Boeing Aims to Develop Aircraft in Virtual World

MetaversePlanet December 18, 2021Last Updated: August 14, 2024

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Boeing is set to embrace the Metaverse by developing interconnected, virtual three-dimensional digital twins of its upcoming aircraft and its manufacturing systems. This approach will allow for extensive simulation capabilities.

The fascination with the Metaverse has surged, especially after Facebook’s transition to Meta, highlighting the growing importance of this virtual realm.

As the Metaverse expands, various businesses are not only establishing their presence within this digital universe but also engaging in acquisitions and partnerships to stay aligned with this evolving trend. Boeing marks the latest major enterprise to venture into the Metaverse, signaling a significant shift in industrial and technological strategies.

Boeing Ventures into Metaverse: A New Era for Aircraft Production

Boeing is gearing up to manufacture its future aircraft models within the Metaverse. This innovative process will involve the creation and integration of a system designed to operate virtual three-dimensional digital twins of the aircraft, complete with simulations. The envisioned factory setup by Boeing will feature 3D engineering design seamlessly integrated with interactive robots.

To connect technicians worldwide, Boeing will employ Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets, which are priced at $3,500. Greg Hyslop, Boeing’s chief engineer, points out that over 70% of the company’s quality issues are rooted in design problems.

Boeing foresees these virtual models playing a pivotal role in the launch of new aircraft within the next four or five years. The company aims to realize this ambitious plan within the coming two years.

Despite Boeing’s ambitious plans to harness the Metaverse for aircraft manufacturing, skepticism surrounds its digital transformation initiatives. The company has previously pledged a digital revolution, but technical challenges with digitally-developed models like the 777X mini jumbo and the T-7A RedHawk have fueled doubts.

Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with the Teal Group, argues that Boeing seems to be prioritizing shareholder returns at the expense of its engineering prowess and reducing its R&D expenditure.

In summary, while Boeing is set on initiating production within the Metaverse, its historical experiences call for a measured approach, underscoring the need for patience and caution in anticipating the actual outcomes of these plans.