Virtual reality digital twin services from tna set to make their mark for confectionery manufacturers
tna's latest systems evolved from demonstrations at last year's Interpack. Pic: Neill Barston
Australian-headquartered TNA packaging and processing equipment business has delivered a fresh innovation in the form of its virtual reality interactive digital service, the intelli-assistTM, targeting the effective delivery of high-impact projects, reports Neill Barston.
The company’s latest innovation comes as it claims a national award for best manufacturing and advanced material, recognising the quality of its industry equipment that targets markets including the confectionery and snacks sector.
As the business explained, its latest fully integrated extended reality (XR) solution, builds upon systems demonstrated at last year’s Interpack event in Germany (shown below) where the business showcased the potential for such technology. According to the business, its core strength is enable the efficient development of project through minimising risks and maintaining control of budgets. It can be used for a number of applications, from integrating new capital equipment into existing lines, or for creating an entirely new production facility, and marks the first time such industry 5.0 solutions have been formally presented to the sector.
VR systems being demonstrated by tna at Interpack. Pic: Neill Barston
Moreover, as the company explained, its intelli-assistTM leverages virtual reality and simulation technologies to enable teams to create digital twins of their manufacturing site, including equipment, utilities and buildings, and demonstrate how the new additions can best fit into their set-up with minimal disruption and optimal designs. Food manufacturers can use the tool to visualise their plant floor, virtually replace systems and validate manufacturing plans and installations in a low-risk environment. Visualising potential spatial conflicts and utility interferences ensures optimal clash prevention.
To enhance collaboration, tna intelli-assistTM also integrates remote meetings into the virtual environment with virtual reality (VR) headsets or through a desktop application. Multiple people can seamlessly join the plant simulation via their preferred medium to preview the project and directly interact with the digital twin, making the process of stakeholder buy-in and troubleshooting more efficient.
Furthermore, to assist those who are unfamiliar with such technology, users are introduced to the programme through TIATM, the virtual guide and mascot of tna intelli-assistTM, which helps with streamlining onboarding by handling various tasks related to the system.
“Much of food manufacturing has readily adopted Industry 4.0 technologies due to the efficiency, productivity and repeatability benefits they offer,” explained Natasha Avelange, Global Extended Reality Manager at TNA Solutions. “Building on this with XR allows the human element of food manufacturing to be enhanced, with creativity, productivity and problem solving brought together without barriers. This is the essence of Industry 5.0.
“Food production is an area where there is a continuous drive towards higher output, greater efficiency and continuous uptime. That’s why it’s so important that equipment upgrades or introductions are well-planned and delivered as efficiently as possible. With tna intelli-assist, we’ve innovated a way to significantly shorten project planning time, and improve accuracy, enabling teams to get integration right the first time.”
Commenting on the launch, Thiago Roriz, Chief Operating Officer, TNA Solutions said: “As a forward-thinking company committed to innovation, we are proud to integrate Industry 5.0 technologies, particularly in VR, into our project management process. By harnessing the power of VR, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also empowering our teams to collaborate more effectively, train in immersive environments, and optimise production in real time. These advancements directly translate into a more responsive and agile approach to customer needs, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions faster and more effectively. This step marks a significant evolution in how we integrate cutting-edge technology with human-centred design, ensuring that it serves not only operational goals but also drives customer satisfaction. With Industry 5.0, we are ushering in a new era, one that balances advanced automation with the ingenuity of the human touch.”
