New research conducted by two Finnish scientists explores the potential of populating the metaverse with digital twins known as "metahumans," offering a novel approach to employee management that resembles a video game rather than a conventional optimization program. While existing workforce management systems primarily focus on monitoring productivity and time-based metrics, the envisioned "industrial metaverse" could revolutionize management by providing real-time insights into workers' statistics and attributes.
Outlined in a paper titled "MetaStates: A method for representing the psychophysiological states of human workers in the industrial metaverse," researchers from the University of Tampere introduce a methodology aimed at modifying digital twins, which serve as representations of physical states within the metaverse, to incorporate pertinent data about workers. This system, involving graphic avatars of humans, seeks to depict not only visual characteristics but also internal aspects such as emotional and cognitive states.
The paper elaborates on how these lifelike avatars can be manipulated to convey emotional and status indicators, such as facial expressions reflecting fatigue or stress, providing managers with immediate insights into a worker's well-being and performance. This holistic approach enables supervisors to assess factors like location, activity, and physiological state at a glance, facilitating more informed decision-making.
In practical scenarios, such as factory environments, the utilization of MetaStates and MetaHumans could revolutionize managerial practices by allowing supervisors to monitor the entire work environment within the virtual universe. This expanded perspective enables simultaneous oversight of both operational processes and employee well-being, potentially enhancing overall efficiency and safety protocols.
Beyond real-time monitoring, the potential of MetaStates and MetaHumans extends to the development of simulations, offering valuable insights into optimal working strategies, safety measures, and performance evaluations. By leveraging abundant data, these simulations can inform decision-making, guiding the implementation of innovative approaches and enhancing outcomes for field teams.
