In a context of technological evolution and innovation, Arts et Métiers acquired state-of-the-art equipment with the BlueLemon virtual immersion room atthe Image Institute in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Arts et Métiers virtual reality activities for over 20 years through its Image institute in Chalon-sur-Saône. This institute has supported the development of virtual reality in the industrial sector throughout its history. A CAVE-type virtual immersion room (called MoVE, the first in France), acquired in 2000, had made it possible to experiment with virtual reality in industrial applications. With the revival of virtual reality (promoted by applications for the general public), the deployment of these technologies is now possible for medium-sized companies and SMEs.
What does this new BlueLemon device look like?
In this context, Arts et Métiers acquired state-of-the-art equipment in the form of the BlueLemon virtual immersion room. This facility was acquired thanks to significant support from Europe (ERDF funds), the French government (through the CPER), the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, the UiMM (through the F2i fund), Grand Chalon, andthe Carnot ARTS institute. This virtual immersion room, supplied by Antycip, is a cube measuring approximately 3 m on each side with stereoscopic images rear-projected onto five sides (including the floor and ceiling). The BlueLemon specifications benefited from collaboration with Renault (through the LiV joint laboratory). The size of each projected pixel is approximately 1.2 mm (very close to the resolution under normal conditions of use), the maximum luminance is approximately 25,000 lumens, and the contrast is approximately 2000:1 in active stereoscopy, ensuring excellent viewing conditions. A cluster of computers calculates the images in real time. A spatialized sound system adds the dimension of sound to the interactive visualization. The active stereoscopy system can be decoupled to provide virtual immersion for two users collaborating together in the virtual environment with their dedicated viewpoints. This virtual immersion device will serve as a prototyping tool for devices adapted to industrial needs. For example, an SME may need a device based on affordable technologies, the design of which will be carried out using BlueLemon.
How is the BlueLemon device a flagship tool for training and research at Arts et Métiers
Arts et Métiers actively Arts et Métiers in transforming industry in France throughthe Alliance Industrie du Futur (Industry of the Future Alliance) and its Carnot ARTS institute. Virtual reality technologies, as an extension of digital engineering technologies, with a focus on the user, are core technologies of Industry 4.0.
The LiSPEN laboratory, to which the Image Institute's research team belongs, develops its research themes for the industry of the future. The Image Institute has been engaged in a close partnership with the Renault Group and its Technocentre for over 10 years. A joint public-private laboratory, Arts et Métiers, called LiV, enables the development of numerous projects in collaboration with their preferred partners AVSimulation and OKTAL.
As soon as it becomes operational, BlueLemon will host studies on Renault's collaborative engineering use cases. BlueLemon will also supportthe Franco-German Institute for the Industry of the Future, which brings together the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Arts et Métiers. It will also be a technology serving the needs of SMEs (as a prototyping tool), following the example of the OVNi-PMi project supported by the UiMM. It will serve the needs of technology transfer and emerging companies within the framework of the FrenchTech label for connected objects and manufacturing obtained in the Greater Chalon area.
BlueLemon will also be used as a training tool (master's, doctorate) and by Chal'enge student projects. This system will serve as a technological showcase in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, promoting economic development through digital technology.
During the BlueLemon launch event on May 15, 2018, at 5 p.m., demonstrations will be given based on use cases developed in partnership with Renault. Prior to the launch, an international scientific seminar on driving simulation and virtual reality will be organized (jointly by LiV and the Image Institute) as part of the DSA (Driving Simulation Association).
