Business

The Metaverse: Companies Planning Big Investments in 2022

Published

3 years ago

February 4, 2022

Science fiction novelist Neal Stephenson first coined the term metaverse in 1992. But it wasn’t until Facebook rebranded itself to Meta Platforms (also known as Meta) in October last year that it truly entered the mainstream. Mark Zuckerberg’s company adopted the new name to try and ensure its products play a prominent role in “the next chapter of the internet”.

Although the painful-to-watch video released by Meta explained the concept of what the metaverse is, this industry’s potential is still relatively unknown. However, this hasn’t stopped Zuckerburg from investing big to mature the new market. Meta is raiding other tech giants for its talent to help it get an edge. Nearly 100 employees from Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality team have already joined Zuckerberg and co. Because this Microsoft venture was one of the first movers in this space, these pioneering professionals are valuable assets. But the company isn’t stopping there – it recently announced that it would hire around 10,000 engineers in Europe to stay ahead of the pack.

Other Virtual World Investors

Meta isn’t the only company investing in this new industry. Chipmaker Nvidia has waded into the mix and named with their Omniverse platform. With Omniverse Enterprise, Nvidia has launched a subscription service that lets creators, designers, and others interact and collaborate using its online simulation platform. BMW has already started using its services to optimize its manufacturing operations. As microchips power the virtual worlds’ graphics, Nvidia plans to recruit over 600 employees to build its platform in its Israel office.

Microsoft is investing $69 billion in acquiring World of Warcraft and Candy Crush maker Activision Blizzard. The tech behemoth hopes these bestseller games will win over metaverse skeptics. Recently, British gambling firm Entain released a statement saying it will spend $134 million on a new innovation center based in London.

“As media, entertainment and gaming converge, customers expect richer experiences, with greater variety of content, immersive experiences, personalization, and social interaction,” Entain said in a press release on January 30.

“We want to … pioneer innovations in sport, gaming and interactive entertainment for the metaverse,” Entain Chief Executive Officer Jette Nygaard-Andersen added.

How the Metaverse Could Change Our Lives

With the eye-watering amounts of money companies are investing in the metaverse, many think it will soon change our working lives forever.

For instance, Nvidia’s Omniverse Enterprise, Meta’s Horizon Workrooms, and Microsoft’s Mesh aim to empower workers in a virtual world. These VR platforms will help accommodate remote collaboration via mixed reality applications. Instead of Zoom calls, meetings will be held on the metaverse – according to Bill Gates, this will become the norm within three years.

School, social life, and how we spend our free time could also change dramatically. Online gaming platform Roblox plans to bring educational video games to classrooms. And platforms such as AltspaceVR wants to launch more community-based experiences in the metaverse, allowing people to gather for different live virtual events such as concerts or comedy nights. Established online service providers know that a similar approach would help them win over people who still prefer to frequent brick-and-mortar venues.

Gambling companies and U.S sportsbooks like BetMGM have been quick to announce that they are investing in metaverse products that will make watching and wagering on sporting events a more immersive experience.

Traditional retailers are also looking to stay ahead of the curve. Luxury labels, such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Luis Vuitton, have already begun to sell e-clothing, and Nike has filed trademarks for virtual garments. But if you don’t feel like splashing out on your Avatar’s outfit, why not buy a $650,000 virtual yacht or NFT artwork for your virtual apartment?

Yes, if this is the near future, it sounds pretty ridiculous. Therefore, tech companies have got their work cut out to win over skeptics. But as leading figures firmly believe this industry will be worth above $800 billion in two years, 2022 could be the year metaverse takes off.

Business

Mega Construction Projects That Relied on Advanced Crane Technology

Published

2 weeks ago

February 21, 2025

Matthew Wiles

When it comes to large-scale construction projects, the right equipment can make all the difference. From towering skyscrapers to massive bridges and complex infrastructure developments, cranes play a crucial role in lifting, transporting, and positioning heavy materials with precision and efficiency. As technology has advanced, so too has crane engineering, allowing for safer and more ambitious builds. In the points below, we take a closer look at some of the world’s most impressive mega construction projects that relied on cutting-edge crane technology to bring them to life.

Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE

Standing at a staggering 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world. Constructing such a colossal structure required cranes that could operate at extreme heights. Specialised luffing-jib tower cranes were employed to lift materials hundreds of metres into the air, battling high winds and desert heat. These cranes were anchored to the structure itself as it rose, ensuring stability and precision throughout the build.

Sydney Metro – Australia

As Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure project, the Sydney Metro has transformed the way people move around the city. The project required massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to carve underground routes, but just as critical were the cranes used to transport and position enormous precast concrete segments. Mobile and crawler cranes with advanced hydraulic systems played a key role in assembling stations and track infrastructure with minimal disruption to existing road networks.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge – China

This engineering marvel, stretching 55 kilometres across the Pearl River Delta, is one of the longest sea crossings ever built. Given its scale, floating cranes with immense lifting capacity were used to position pre-fabricated bridge sections. Some of these cranes had lifting capabilities exceeding 3000 tonnes, demonstrating the sheer power and precision required for such a complex marine project.

The Panama Canal Expansion – Panama

The expansion of the Panama Canal was one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent history, involving the construction of massive new lock chambers. Gigantic gantry cranes were used to install the enormous steel lock gates, some weighing over 3000 tonnes. These cranes had to operate with pinpoint accuracy to ensure the seamless functioning of the canal’s new locks, allowing for the passage of larger vessels.

Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station – UK

The construction of this next-generation nuclear power plant has required some of the world’s most advanced heavy-lift cranes. The site features one of the largest land-based cranes in the world, capable of lifting reactor components that weigh hundreds of tonnes. These high-tech cranes have been crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient assembly of the plant’s intricate infrastructure.

The Role of Advanced Crane Technology in Modern Construction

Each of these projects would have been impossible without the evolution of crane technology. Innovations such as digital load monitoring, autonomous operation, and enhanced safety systems have allowed cranes to handle heavier loads with greater precision than ever before. For companies tackling complex construction projects, working with an experienced crane hire provider is essential. Businesses like Sventek Cranes offer cutting-edge crane solutions, ensuring that even the most ambitious projects can be completed safely and efficiently.

Mega construction projects continue to push the limits of engineering and design, and advanced crane technology remains at the heart of these achievements

Whether it’s lifting components for a record-breaking skyscraper or positioning bridge segments over open water, cranes will always be an integral part of building the world’s most remarkable structures. By leveraging state-of-the-art crane systems, today’s construction industry is making the impossible possible – one lift at a time.