On September 21st, 2024, the vibrant city of Thessaloniki hosted an inspiring event as part of the European initiative known as Researchers’ Night. This initiative is celebrated across over 400 cities in Europe to highlight the importance of science and research in our everyday lives. The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) played a pivotal role as the host for this remarkable evening at Thessaloniki’s Concert Hall (Building M1), which drew the interest of locals and visitors alike.
An Evening of Discovery
Attendees enjoyed live demonstrations and interactive displays, showcasing the latest developments in science and technology. The event offered a unique opportunity to witness live demonstrations, interact with state-of-the-art tools, and meet the passionate researchers behind these groundbreaking projects.
Among the key contributors were D-Cube and the Architectural Aluminium Academy (AAA), both making strides in their respective fields by promoting engagement and interaction with their pioneering solutions. They received enthusiastic responses for their innovative solutions having an audience eager to learn and immerse themselves in the technologies that are shaping the future.
D-Cube and AAA: Leaders in Innovation
D-Cube, a spin-off from CERTH, proudly participated in Researchers’ Night, emphasising the significance of research and technological advancement in industry. As solutions presented by D-Cube are being implemented at AAA—an institution focusing on architectural aluminium systems—they perfectly showcased the synergy of research and practical application.
D-Cube captivated attendees with two major innovations:
- RTXR (Remote Training XR)
D-Cube introduced its pioneering augmented reality solution, RTXR, designed to provide immersive training experiences using Microsoft’s HoloLens 2. This solution is tailored for industrial applications, such as assembly and manufacturing training, empowering users to engage in highly interactive and customizable learning scenarios. With RTXR, trainees receive real-time guidance and unparalleled visualization, making complex processes easier to understand and more efficient to learn.
- Promex Cyrus
Additionally, D-Cube showcased Promex Cyrus, a sophisticated inline solution engineered for surface inspection of aluminum profiles during production. This advanced system employs Artificial Intelligence and state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms to detect and classify surface defects in extrusion processes, significantly enhancing quality control measures within the industry.
The Connection to MOTIVATE XR
RTXR is not just a standalone solution; it is part of a larger narrative. The solution is being developed and refined through the EU-funded project, MOTIVATE XR, which aims to promote innovation in training and industrial production procedures. This initiative highlights the potential for augmented reality to transform workforce training and operational efficiency across various sectors.
Researchers’ Night in Thessaloniki was a dynamic celebration of innovation, fostering connections between researchers and the community. As we look forward to future events in this ever-evolving landscape of research and technology, it is clear that initiatives like Researchers’ Night are essential in bridging the gap between scientists and society, inspiring the next generation of innovators and researchers.
