Ohio University, HTC VIVE and Virtualware partner to accelerate Ohio’s manufacturing economy

Core Insights - Ohio University, HTC VIVE, and Virtualware have partnered to launch the Digital Enterprise Collaboratory (DEC) to support advanced manufacturing in Ohio [1][2] - The DEC will enhance Ohio University's engineering education and workforce development through real-time collaboration using XR technologies [2][4] - The program aims to address the demand for new factory workers and prepare the local workforce for advanced manufacturing jobs [3][4] Partnership Details - The collaboration combines Ohio University's engineering expertise, HTC VIVE's XR technologies, and Virtualware's VIROO platform [2] - The DEC will facilitate product development and research by connecting university, industry, government, and Department of Air Force Research Laboratories members [2][4] Infrastructure and Facilities - The DEC will consist of two laboratories located at Ohio University's Athens Campus and the OHIO facility in Dayton [5] - These labs will be equipped with virtual reality tools and connected through the VIROO platform, enabling real-time collaboration and project sharing [5] Workforce Development - The initiative is expected to help meet the estimated demand for 7,000 new workers in advanced technology factories being established by companies like Intel and Anduril [4][5] - Ohio University will expand its existing manufacturing training and certification programs to support this workforce demand [3] Event and Launch - The DEC will officially open on May 5 at the Athens Campus and on May 7 in Dayton, coinciding with the Dayton Digital Transformation Summit [6]