Many people confuse augmented reality (AR) with virtual reality (VR). With VR, a person can put on a headset and transport themselves to a beach in Tahiti, tour the Louvre, or battle aliens on another planet. With AR, companies can use technology to cross the boundary between the real world and the digital world.
Unlike in VR, AR allows the user to see both virtual and physical reality simultaneously. Using a wearable, a worker can access data, dashboards, maintenance histories, and 3-D schemas while in a factory setting, creating a digital overlay. AR is part of the movement toward Industry 4.0, in which smart technology enhances and automates traditional processes.
Augmented Reality adoption is gathering momentum. MarketsandMarkets predicted that the AR market will reach $72.7 billion by 2024 at an annual growth rate of 46.6%. Manufacturers will probably increasingly embrace AR because of its many use cases.
Augmented Reality has the power to create a semi-immersive experience for factory employee training. Combined with digital twin technology, in which a virtual copy is created of a physical asset, AR expedites the learning curve as less experienced workers learn how to maintain or repair equipment.
AR allows employees to train using a realistic and dynamic simulation. There is no need to disassemble and reassemble the actual equipment to learn how to conduct a repair.
With Augmented Reality technology, employees can receive one-on-one or one-to-many mentoring from subject matter experts no matter where they are located. Using a wearable, such as a headset with a bi-directional camera, microphone, and speaker, the employee and mentor(s) can communicate back and forth as though they were in the same room. The mentor(s) can see from the perspective of the employee and coach in real time.
Augmented Reality facilitates remote guidance and assistance. With AR, spatial markers can be superimposed over real objects. By viewing physical objects through a wearable device, employees can see these markers and follow them to perform complex tasks. Text annotations and intricate workflows can be added to give further guidance.
With remote assistance, employees need to do less troubleshooting and are more efficient moving through their tasks. Repairs, installations, and assemblies can be performed accurately and quickly.
When combined with real-time sensor data and analytics, Augmented Reality technology augments preventative maintenance capabilities that avoid equipment failure and costly shutdowns. The technology can overlay maintenance and asset status information on a screen.
Just by looking at a piece of equipment through the camera, the employee can see real-time information such as temperature, rate of vibration, and potential points of failure. The employee can also access trend data to monitor changes over time and maintenance history to see if a piece of equipment is due for service.
Product development is a collaborative process that is prone to risk. Augmented Reality allows product developers, executives, and employees to work together to ensure that any manufacturing process problems or quality issues are detected before the product gets to the consumer.
Using AR, product developers can create 3-D models of new products and introduce them into the assembly line. This virtual model lets employees check the quality of the new product before its release.
These Augmented Reality use cases for manufacturing are the tip of the iceberg. Working with the right technology partner will help your manufacturing company uncover new use cases to augment your business.
CBT can assist your company in adopting AR, especially with our Connected Worker solutions. Connected Worker solutions utilize tailored software combinations enabled on wearable devices, smartphones and tablets to provide an effective way for field workers to visualize, consume and communicate actionable information. Check out the features of CBT Connected Worker by visiting our virtual experience.
We will work with your company to find and explore unique use cases and to design custom software to make your vision a reality.
Get started on your Connected Worker journey today. Request a virtual demo with CBT.