Episode 294 - Ulrich Buckenlei: From Gaming Graphics to Industrial Reality – How AI and XR Are Rewiring Manufacturing

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, host Ed speaks with Ulrich Buckenlei, founder of Munich-based Visoric, about how gaming technology, AI and XR are transforming industrial training and manufacturing.

Ulrich explains how his background in military helicopter simulators led to Visoric’s core mission: taking real-time 3D game engines and using them to build photorealistic “serious” simulations of machines, workflows and factories. These digital twins let operators and engineers train, experiment and make mistakes safely – long before they touch a real line.

He shares how Visoric works across screens, tablets, browsers and mixed-reality headsets, and how AI now sits alongside these tools – not as a replacement for experts, but as a power tool that speeds up design, content creation and data processing.

Ulrich gives a behind-the-scenes look at a project with Siemens Power Academy, where browser-based 3D learning environments – and future AI “virtual experts” – are reshaping how technical knowledge is delivered globally.

The conversation also touches on generative design in automotive, the link to industrial print and surface decoration, and why leaders should approach AI with curiosity rather than fear.

A must-listen for anyone interested in AI, XR, industrial print and the future of advanced manufacturing.

Ulrich will be giving a talk at the FuturePrint AI for Industrial Print Conference, 22 January, as a part of FuturePrint Industrial Print event at Motorworld in Munich.

FuturePrint Events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany