DS Smith turns to Virtual Reality to propel manufacturing training into the future
After a successful trial in Nantes, DS Smith is set to expand use of the immersive training technology in its production sites.
DS Smith, a leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, has turned to Virtual Reality and 360° photography / video to enrich its manufacturing training program.
The new immersive learning solution, Uptale, has been piloted in DS Smith’s production facility in Nantes, France, to enable team members to understand technical processes and complex machine operations in a risk-free environment.
Provide on-the-job experiential training anywhere, anytime and without risk
The intuitive training uses 360° photography and videos of the factory to allow team members to ‘experience’ interactions with the machines. They learn to complete procedures such as changing the roll on a corrugator machine, without stepping foot onto the factory floor, and take part in technical quizzes.
Customer testimonial
Provide on-the-job experiential training anywhere, anytime and without risk
With Uptale, DS Smith has found an easy way to meet the challenges and constraints of training in the field, while at the same time enabling users to create their own content. The solution is based on 360° capture of photos and videos of the environment, enriched by pedagogical interactions in virtual reality, thanks to an intuitive tool within everyone’s reach.
DS Smith began by co-creating with Uptale its first immersive modules (completed in a week), such as the one dedicated to the process of changing coils on a corrugator.
The student is immersed in a factory and, through interaction with the machines and technical quizzes, has to carry out a coil change procedure. This experience enables them to consolidate their knowledge and skills while practicing in real-life situations in their own environment.
Today, the Uptale solution is deployed remotely, via smarpthones and computers (360° viewing of modules).
Afterward, sites can be equipped with Virtual Reality headsets.
Customer testimonial
Improve learning efficiency while reducing time and costs
Along with better learning efficiency and reduced training time, the solution allows team members to consolidate knowledge and practice skills in a near-real environment. This all happens without risk, without logistical constraints and without stopping production.
Following the successful pilot, DS Smith is now looking to expand the use of this immersive learning initiative to make its training program richer and more agile. To date, 10 different learning experiences have been created and available in all local languages. It is deployed remotely via smartphones and computers that enable 360° viewing.