Luminous Group

UK-based Luminous Group (formerly known as Digital Surveys) offers XR collaboration and training platforms for factory maintenance and operational procedures. The training solutions can be accessed via the Meta Quest 2, the HTC Vive Focus 3, or via a desktop. Its XR platform consists of two components:

1) Flow, which consists of no-code developer tools for authoring VR and mixed reality content. It uses a graphing system that plugs nodes together to form a set of instructions.

2) Portal, an XR session scheduling and data analytics platform. It allows users to administer and manage all XR training and assessment sessions from a centralized web-based platform built on Microsoft Azure.

Its XR Content product consists of two components:

1) Virtual Refinery, which offers XR training content for the energy sector via its library of 50+ 1:1 scale models of refinery equipment. Additionally, the platform supports blended learning for up to 20 students simultaneously.

2) Food Factory, which provides training solutions for the food and beverage manufacturing sector.

The company claims that it pioneered the use of 3D laser scanning to digitize environments to create detailed 3D models, simulations, and visualizations of real-world locations. Furthermore, Luminous Group claims that the use of its solutions offers an 80% reduction in training time compared to traditional methods and a 90% improvement in user engagement.

Additionally, the company offers bespoke XR training solution development by creating a digital twin of a company’s factory. This is done via 1) 3D laser scanning techniques, allowing for the creation of 3D models, virtual tours, and a 3D point cloud and 2) Mobile Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) to provide site capture. The created digital twins can subsequently be viewed on a web browser via the company’s Spatial Data platform.

Luminous Group generates revenue via custom fees charged for bespoke XR projects and annual subscriptions for access to its standard training programs.

Key customers and partnerships

Prominent enterprises that used the company’s services include Pepsico, BAE Systems, Rentokill, and Kaefer.

Other notable projects carried out including that for Middlesex Aerospace (created an interactive 3D factory model for real-time virtual tours), Morgan Advanced Materials (created gamified VR training solutions for safety in handling equipment), and Aarsleff Geotechnical Engineering (to create VR models for visualization and project planning).

Funding and financials

In November 2023 , Luminous Group raised GBP 1 million (~USD 1.2 million) in a funding round led by the North East Venture Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures. The funds were earmarked for the expansion of Luminous Group's tech and platform, the creation of 10 new jobs in 2024, and the launch of a new marketplace for training content.