Hitachi Develops Metaverse-Based System for Remote Factory Demonstrations

Hitachi has developed a metaverse-based system that lets skilled workers run remote demonstrations using real-world factory equipment. This system is designed to help industries where know-how is concentrated among aging veterans.

The system uses a virtual reality headset to superimpose an image of the instructor’s hands on a drum-shaped machine. The instructor, who is in another location, can move freely within the metaverse factory and can also see the entire work site from above.

The system combines ceiling camera and sensor data to re-create the factory in the metaverse in real time. Instructors can monitor the trainee’s movements through the virtual link and offer guidance.

Hitachi deployed proprietary data analysis technology for efficient processing of 3D data. This enables the metaverse to operate without lag on conventional Wi-Fi connections, as well as on 5G networks. The platform is compatible with off-the-shelf cameras and virtual reality devices.

In the future, Hitachi looks to field-test the metaverse at railroad construction sites and power plants. The company is also considering taking it outside the group.

The metaverse-based system has the potential to revolutionize the way that training is conducted in the manufacturing sector. Veteran employees can now train younger workers remotely, from home or an office. This is especially important in Japan, where the population is aging rapidly and there is a serious labor shortage.

The metaverse-based system is also being used in other industries, such as automotive manufacturing. BMW has developed a virtual factory to test production lines for optimum output before building them in the real world.

The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize the way that we work and learn. By providing a virtual space where people can interact with each other and with real-world objects, the metaverse can help us to bridge distances and collaborate more effectively.

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Technology

5 FREE ESIGNATURE ALTERNATIVES TO DOCUSIGN

by George Mensah 2024-10-18

Electronic signature tools have transformed the way we handle documents, allowing you to sign, send, and manage paperwork digitally without the need for printing or scanning. With these tools, you can sign documents from anywhere, simplifying the process.

While DocuSign is a widely recognized eSignature tool with many useful features, it may not be affordable for everyone, especially for those who need it occasionally. Fortunately, there are plenty of 5 free eSignature alternatives available. After testing several, we’ve compiled a list of the top five free options to help you sign your documents with ease.

DocuSeal

DocuSeal is a highly versatile, open-source tool that lets you create electronic signatures for a wide variety of file types, such as PDFs and Word documents. Its easy-to-use interface makes it simple for anyone to sign documents, and the best part is, it’s completely free.

DocuSeal offers customization options like choosing from different signature styles, adding text, or even uploading images. It also provides secure document storage and encryption, ensuring that your sensitive information stays protected. This makes DocuSeal a strong free alternative to DocuSign for users who need both flexibility and security.

OpenSign

OpenSign is another excellent free eSignature solution that allows you to sign and send documents without any cost. It offers unlimited signatures, making it ideal for individuals or small businesses needing a budget-friendly tool.

One of OpenSign’s standout features is the ability to track your documents in real time. This way, you know exactly when a document is signed. Additionally, every signed document includes a completion certificate, which provides added security. OpenSign supports various file formats, including PDFs and Word docs, offering the flexibility to handle different types of documents.

Smallpdf

Best known for its PDF tools, Smallpdf also provides a robust eSignature feature. You can upload documents, sign them digitally, and send them for signatures in just a few steps. It supports a range of file formats, such as PDFs, Word, and Excel files.

One of Smallpdf’s key advantages is its integration with popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it easier to access and sign your documents directly from the cloud. Available on both desktop and mobile, Smallpdf is a convenient choice for users who need a reliable, multi-functional tool.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is widely used for viewing PDFs, but it also includes eSignature functionality. You can use it to sign documents yourself or send them to others for signing.

Adobe Acrobat Reader also features document tracking, allowing you to monitor when a document has been viewed or signed. While some advanced features require a subscription, the free version provides sufficient eSignature capabilities, making it a good option for occasional users who want a secure and trusted tool.

Canva PDF Editor

Canva is best known for its design capabilities, but it also has a handy PDF Editor that includes eSignature functions. You can upload PDFs and add signature fields as needed, making it a versatile tool for signing contracts, agreements, and other documents.

In addition to signing, Canva allows you to customize your documents by adding logos, text, and design elements. Canva’s PDF Editor also supports real-time collaboration, making it an ideal choice for teams or individuals working together on documents. It’s accessible on both desktop and mobile, making it convenient for signing documents anytime, anywhere.

Technology

Mark Zuckerberg’s Persistent Commitment to the Metaverse

by George Mensah 2023-09-30

About two years ago, Mark Zuckerberg rebranded his company from Facebook to Meta with a focus on building the “metaverse,” a virtual reality realm. However, since 2021, the metaverse’s popularity has waned, with companies like Disney shutting down metaverse divisions, and crypto-based startup metaverses facing challenges. In 2022, Meta’s Reality Labs division reported a significant operational loss of $13.7 billion.

Despite these setbacks, at Meta Connect 2023, Zuckerberg remains committed to the metaverse, albeit with a shift in emphasis. Previously, he envisioned the metaverse as a fully digital world, but now he emphasizes a blend of the physical and digital realms. Zuckerberg envisions a future where people can be physically present with friends while others join digitally as avatars or holograms, creating a seamless experience. He also sees scenarios where AI entities, embodied as holograms, assist in various tasks during meetings or gatherings.

While these ideas aren’t entirely new for Meta, the presentation marks a departure from Zuckerberg’s 2021 vision. Back then, he promised a decade where most people would immerse themselves in a 3D version of the internet using Meta’s Horizon Worlds platform. The latest keynote, however, shifts the focus to incorporating the virtual into everyday living spaces, such as solving puzzles or playing games in one’s living room.

The Horizon Worlds platform did make an appearance, but attention was also directed towards AI advancements. Zuckerberg highlighted new features powered by Meta’s AI technology, including AI chatbots for brainstorming and AI assistants integrated into Instagram, Messenger, or WhatsApp. These AI innovations are intended to propel the metaverse forward, although their immediate association with the term is not entirely clear.

While Meta faces challenges in redefining the metaverse and introducing AI features, the company cannot afford to abandon the concept. The term “metaverse” is intrinsic to its identity. However, the ambiguity surrounding the definition of the metaverse may work to Meta’s advantage, allowing them to encompass various technologies, from VR to AI, under the metaverse umbrella. Ultimately, whatever Meta pursues may be considered the metaverse, particularly from Mark Zuckerberg’s perspective.

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