Introduction to Augmented Reality in Manufacturing
A brand new patent filed by Tesla suggests the corporate is investigating augmented reality (AR) as a method to spice up efficiency and production in its factories. The patent, filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent office, is described as an "augmented reality application for manufacturing." This technology has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing sector by providing real-time information and data to employees, improving speed and efficiency.
How Augmented Reality Works
Augmented reality systems overlay information, data, and pictures over objects within the physical world. AR will be utilized in the manufacturing sector to supply instruction manuals in real-time, data feeds on equipment status gained from sensors, and to relay information to users in relation to activities on the factory floor, amongst many other purposes. The patent description reads, "A series of images of a physical environment are obtained. At least a portion of an object detected within the series of obtained images is identified. A deviance from a reference property related to the detected object is detected using the series of images. Information related to the deviance is provided via an augmented reality device."
Industry 4.0 and the Emergence of Smart Manufacturing
Often connected to the emergence of Industry 4.0 — also generally known as smart manufacturing — AR and virtual reality (VR) are generally regarded as a method to enhance industrial speed and efficiency. According to IDC, spending on AR and VR will reach $53 billion by 2022, with retail, discrete manufacturing, and the transportation industry included as top investors. This investment is predicted to have a major impact on the manufacturing sector, making it more efficient and productive.
Potential Applications of Augmented Reality in Tesla’s Factories
In Tesla’s case, these applications may very well be used together with AR headsets reminiscent of Google Glass, a product which did not make an impression in the patron space but eventually achieved success in business use cases. The patent uses the instance of joint fabrication, wherein employees would traditionally overlay paper or plastic molds in an effort to mark measurements and part placements. With a tailored AR app, these measurements could create a virtual overlay, saving time, materials, and value. When it involves automotive manufacturing, mechanical joints, connections to other points, spot welds, and where to use adhesive are only a few of the use cases wherein AR overlays could prove precious.
Automation and Robotics
However, it is just not just human operators which could make use of AR in Tesla facilities. "For example, in some embodiments, the AR device is used to program a robot to assemble a number of parts including identifying and marking the precise location and order of welds, self-pierced rivets, laser welds, adhesives, sealers, holes, fasteners, or other mechanical joints," the patent explains. This could lead on to increased efficiency and accuracy within the manufacturing process, reducing the danger of human error.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tesla’s exploration of augmented reality in its factories has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing sector. With the flexibility to supply real-time information and data to employees, improve speed and efficiency, and automate certain tasks, AR may very well be a game-changer for the corporate. As the technology continues to develop and improve, it’ll be exciting to see how Tesla and other corporations within the manufacturing sector utilize AR to enhance their operations and stay ahead of the competition.
