Organization:
Wichita State Univ.

Location:
Wichita, KS

Solution:
Reconfigurable FLEX visualization system

Objectives
  • Strengthening and diversifying the south Kansas advanced manufacturing supply chain
  • Increasing the quality and scope of products across industries, such as aerospace and defense technologies
  • Increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of aerospace and defense-related business

Goal

In early 2014, Wichita State University (WSU) began developing a technology vision to fulfill its goal of enhancing the concept and design process; user experience testing; virtual prototyping, facilities planning, and certification; and significantly shortening the product development and timelines for various industries. WSU partnered with Mechdyne and Dassault Systèmes to discuss strategies built around the university’s campus vision and to develop the goal of transforming manufacturing across multiple industries like aerospace and defense, life sciences, and industrial equipment through innovative applications of technology.

Solution

Mechdyne custom designed, built, and installed a large reconfigurable FLEX immersive visualization system. By utilizing the FLEX’s virtual reality capabilities, WSU is:

  • Strengthening and diversifying the south Kansas advanced manufacturing supply chain
  • Increasing the quality and scope of products across industries, such as aerospace and defense technologies
  • Increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of aerospace and defense-related business

Users will create complete “virtual twins” of products and processes before the physical prototype. The virtual twin within the immersive environment will create deep collaboration, insight, and understanding through product development lifecycles, and we will ensure products are right the first time.

The fixed front wall of the FLEX measures nearly 19 feet, towering ten feet high, with each hinged sidewall stretching an additional ten feet. The 12 LED projectors provide crisp 4K resolution on the front wall and the floor, with HD x HD resolution for the walls.