Mimbus, France

AR for woodworking workers

WOOD-ED TABLE is a project initiated by AFPA, the French association for adult apprenticeship. AFPA asked MIMBUS to create a virtual training solution to simulate the stationary cutting and forming machines. This was a very complex problem and there was no existing solution. MIMBUS associated with Light & Shadows to design this unique product.

WOOD-ED TABLE: a unique solution for woodworkers training

WOOD-ED TABLE is a project initiated by AFPA, the French association for adult apprenticeship. AFPA asked MIMBUS to create a virtual training solution to simulate the stationary cutting and forming machines. This was a very complex problem and there was no existing solution. MIMBUS associated with Light & Shadows to design this unique product. The project last 2 years and costs one million euros to build up the existing WOOD-ED TABLE solution.
It combines AR tracking and visualization together with a force feedback magnetic system to replicate the blade effects. This product has been widely deployed among the AFPA training centers in France and is also deployed globally through Mimbus network of partners.
It improves the security, enables people to be more confident and save time and cost of the training process (limitating the number of requested real machines).

The tracking solution

We decided to go for a SMARTTRACK solution. The integrated box helps us to set up the product easily. We had to go through a test and validation step to make sure the tracking is suitable and the positioning adapted.
The precision is perfect and we never experienced any deviation or issue on this setup and hardware integration.
 

Why ART?

• MIMBUS decided to go for ART as it is the unique reliable solution for a precise and constant tracking of the hands and head of the user together with the wooden plank to cut. Precise tracking is essential to evaluate the quality of the cut and the precision of the motion.

Set up

The positioning of the camera and the configuration of the constellation was a key to have a proper set up. Based on the analysis of the worker positions, we decided to place the cameras above the table surface and in the back. We needed to be able to see the hands and head of the user at any time. We created a configuration module in our software for the user to seamlessly calibrate the tracking of the planks. Visual feedback is provided through 3D glasses and 3D visual effects of the planks, the blades and all the machineries.

Read more: Wood-Ed Table by MIMBUS

Watch video: Training simulator for Wood-cutting machines