Introduction to Augmented Reality in Manufacturing

Augmented Reality (AR) isn’t any longer a science-fiction concept, but a reality that’s being leveraged by manufacturers to unlock higher productivity on the factory floor. While AR is commonly related to gaming, similar to Pokémon GO, its applications in manufacturing are vast and have the potential to redefine critical processes and tap into productivity potential.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality is an immersive technology that allows users to interact with high-definition holograms overlaid in the true world. This technology is being applied in various manufacturing environments to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency.

Cool Applications of AR in Manufacturing

Here are five cool applications of AR in manufacturing which are price exploring:

1. Design – Thyssenkrupp

Thyssenkrupp, a number one manufacturing company, is using Microsoft HoloLens to design bespoke home mobility solutions. The company has transformed the means of developing custom stair lift solutions from a posh system of labels and cameras to a digital process, reducing delivery time manifold. The salesperson can now measure the staircase using HoloLens, and the measured 3D point cloud data is distributed to the manufacturing team routinely. This AR application has brought incredible productivity and customer satisfaction to Thyssenkrupp.

2. Assembly – Boeing

Boeing, the world’s leading manufacturer of business jetliners, is utilizing AR technology to ease the complex task of wiring that goes into every recent 787-8 Freighter. The company is using Google Glass and Skylight software platform from Upskill to amplify the wiring process. With the AR solution, technicians get instructions right when needed without looking away, freeing up each hands to work. Implementing AR has enabled Boeing to save lots of 25% time in wiring production and reduced error rates to virtually zero.

3. Personnel Training – Range Rover

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has partnered with Bosch and RE’FLECT to design an AR-integrated training app for workers. The app allows recent technicians to coach without removing and reinstalling the vehicle dashboard. With the app, mechanics can point an iPad on the dashboard to see every part hidden behind the paneling, including sensors, wirings, and connections. The app generates connection and wiring diagrams, allowing instructors to perform training exercises on the actual vehicle without dismantling and re-assembling.

4. Quality Control – Porsche

Porsche is applying AR to take quality control to the subsequent level. At the corporate’s quality center, experiments are conducted with AR to acquire precise design details about components quickly. Using an AR tool, engineers can immediately gauge dimensional accuracy, surface finish, tolerances, and interference, in addition to test functional points of components.

5. Maintenance – Caterpillar

Caterpillar has successfully accomplished a pilot project that involved using AR for machine maintenance tasks. The company has developed its own AR app that assists technicians in performing service and maintenance checks. The app provides sequential instructions to technicians and allows them to take pictures of every step, informing them how appropriately the steps are performed.

Conclusion

Apart from these five applications, AR is being applied to varied manufacturing environments to satisfy productivity goals. As the hardware and software for AR improve, this technology will gain more potential to disrupt the standard industrial environment. With its ability to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency, AR is ready to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. As manufacturers proceed to explore the potential of AR, we are able to expect to see much more revolutionary applications of this technology in the long run.