Harnessing XR for the Blue Economy: A Belgian Endeavor

As the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions, the utilization of XR (extended reality) technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This is what we explored last week at The Reef during a getogether with three expert keynotes on this topic, plus various high-end XR demos to try out. A testament to Belgium's commitment to leading the charge towards a greener future.

Koen Aerts and Dieter Rabaut from DEME Group, a Belgian titan in the fields of offshore energy, environmental remediation, dredging and marine infrastructure with a global impact, presented their strategic integration of XR technology within their organization. Their aim? To revolutionize the training methodologies for executing highly intricate offshore operations, such as wind turbine installations from ships.

Notably, the digital platform powering DEME's endeavors was crafted by another Belgian entity, SpectrBIM, underscoring the local prowess in technological innovation and collaboration.

Joining the discussion was Mike Coeck from Cybernetic Walrus, showcasing how their expertise in game development seamlessly intertwines with XR to gamify training scenarios. Through hyper-realistic 3D environments, they're bridging the gap between theory and practice, preparing individuals to maintain wind turbines post-installation.

Ben Mahy from SupportSquare rounded off the presentations, elaborating on the myriad XR applications available for this sector. From multi-user training simulations to remote assistance, the potential for XR in continually upskilling technical personnel is vast.

Following the enlightening presentations, participants had the opportunity to experience these applications firsthand, immersing themselves in the virtual environments designed to replicate real-world challenges.

The overarching consensus of the evening was clear: Belgium possesses the technological prowess and talent necessary to spearhead the adoption of digital twins and XR technology in the blue sector. By leveraging these innovations, Belgium can emerge as a frontrunner within Europe and globally in tackling the challenges of the future, particularly in the realm of energy transition.