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VR and AR will be popular training tool

Mercedes-Benz announced its Digital Factory Campus in Berlin.  The aim of the new campus is to drive for the digital transformation in production. Therefore, the campus will play a key role in realizing the quick and seamless roll-out of software application products. The products will be delivered to the Mercedes-Benz global production network.

The campus will take advantage of latest digital training tools including virtual and augmented reality to develop and implement concepts. The digitalization of production can be an important success factor for Mercedes-Benz for 30 years. Large parts of the modular and expandable digital ecosystem are already in use in about 30 plants across the globe.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where technology adds digital elements to a live view. The camera on a smartphone is one example of technologies to make AR feasible.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) refers to a computer-generated simulation where a person can interact within an artificial three-dimensional environment. VR uses electronic devices, such as special goggles with a screen or gloves fitted with sensors. In this simulated artificial environment, users are able to have a realistic-feeling experience.

Europe’s Digital Compass

On March 8^th 2021, The European Commission announced a “Digital Compass”. There are four cardinal points:

• Digitally skilled citizens and highly skilled digital professionals
• Secure, performant and sustainable digital infrastructures
• Digital transformation of businesses
• Digitalization of public services

We can see some key numbers in the latest initiative for a successful digital transformation of Europe by 2030.

• By 2030, at least 80% of all adults should have basic digital skills. There should be 20 million employed Information Communication Technology (ICT) specialists in the EU. In addition, more women should take up such jobs
• By 2030, three out of four companies should use cloud computing services, big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). More than 90% SMEs should reach at least basic level of digital intensity. Finally, the number of EU unicorns should double.

How will the EU realize Digital Campus?

The idea, direction and vision of Europe’s Digital Campus look really good. This is because we are living in the digital society, and digital technology disrupt various industries. For example, when it comes to most valuable companies, most of top 10 companies are digital companies. They actually changed or disrupted many industries, so “Amazon effect” is a word to describe this result.

As far as we see the EU, some parts of the digital technology are far behind the US and China. To make the continent more sustainable and competitive, the European Commission should take bold initiatives. In addition, initiatives or ambitious numbers do not necessarily ensure success and desirable outcomes. Therefore, companies, countries and citizens should take actions, and must achieve the targets.

Mercedes-Benz is a multinational German company and has long history for its success in the automotive industry. Thus, it should be a good example to lead Europe’s Digital Compass. However, training is difficult, needs money and takes time at the same time. Also, status quo bias has lots of effects on us so that some people do not want change.

If we want to help employees have digital skills, real experience is important. If they use and enjoy the latest digital technology, they will want to use and know it more. In this sense, Mercedes-Benz’s Digital Factory Campus can be a good example for other European companies. Virtual and Augmented Reality may be key technologies to remove people’s status quo bias. As a result, the EU might realize its blueprint by 2030.