Blockchain technology is emerging as a key driver of growth. As a part of strategic planning, enterprises are evaluating industry-specific blockchain use cases including track & trace, real-time visibility, compliance simplification, digital identity, dispute resolution, reducing intermediaries, secure data sharing. While evaluating use cases, enterprises are still lacking tools to answer the most common questions ÔÇô what is the business value of the blockchain use case? What would be the short,medium, and long-term value of implementing blockchain use cases?

This blockchain business value articulation framework aims to help organizations identify the business value that blockchain technology is enabling in their use-cases for all stakeholders in the ecosystem. Understanding the value for all stakeholders along the roadmap of the use case makes it easier for organizations to map the value of the investment to the roadmap that is enabled by a blockchain investment.

This framework helps organizations identify the business value that blockchain technology is enabling in their use-cases for stakeholders in the ecosystem. Understanding the value for all of the stakeholders makes it easier for organizations to map the value of the investment to the roadmap.

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A Private Equity firm leveraged blockchain technology to rapidly launch new funds.

Introduction of a Private Equity fund consists of numerous transactions between multiple stakeholders ÔÇô Investment Advisors, Administrators, General Partners, Regulators, Limited Partners, Banks and others. The current administrative processes often involve multi-party off-line data sharing and duplicate data entries leading to non-transparent and lengthy settlement duration for each fund launch. Learn how we worked with a large IT service provider to leverage blockchain based technology to realize the goals of a US-based global financial services firm to improve the process.

Originally published at International Business Times. Read the full article.

A token is a digital twin of a physical object or service in a blockchain that provides undisputed ownership and provenance, reduces transaction costs, and enables transaction automation through smart contracts.

A token can represent anything ÔÇô a character in a game, airline ticket, work of art, coins, etc.

Real estate tokens, digital artwork, fashion, licenses and certifications, capital markets fundraising, sports moments, virtual worlds, gaming, and crypto collectibles are just some of the thriving use cases in tokenization.

The key messages are:

The benefits of tokenization, especially fractional ownership, transparency, increased liquidity, and improved security, create new opportunities for improving the value transfer systems.

New tokens are being created every day, from physical assets to intellectual properties.

Want to learn more about how tokenization is disrupting the financial industry. Talk to an expert.

The Value of NFTs and Their Impact on Blockchain

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, havenÔÇÖt changed the blockchain industry at its core. However, theyÔÇÖve had quite a positive impact on bringing more visibility to blockchain and its many uses.

Many people not involved in the blockchain industry have been introduced to NFT crypto-assets in the form of digital art. Although collectible art is certainly one use for these assets and their unique attributes, itÔÇÖs just one representation of the vast array of ways thatNFT and blockchainsolutions could change modern life.

For example,NFT ticketswould help cut down on counterfeit sales for sporting events, concerts, conventions, and more. Because NFTs canÔÇÖt be duplicated, the originals would be simple to verify. Plus, each┬áNFT ticket┬ácould be programmed via a smart contract to entitle the legitimate ticket┬áholder to special perks like free merchandise or exclusive gatherings.

NFTs are also heating up the video game industry, which shouldnÔÇÖt be a surprise. Many players would like to own the digital assets they purchase or earn while moving through a game. Using an┬áNFT-in-game┬ápremise, those players could retain ownership of any assets beyond the confines of the game. This would enable them to market or sell those assets for a profit later.

Real estate is yet another growth space for the NFT industry.Saving land contracts on NFTs can reduce crimes related to fabricated documents. Perhaps one day,NFTs for landinformation will lessen the need for costly legal intervention in cases of proving who owns which parcel.

The Multifaceted Value Proposition of Blockchain and NFTs

Of course, many people still arenÔÇÖt sure what makes NFTs particularly valuable. Even those who understand NFTs generally have a little trouble seeing their real-world applications.

So what is the value of an NFT? Below are some of the major reasons NFT and blockchaintechnology stir up so much discussion surrounding profitability and inherent value.

1. NFTs offer provenance and ownership.

Because the token (a.k.a., the NFT) on a blockchain canÔÇÖt be forged or 100% duplicated, it becomes its own authority. Someone who owns an original NFT doesnÔÇÖt need to go through a central authority to show the NFTÔÇÖs authenticity. Removing the need for someone in the middle to legitimize an NFT makes ownership and trading less cumbersome. Accordingly, the value saved is transferred to the value of the NFT.

2. The NFT industry is fostering buyer-seller efficiencies.

More and more, NFT holders can tap into global marketplaces when they want to sell their NFTs. Because NFTs have more liquidity than traditional assets, their holders can recoup investments more readily. Additionally, NFTs support fractional ownership, giving smaller investors access to larger investments by enabling them to own a ÔÇ£sliceÔÇØ rather than an entire asset.

3. Smart contracts can follow NFTs for life.

NFTs can be programmed with smart contracts. Consider the situation of a digital artist who programs an NFT with a smart contract. The smart contract may give the artist a percentage of any sales of the NFT. Consequently, every time the NFT changes hands, the smart contract terms would be enforced immediately.

4. Blockchain and NFTs offer decentralization with security.

By its very nature, blockchain requires none of the centralized entities controlling the markets and marketplaces the world currently relies on. Rather, blockchain and NFTsfoster decentralization and transparency. At the same time, they offer incredible levels of security that would have seemed unfathomable before the advent of blockchain ledgers.

5. NFTs build trust thatÔÇÖs often missing in transactional relationships.

Blockchain ensures a single version of the truth. Period. As a result, systems and assets like NFTs that are built on blockchain are trustworthy. Any transference of blockchain items can be handled with a high degree of trust. And again, thereÔÇÖs no need for a centralized authority to step in to fuel the trust factor. It just exists.

To be sure, NFTs ÔÇö and blockchain, for that matter ÔÇö are going through what can only be called the ÔÇ£hypeÔÇØ cycle. Very high expectations are being set for what┬áblockchain and NFTtechnology can and will do. No doubt, some people will be disillusioned along the way to blockchainÔÇÖs maturity. Nevertheless,┬áblockchain and NFTs┬áare positioned to have a significant and transformative effect on many industries beyond those that have tested the waters so far.

What is Real Estate Tokenization?

Real estate tokenization is a modern-day extension of traditional fractional real estate ownership. It is like crowdfunding in that it distributes the value of a real estate investment into manageable segments to overcome many investment barriers.  Each token represents one part of the asset. Each of these tokens is then encrypted with the relevant details, which gives the investor the ownership details based on their share of the property. It is now possible to buy and sell these tokens at their determined value on a secondary exchange.

Global Real Estate Tokenization Market size is expected to triple in 5 years from 2022 to 2027 (Source)´╗┐


Types of Real Estate Tokens


By fungibility

  1. Fungible fractional token: Each token represents a part of the overall real estate but does not represent the ownership/usage rights of any specific sections of the real estate.
  2. Non-fungible tokens: Each token give rights (ownership or utility) over a specific part of the real-estate e.g., a particular apartment unit.

 

By underlying value

  1. Security or ownership tokens: Security tokens (also known as digital securities) are digital representations of assets such as stock, fixed income, real estate, investment fund shares, commodities, and structured products. These are exchanged and maintained on a blockchain (a distributed ledger).
  2. Utility or usage rights tokens: A utility token gives the user a right to use an asset e.g. a hotel utility token can give you the right to book a hotel room for 1 day or have a free complimentary dinner etc.

By type of property

  1. Commercial Property Tokens: Provides the ownership of commercial properties with legally compliant protocols.
  2. Residential Property Tokens: Provides the ownership of residential properties with legally compliant protocols.
  3. Virtual (in metaverse e.g.) Property Tokens: Provide the ownership of virtual properties with legally compliant protocols.

What challenges does Tokenization solve?



Restraints of Real Estate Tokenization


Despite the Blockchain and Tokenization technology are getting matured, regulations are still lagging There are several challenges due to this, including:

Real estate tokenization on distributed ledgers has the potential to revolutionize the way common people invest.

Being in its early stages, tokenization needs to overcome several concerns to achieve its full potential and requires the effort and contribution of technology companies to make the innovations and set in motion the processes. Companies like Chainyard can help navigate the early stages of tokenization to minimize the risks and costs associated with this technology that carries immense potential.

In the upcoming blog, we will also be covering key processes involved in real estate tokenization, the benefits of real estate tokenization, and how Chainyard can help you in this journey of tokenization.

In the article titled “Transforming the business of Real Estate Assets through Tokenization“, we have summarized various types of real estate tokens, the challenges it solves, and areas one needs to be aware of when venturing into them. This article focuses on the real estate tokenization process and implementation.

The real estate tokenization process starts with two steps – identifying the deal type and defining the legal structure. Subsequently, implementation involves selecting blockchain technology for storing tokens and choosing a platform where investors can securely purchase digital assets after verifying KYC and AML requirements.

Real Estate Tokenization ÔÇô Process Stages


Stage 1 – Deal Structuring

The process begins with deciding on the asset kind, shareholder type, jurisdiction, and relevant rules that have a crucial impact in this initial phase of structuring deals. Generally, issuers choose to tokenize an existing deal in order to provide liquidity to present investors before soliciting money for a new project. Asset owners determine the specific property (or properties) to be digitized. The key considerations in deal structuring would be time-period for ROI, cash on cash return, securing investments, and legal and business formations. These more important details along with specific features/ parameters like rental type, rent start date, neighborhood, year constructed, stories, bedroom/bath, and total units are considered in the process.

Stage 2 – Legal Structure

The ownership information recorded on paper is transferred to the blockchain during the digitization stage. Security tokens are stored in a distributed ledger, and various actions are encoded in smart contracts. A legal wrapper needs to be created over the individual property to securitize and form an investment vehicle; a step necessary to digitize real estate.
The most common structures are:
Real Estate Fund: A private equity firm invests in a portfolio of properties, and the token symbolizes fund units. Accredited investors or approved institutional purchasers may only leverage the dividends gained from the tokenized investment.
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT): Investors can create digital shares in a REIT, and token holders have the same rights to the REIT’s operational revenue that traditional investors do today.
Project Finance: Tokenization is a highly effective method of generating funding for projects. Tokens are made available to consumers and accredited investors during this event. Here the token may represent the ownership or future right to use.
´╗┐Single asset Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): Tokens represent shares of the SPV under this arrangement, usually a series LLC, for compliance with KYC/AML rules for LLCs, each token investor needs to be registered as a member of the LLC before investing.

Stage 3 – Technology Selection

After defining the legal structure, the next step is to choose the right technology. The process involves making four choices:
Selecting Blockchain / Token: This involves, choosing the Blockchain on which the token will be recorded, deciding on the token standard to be used, modeling the token data, and defining smart contracts to establish rules on transfer, limits, commissions, etc.
Primary / Secondary Marketplace: Choosing how initial tokens will be mined and provided during the initial offering and defining where and how investors will trade the tokens later.
Custody: Establishing a secure custody system for real estate, including proper maintenance and reporting of real-world updates.
´╗┐KYC/AML: Verifying investors within regulatory compliance on a periodic basis.

Stage 4 ÔÇô Distribution and Marketing

The token generation and distribution are the primary focus of this stage, where several payment options are offered when purchasing tokens. Investors may require a digital wallet, available on the web and mobile platforms, to store the tokens. Investors receive these tokens during a live sale.
Primary Distribution: Tokens are awarded to the investors through this procedure in return for investment capital this is also the first time the tokens are minted.
Post-Tokenization Management: This step includes processes for managing corporate activity, such as shareholder voting and dividend distribution. Smart contracts coded on the token can automate these procedures. Management of the tokens will continue after they have been issued until they reach maturity or redemption.
´╗┐Secondary Trading: Tokenization increases liquidity in secondary trading. A token holder can swap tokens with another investor on a marketplace, through an exchange, or over the counter.


Benefits of Real Estate Tokenization

Real estate tokenization has several advantages that make it a far more efficient investment option than any previously available ones.


Conclusion

We can expect Real Estate Tokenization to open the market for real estate assets enabling efficient movement of the funds and effective management of equity besides providing higher reliability, transparency, and security. Real estate tokenization would be the future of real estate assets with Blockchain technology as the underlying foundation and platform making it more robust, flexible, and secure when compared to the traditional models.
Given these advantages, it is no surprise that the RET market is estimated to become a $1.4-trillion market by 2026 (source). This potential can be fulfilled provided the technology is optimized to overcome existing hurdles and issues. Additionally, expert solution providers in tokenization have an important role in expanding the market and helping real estate players navigate the initial stages of tokenization and minimize the risks and costs associated with it.

Chainyard in Blockchain Technology

Chainyard has vast experience in architecting, building, testing, securing, and operating blockchain-based solutions for some of the largest companies in the world in multiple domains: Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Transportation, Logistics, Banking and Trade Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, Retail, Government and Procurement. Read these customer success stories to find how Chainyard helped clients build enterprise-grade large blockchain-based technology solutions. Chainyard is instrumental in building a platform for procurement innovation, Trust Your Supplier, that enables suppliers to create and maintain a trusted digital identity and selectively share information with a vast network of buyers and partners. Read more here.

Real estate tokenization enables the modern-day concept of fractional real estate ownership. Additionally, it helps overcome investment barriers and reduces associated risks and costs. Solution providers in this domain help real estate investors navigate through the various stages of ÔÇô Deal Structuring, Legal Structuring, Technology (e.g., blockchain), Distribution, and Marketing.

The following infographic provides a snapshot of the current market, its potential, and expectations, along with the process, benefits, challenges, and solutions.


Read more here:
Transforming the business of Real Estate Assets through Tokenization
Real Estate Tokenization: Implementation Process Steps and Key Outcomes

Identity and Security on the Internet

The internet was created without a native identity layer and different Internet solution providers have developed ad hoc identity solutions that are inconsistent. With billions of people now online, the drawbacks are more apparent, more so with the emergence of Web3. Decentralized Identifiers (DID) are globally unambiguous identifiers that can be used to identify any subject (e.g., a person, an organization, a device, a product, a location, or even an abstract entity, or a concept) and enable secure online transactions. DID is a new type of verifiable identifier, which does not require a centralized registry. DID enables the controller to verify ownership of the DID use cryptography while ensuring security.


What does DID bring to the Security Landscape

W3C Decentralized Identifiers are portable across service providers and can last for as long as their controller wants to continue using them. DID can also be used as a tool to verify professional documents, including passports and driverÔÇÖs licenses. Users can securely navigate across a variety of platforms with DID with a consistent identity for their wallet and personal information.

DID solutions can help uphold the integrity of usersÔÇÖ data and provide new safeguards for users. They can verify identities, authenticate traceability, validate digital assets, and enhance the overall security of the internet. DID applications can help users successfully control and manage their own digital identities, where they can log in securely to different systems without exposing their privileged information.

The decentralized identity market size is expected to grow from USD 285 million in 2022 to USD 6,822 million by 2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 88.7% (Source).

Additionally, one-click login & onboarding with identity verification was the application that most people (57%) felt the need for decentralized digital identity among Web 3.0/DeFi implementations in a 2021-22 survey (Source).


The Problems that DID Solves

Web3 requires a critical degree of security throughout the ecosystem to ensure its full potential so that every transaction is accurately recorded and cannot be altered. Without DID solutions, there is a risk of users losing their sensitive valuable, and confidential information to hackers and fraud.

The adoption of crypto and advancement across Web3 has increased rapidly but there are still significant barriers that stand in the way of mainstream adoption. DID can address some of the current Web3 pain points related to:

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs), Identity and Authenticity issues, fraud, and plagiarism threats affect artists or creators. An example is a work of digital artist Derek Laufman (designer of Marvel superhero stories) being auctioned on NFT platform without his knowledge. To counter such issues, applications can be built on DIDs to allow creators to prove that a given NFT was created by them. Buyers and sellers can verify the authenticity of digital artwork.

Growth of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) – Collateral requirements limit most cryptocurrency traders looking to take advantage of leverage. Reducing or completely removing collateralization requirements would enable mass adoption of DeFi. The DID layer can provide users with credit-based loans and help users directly control their own credit scores, better monitor, and adjust their own lending behavior. So far the identification has been issued by the government. With DeFI we need a global level of identification and KYC.

KYC and other identity controls could change DeFi by allowing regulated entities to participate as intermediaries, directly and indirectly. DeFi protocols could enable trusted third parties, like identity providers, to perform the KYC.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) use token-based governance for voting, governance, or prioritization but it can preclude or de-prioritize active contributors without significant capital. Each DAO member of the hundreds of DAO needs to build their reputation within, only through participation. DIDs can help users maintain their reputation across multiple DAOs. Porting credentials from one DAO to another is easier with DID.


DID Architecture

The DID specifications are based on foundational pillars. DID metadata is resolvable and can be discovered. DID are:

The DID ecosystem is made up of layers, with each layer on the top, building upon the underlying protocol. It includes:


Markets and DIDs

W3C Decentralized Identifiers and W3C Verifiable Credentials are used across several markets where identification and data authenticity are a concern:

The Retail and the E-commerce sector have seen rising digitalization, outlining the need for increased authentication given the complexities in data systems. Convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and consumer goods companies can use DIDs for new digital age verification programs to increase privacy and checkout speed, prevent unauthorized data access, reduce data losses and eliminate the use of fraudulent identity documents during purchase.

The Financial Services industry depends on identity verification to check illegal activities such as bribery or money laundering. DID can help refresh KYC processes by allowing for the effective outsourcing and decentralizing of personal data, while also allowing the owners of the data to retain full control over it. DID can help in the shopping and purchase of insurance products, finance and credit products, e-finance, and cross-border remittance.

According to Forbes, major banks each spend up to USD 500 million on cybersecurity every year, with USD 25 billion being spent in the US on AML compliance. Source

Governments ÔÇô Government agencies in the US, Canada, and EU are exploring the use of DIDs to provide privacy-protecting digital identity documentation for their businesses and residents, enabling them to choose how and when their data is shared.

Supply Chain operators and stakeholders such as global government regulators, trade standards institutions, vendors, shippers, and retailers use DIDs to design systems that verify the origin and destination of products and services accurately. This will streamline and enable the reporting and documentation to apply correct tariffs, prevent dumping, and monitor transshipment.

Personnel and Workforce ÔÇô Universities, education standards organizations, and training programs use DIDs to issue digital learning credentials when applying for higher education or workforce positions.


DID going Mainstream

Being a key technological foundation to support native Web3 applications,  World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has declared that Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.0 is an official Web standard. This verifiable identifier enables both individuals and organizations to take greater control of their online information and relationships while also providing greater security and privacy.

Robust DID solutions can help Web3 to go mainstream by enabling new use cases. The composability and interoperability of DID standards help the momentum created from each new application feed on another. DID solutions having been declared an official standard by W3C we expect it to grow rapidly in the coming years. The presence of service providers can unlock the next major cycle of Web3 applications and the value therein.


Chainyard enabling DID

Chainyard has firsthand experience in building to W3C DID standards. The health wallet app is an example of its capabilities in this space while its use cases provide detailed insights about its projects along with sample UI/UX development. Chainyard is an innovator in blockchain and distributed ledger applications, and the owner and creator of Trust Your Supplier. The first Chainyard initiative in this space is the innovative MyHealth Wallet application, available on Android and iOS. It provides the user with a simple, tamperproof, and verifiable way to present and prove that they have taken a COVID-19 test.

The second in the family is the Trusted Health Checks mobile application that combines human validation and ML-generated risk scores and allows visitors to complete electronic health declaration forms prior to travel to foreign destinations.

Enterprise Application Use cases in Metaverse – Healthcare

As internet technology evolution goes through its next iteration with the Metaverse coming into its own in the past few years, there is a great deal of excitement in the tech world about its potential and possibilities.

With Metaverse gaining traction, developers and companies are finding novel ways of applying it to real-life use cases facilitating the industryÔÇÖs growth at an exponential rate.


Enterprise Metaverse use cases-Healthcare

The Metaverse offers innovative opportunities to businesses. Here are some use cases where it can favorably impact the healthcare delivery model in the following areas:

Telepresence

Metaverse in healthcare has introduced new avenues for offering treatments at subsidized rates and in geographical locations that health providers may not be able to visit through telepresence. Virtual 3D clinics offer an easy and convenient way for patients and doctors to interact with each other. They are especially effective in the case of minor health conditions where a doctor could diagnose a patient without any physical examination and all that is needed is for the patient and doctor to have headsets.

Mental health is another area where metaverse could prove beneficial. Through immersive VR experiences, psychiatrists could treat disorders like PTS (post-traumatic stress), Anxiety, Delusions, Eating disorders, and so on.

gameChange is a landmark Virtual Reality Therapy that treats patients who suffer from psychosis ÔÇô it targets the extreme anxiety that keeps patients from participating in day-to-day activities. The trial results showed that the treatment was effective and extremely popular among patients with high uptake rates.

Decentralized storage through Blockchain

Blockchain is a key technology that drives the metaverse. The management and security of highly sensitive and valuable health data is the most significant application of Blockchain in healthcare. Blockchains allow for data to be stored securely through decentralized, distributed, and encrypted databases. When a patientÔÇÖs health records are stored on a blockchain, it makes them difficult to hack. They are also easily accessible when a patient gives consent to a doctor to review his records just with the click of a button.

Digital Twins

Digital twins are virtual models or simulations of any process, system, or object that generate real-world data with the purpose of learning more about the real-world counterpart. In the metaverse, Digital twins can be used to create ÔÇÿtest dummiesÔÇÖ for individuals which can be used to predict outcomes, e.g.: response to specific medications, recovery from surgery and illness, and so on. Med-tech companies like Siemens Healthineers and GE Healthcare are investing in digital twin technology.

Precision Surgery through AR/VR

Immersive Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and AI technologies are helping surgeons to perform minimally invasive and more precise surgeries by getting a 3D view of the patientÔÇÖs body which helps them to plan and perform operations.

Moreover, the data gathered from the patientÔÇÖs digital twin will help them to predict recovery duration, possible complications, and prescribed treatments if complications arise post the surgical procedure.

Zimmer BiometÔÇÖs OptiVu Mixed Reality platform uses Microsoft Hololens2 to offer a mixed-reality world that offers innovative solutions to streamline surgical planning and workflow and offers real-time support that enables surgeons and care teams to collaborate and improve patient outcomes.

Training

Traditional medical training offers limited resources for the practice of surgeries partly because dissection procedures on cadavers prove to be costly for hospitals. With VR, students can train in a simulated environment at a significantly lower cost.

Dissection on a virtual cadaver improves learning outcomes as it enables students to work individually. It enhances studentsÔÇÖ technical capabilities such as precision and decision-making skills and is cost-effective too.

Collaboration

Instant sharing of information between doctors and support staff will ultimately lead to quicker diagnosis and quality healthcare service.

Veyond Metaverse offers XR technology solutions that augment and improve medical education and training, surgical planning and procedures, and diagnosis and treatments through its proprietary cloud communication platform.

Conclusion

Metaverse has created a new and unique world full of possibilities and opportunities for a diverse variety of businesses.

Although the early adopters might need to prepare for the challenges it presents currently, they will certainly gain a competitive edge by leveraging the immense potential of this field.

Enterprise Application Use cases in Metaverse – Manufacturing

As internet technology goes through its next iteration with the Metaverse coming into its own in the past few years, there is a great deal of excitement in the tech world about its potential and possibilities.

With Metaverse gaining traction, developers, and companies and finding novel ways of applying it to real-life use cases with the industry growing at an exponential rate.

Enterprise Metaverse use cases

Metaverse offers innovative opportunities in manufacturing.

Manufacturing

The metaverse has tremendous potential to transform the manufacturing industry as it exists today. The most obvious use case is that of digital twins ÔÇô virtual replicas of physical entities -┬áof the industrial and manufacturing spaces which offer users both a macro and a micro visualization of their plants and facilities. At an enterprise or macro level, it could offer a holistic and complete insight into the functioning of the organization in real-time. At a micro level, shop floor employees could use the metaverse space to monitor performance and identify and fix issues of individual equipment with its components, as if they were physically present there.

The worldÔÇÖs largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, is using the Metaverse to enhance its operations by using Azure Digital Twins to create breweries and supply chain digital models that are synced to the physical environment in real-time. The benefits of this archetype are fine-tuning the brewing process and quality control.

Research states that training in Metaverse results in students learning 4 times faster than they would in a traditional classroom environment.  

The immersive learning process in the Metaverse has far better outcomes than in a traditional classroom setting and students learn better and faster in a VR environment.  

Training in the Metaverse environment for the manufacturing industry implies safe and risk-free training in a safe virtual environment. In a real-world environment, an apprentice undergoing training with heavy physical equipment might face risks in a potentially hazardous setting. 

Companies like JetBlue use VR technology to train their technicians. A real-life scenario of training technicians with real aircraft would be expensive and time-consuming and potentially risky. The company used VR sets for its technicians and in collaboration with Strivr deployed a solution that simulated a real-life setting and eliminated the time, expense, and risk of a physical environment. Also, training in a VR metaverse allows a trainee to make mistakes in a secure environment without undesirable consequences.

The Engineering and Aerospace conglomerate, Honeywell, uses AR and VR in its training efforts.   VR and Mixed Reality can be used to provide remote assistance and collaboration in the resolution of complex repair and maintenance issues. Technicians in the BMW facility use AR glasses to provide a hands-free video overlay and at the same time connect with support teams sitting many miles away to fix the issues. 

Manufacturers can also benefit from Metaverse simulations of their facilities to test possible factory scenarios which will then enable them to develop methods to automate and optimize their plants. Before creating its actual factory in Bavaria, BMW in its virtual factory, replicated its complete production workflow digitally to ensure that all processes were optimized and operated smoothly.  

Metaverse can benefit manufacturers by facilitating improved consumer decision making too. For e.g.: automotive manufacturers can enable prospective buyers to ÔÇ£touch and feelÔÇØ a car and even customize it to their tastes before they buy it. This simulation and visualization of the actual car help manufacturers understand the customerÔÇÖs requirements the first time and minimize the effort and expense involved in rework.┬á┬áThe metaverse can help car dealerships by facilitating test drives from the comfort of a prospective customer’s home, helping sell cars, and broadening the dealerships’ reach. Opportunities in this space include establishing a virtual dealership for customers to ask the dealer questions about their vehicles, take a test drive, or even just view vehicles.

4th Industrial revolution- Metaverse in manufacturing

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has created a world of online and offline convergence with the manufacturing industry being a major part of it. The industrial metaverse aims to bring digital experiences to inherently physical processes, taking digital transformation and ÔÇ£Industry 4.0ÔÇØ to a new level. The industrial metaverse starts with a digital experience before translating it to physical operations, rather than using IoT or building digital platforms to bring machines online. This is useful in areas such as predictive maintenance and asset monitoring and can be done remotely. The metaverse also offers significant advantages in Industry 4.0 regarding training employees and accessing data.

Conclusion

Metaverse has created a new and unique world full of possibilities and opportunities for a diverse variety of businesses.

Although the early adopters might need to prepare for the challenges it presents currently, they will certainly gain a competitive edge by leveraging the immense potential of this field.