Now you can experience a digitally-connected, apparel micro-factory in VR

The Virtual Reality Exhibit at Gerber Technology by Powertrak VRoom Powertrak VRoom, was a key attraction at the ideation Oct 2018 conference in Miami Beach, Florida – showing an apparel micro-factory simulation in virtual reality with the Gerber cutter, Kornit Allegro and sewing bot.

The exhibit combines virtual reality with 3D animation to give fashion, retail, and apparel leaders the most realistic experience to learn the benefits of a digitally-connected micro-factory.

The exhibit demonstrated the interaction between Gerber Technology’s digitally-connected machines and the Kornit Allegro direct to fabric printer. It showed how data is passed seamlessly from system-to-system, automating the workflow, and minimizing human interaction. Attendees will learn how digitally-connected micro-factories improve product quality, reduce costs, and speed time to market.

The Gerber Technology VR exhibit transports attendees into a virtual micro-factory environment where they can see animated machines moving fabric from design to production. It gives attendees first-person viewpoint of the hand-off process from product design to digital printing to automated cutting to robotic sewing.

This immersive experience teaches apparel leaders how digitally-connected machines improve product quality, reduce costs, and speed time to market.

“Virtual Reality is a first-class demonstration tool,” said Bill Grindle, chief marketing officer at Gerber Technology. “It’s an effective way to show each stage of the apparel design process – from concept in software to fabric to completed garment. In fact, virtual reality with 3D animation helps us build trust with the customer. We can share detailed information and answer questions in real-time while they experience fabric being digitally printed, cut, and sewn into a complete product.”

“Transporting attendees into a virtual environment eliminates the need to ship large machines to the conference,” said Mike Belongie, COO at Axonom. “Gerber Technology’s investment in Powertrak VRoom is saving the company on added drayage, labor, and floor space expenses.”

The VR exhibit is powered by Axonom’s Powertrak VRoom and Powertrak 3D Product Configurator, and viewed with the HTC VIVE Pro, a professional-grade VR headset. “With VIVE Pro, businesses can experience the best quality display in addition to built-in high-performance headphones, creating a heightened sense of presence and immersion,” said Daniel O’Brien, HTC VIVE General Manager, Americas. “In the product design and retail space, VR is playing a large role to showcase how impactful products can be.”

Gerber Technology provided a professional-grade VR headset for attendees to visualize and explore the micro-factory environment. The HTC VIVE Pro transported attendees into the virtual room where they could see animated YuniquePLM, AccuMark, Z1 Cutter, and third-party printing and sewing machines moving fabric from design to production.

Attendees were invited to the virtual reality experience exhibit. Sharon Donovitch, Product Manager for the Kornit Allegro Direct to Fabric printer had this to say:

“Wow! The VR exhibit at ideation was amazing. I couldn’t stop talking about it and telling people how great it was. In an event where you cannot see actual hardware, VR gave everyone the possibility to experience the machines working together as if they were actually in the room. Seeing the Kornit Allegro, Gerber Cutter, and automatic sewing machines operate gave me a true understanding of their actual size, performance, and capabilities.”

To learn more about the Kornit Allegro, go to https://www.kornit.com/k-solution/allegro/