Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality at BMW
The BMW Group is increasingly specializing in the usage of virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications in its production processes. These technologies are getting used to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and training in various areas of the corporate. With VR and AR, images have gotten more realistic and are getting used to enrich real images, making it easier for workers to grasp complex processes.
Workstation Planning
The use of VR is allowing planners to evaluate recent production areas virtually, along with production staff, and test recent processes in 3D. This form of planning relies on digitized factory data available in 3D, which is captured using special 3D scanners and high-resolution cameras. The data is then used to create a three-dimensional image of production areas, eliminating the necessity for complex digital reconstruction of structures and manual on-site recording. The BMW Group’s business units can mix existing data with a virtual library of common operating resources, akin to shelves and small load carriers, to plan future workstations or entire assembly halls.
Training and Qualification
The BMW Group can be using AR in its training sessions for engine assembly units. AR goggles are used to guide participants through all process steps, providing specific information and allowing them to work at their very own pace. The training will be adapted to other screw joint processes using an authoring tool developed by the corporate. This tool allows for quick and simple setup of recent training programs, and it can be made available to all interested staff via a self-service portal.
Engine Assembly Training
The engine assembly training is a key area where AR is getting used. The training program uses AR goggles to offer participants with a step-by-step guide on how one can assemble an engine. The program is designed to be interactive, allowing participants to work at their very own pace and determine the speed of the training via voice control. The use of AR goggles has increased the variety of participants that will be trained at one time, from one to 3, without compromising the standard of the training.
Target/Actual Comparisons in Operations
The BMW Group can be using AR to check goal and actual values in its operations. For example, within the toolmaking unit, AR is used to examine complex parts, akin to press tools, against CAD construction data. This allows staff to quickly discover any deviations or issues with the tool, and make any obligatory adjustments before it is shipped to the assembly area. The use of AR on this area has reduced the time it takes to examine tools and has improved the accuracy of the inspection process.
Quality Control
The use of AR in quality control is one other area where the BMW Group is seeing advantages. Specialists use AR applications to examine the maturity of construction concepts and the right installation position of components in pre-series vehicles. The system allows for the visualization of relevant CAD data, which will be combined and superimposed on the camera image of a tablet PC. This provides essential information on whether any adjustments are obligatory before a model can go into series production.
Conclusion
The use of virtual and augmented reality is becoming increasingly essential within the production processes of the BMW Group. The company is using these technologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and training in various areas, from workstation planning to quality control. With the usage of AR and VR, the BMW Group is capable of reduce costs, improve quality, and increase productivity, making it a pacesetter in the usage of these technologies within the automotive industry. As the technology continues to evolve, it is probably going that we are going to see much more revolutionary applications of AR and VR in the long run.
