.
NDT pilot
With Turku University of Applied Sciences, we are working on a pilot for the visual inspection of welds in pipelines. This enables inspections with less need for personnel and equipment, as we can remotely inspect welds to be inspected by laser scanning it by onsite personnel or inspection robot.
Wind power pilot
We are also studying the internal and external inspections of wind power plants. This pilot is still in the planning phase, but discussions are ongoing at Kiwa.
Future plans
We are currently focusing on training our research partners to know current inspection methods so that they can design technological solutions for pilots. Pilots will be prepared and tested, and our experts provide their knowledge on the subjects. Our goal is to start the first research pilots at the beginning of year 2024.
Project managers thoughts
“The best aspects of this project so far have been the versatile research collaboration with Finland’s leading research organizations, such as Aalto University, VTT and Turku University of Applied Sciences. Their expertise helps us understand our opportunities. We are looking forward to testing remote solutions when the Metaverse platform developed by Turku University of Applied Sciences becomes available. In addition, we look forward to VTT’s work in exploiting short-term commercial opportunities, such as using VR technologies in inspections. This enables customers and colleagues to collaborate remotely. The Necoverse project promotes Kiwa’s future vision, bringing new opportunities and innovations to inspection activities.” says Kiwa Business Development Manager Tuomas Suominen.
Additional information: Tuomas Suominen, Kiwa Business Development Manager