January 24 2017
At the K-Show in Düsseldorf, Germany (October 19-26), Parkinson Technologies, Inc. drew a captive audience when it introduced its new virtual reality (VR) technology. This groundbreaking VR platform—used as a tool for demonstrating Parkinson’s plastics processing machinery on a large scale—piqued the interest of industry media, potential customers, and even the U.S. Consulate.
“This was an exciting chance for Parkinson to highlight the tremendous potential of VR in manufacturing,” said Brian Lundgren, Marketing Manager at Parkinson Technologies. “This technology is a game-changer for manufacturers who can’t bring large-scale, customized machinery to a show due to logistical and economic reasons. VR also shows promise with respect to troubleshooting and factory maintenance.”
Parkinson’s virtual line showcased machines from all of its brands, including Key Filters, Marshall & Williams Plastics, Dusenbery Converting Systems, and Parkinson Winders. The system was built on the HTC Vive/SteamVR platform, which, in addition to Facebook’s Oculus Rift, is the first commercially available PC-based VR platform. Handheld input devices allowed visitors to start and stop the machine’s operations and push buttons to hear more information on various components.
The technology was test-driven by many members of the industry media, including representatives from Plastics Technology Magazine, Plastics News and Plastics Technology. Engineering students from surrounding European countries also visited the exhibit, as well as the U.S. Consulate Michael Keller and members of his office.
A virtual reality model has considerable benefits over a real-life demonstration machine. For example, structures can be made transparent to reveal machinery that is not typically visible to the naked eye. Additionally, proprietary technologies can be concealed from view.
“The enthusiastic response to our VR technology far exceeded our expectations, capturing the attention of everyone from the media to government officials to engineering students and, most importantly, our customers,” said Peter Termyn, President and CEO of Parkinson Technologies. “We were able to convey who Parkinson Technologies is and what we do in a most compelling way. What’s more, we generated interest in our newest innovations, including the Dusenbery 280 center surface slitter rewinder and the Key Filters ScreenLync interlocking continuous belt screen system for continuous belt screen changers.”
Parkinson plans to continue investing in its VR platform. Lundgren envisions that, in the future, potential customers will have the ability to walk through a turnkey setup before the manufacturing of their new equipment begins.
