XR Transforming De-Manufacturing: X-DE-MAN Experience
- crearchio
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Author: Sukru Durak – Founder of Crearchio
Electronic waste is growing rapidly worldwide, making de-manufacturing—the disassembly of products to recover valuable materials—more critical than ever. Today, this process is not only an industrial challenge, but also a matter of worker safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
This is where X-DE-MAN (eXtended Reality platform enabling self-resilient operator in DE-MANufacturing industry) comes in. I had the opportunity to personally participate in and experience this project, and it clearly demonstrated how XR and VR technologies can redefine industrial training and operations.
What Is XR Transforming De-Manufacturing?
X-DE-MAN is an XR-based training and real-time support platform designed for operators working in the de-manufacturing of consumer electronics.
The project aligns with:
Industry 5.0 principles
Circular economy strategies
Sustainable resource management
Human-centered digital transformation
Its main goal is to empower operators to work in a way that is safer, faster, more accurate, and more resilient.
Why VR Training Matters in De-Manufacturing
From my direct experience in the X-DE-MAN project, one thing became very clear:
VR-based training is a powerful tool to protect workers in high-risk and complex industrial tasks.
De-manufacturing often involves:
Sharp tools and hazardous components
Electrical and mechanical risks
Complex disassembly sequences
Time pressure and human error
By training in virtual reality, operators can:
Practice without exposure to real danger
Repeat tasks until they gain confidence
Learn from mistakes without consequences
This approach significantly reduces workplace accidents and makes process optimization much easier.
XR-Based Immersive Training Platform
One of the strongest aspects of X-DE-MAN is its immersive XR training environments.
These environments allow workers to:
Experience realistic disassembly scenarios in VR
Understand complex components spatially
Learn through hands-on simulation rather than theory alone
The training system adapts to individual skill levels, enabling competency-based learning that improves both performance and confidence.
Real-Time Guidance with QR Code (Beacon) Application
XR Transforming De-Manufacturing goes beyond training.
The project includes a QR code–based Beacon application that supports operators during real-world disassembly tasks by providing:
Step-by-step instructions
Visual and contextual guidance
On-demand operational support
This real-time assistance:
Reduces errors
Shortens disassembly time
Helps new workers adapt faster
Digital Disassembly Maps and 3D Content Generation
Using automated 3D content generation, X-DE-MAN creates detailed digital disassembly maps of electronic products.
These digital twins enable:
Highly realistic simulations
Standardized training scenarios
Better understanding of product structures
At Crearchio, we apply similar methodologies in our VR projects, and I strongly believe that digital twins and XR simulations are becoming essential tools for industrial learning and optimization.
Strong Impact for EU SMEs
X-DE-MAN is especially valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union.
Key benefits include:
Reduced need for expensive physical training setups
Compatibility with existing CAD and simulation tools
Simplification of complex industrial processes
The result is more competitive, sustainable, and future-ready companies.
Why This Approach Is the Future
The X-DE-MAN project clearly shows that:
XR + training = safer work environments
VR learning = fewer errors and faster skill acquisition
Digital disassembly maps = better process optimization
Conclusion
X-DE-MAN is more than an XR project; it is a vision for the future of industrial training.
Being directly involved in this experience reinforced my belief that:
VR-based training protects workers, improves efficiency, and enables more sustainable industrial systems.
The Partners of the X De Man Project
MORE SRL
Università degli Studi di Parma
Country: Italy
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