Meralco has introduced its new digital twin laboratory that will play a role in its efforts to futureproof its operations. Its Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL) is a virtual world rendering studio and metaverse that uses real-world data to create simulations for training and education.
PIXL features 10 short-throw high-definition projectors, a 360-degree projection wall, LED lights, and extended reality devices such as Microsoft HoloLens and Oculus VR Headset. They say that these can help them achieve their vision of a smart grid – the integration of innovative systems to the grid for improved generation and distribution.
“The most important digital strategy we have is the digitalization of the grid. Making the grid smarter entails a lot of new investments in technology. We are looking to smart substations, smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure and advanced network infrastructure, all of which taken together would make the grid much smarter and more digital,” Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said.
PIXL helps accelerate the company’s business operations by providing technology scanning, proof of concept, prototype development, extended reality previews of vital facilities, simulations of critical incident resolutions, distant learning, knowledge transfer, and remote support. It also serves as a venue for co-innovation initiatives with the academe, regulators, other electrics cooperatives, and distribution utilities in the Philippines or even other countries.
“The way we want to use PIXL is like a studio where you can teleport to any location you want and be able to experience that in a digital reality,” said Bacani, who is also Meralco’s Chief Information and Technology Officer.
