Described as an immersive 3D virtual world where an infinite number of people can interact with an environment generated by computer and other users, the metaverse has been touted as a power to transform the way we socialize, shop, play, work, and more. However, many analysts have predicted that the metaverse’s greatest potential lies in critical sectors such as industrial manufacturing, where it could be used to solve design, operational, supply chain, and other real-world challenges.

Industrial software provider AVEVA already has more than 100,000 physical sites using its software, giving it a head start in building the industrial metaverse. AVEVA Global Head of Research Simon Bennett shares how the company expects the industrial metaverse to evolve,…