Virtual factory tours are being offered to fast track digital adoption among Cumbrian manufacturers.

Made Smarter’s smart glasses will allow them to perform virtual end to end production line walks of factories with a business as part of the digital transformation workshop (DTW) process.

The virtual visit allows advisers to dial in to a conference call and watch each manufacturing operation being performed in order.

Industrial Digital Technology Advisor for Made Smarter, Will Kinghorn, said: "In the wake of the pandemic we redesigned our digital transformation workshops to continue delivery when in-person visits were not possible.

"This approach has helped 141 manufacturers in the region engage in a streamlined process designed to accelerate manufacturing growth by identifying digital tools and technologies that can maximise operational processes.

"In that same spirit of innovation, as we tread a cautious roadmap out of lockdown, and to minimise the spread of the virus, we have developed virtual line walks.

"When it comes to how things are made there is no substitute for seeing it for yourself, but the use of smart glasses is a fantastic alternative.

The glasses are connected through Remote Eye software which enables a live stream video and the opportunity to take high definition screenshots which can be tagged in a library for swift access.