10 Ways to use AR within an Industrial Organization

1) Full Scale Ergonomic Studies - Engineers, Product Designers, Service Technicians, and Operators can use AR to review designs... i.e. in a more intuitive/natural way then viewing on a desktop computer screen. E.g. A user wearing a Microsoft HoloLens 2 HMD [Head Mounted Display] can stand next to a Full Scale Holographic Model of Industrial Equipment, and reach into it to verify serviceability, loading of parts, operator use, etc.

2) Augmentation onto Existing Products - AR really shines when it comes to Augmenting Holographic Models onto an existing product. E.g. A new tooling fixture concept can be augmented into a robot's work cell for a "visual verification" on how well it fits, and the accessibility of the end-of-arm tooling around the fixture. Or, you could show different panel designs/colors surrounding a product.

2) Remote Assistance - It is typical that if somebody needs assistance with a product (i.e. whether it be a Service Technician, Factory Worker, Customer, etc.) that they will use their cell phone to snap a photo and send an email to ask questions. Remote Assistance instead allows you to hold up your phone or tablet to view a live video feed of the product, place a call to a product expert, and then "markup" features on the product to draw attention.

3) AR Work Instructions - Use holographic models of tools (e.g. wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, etc) and holographic models of human hands (e.g. to illustrate where to grab, etc), along with set of instructions that will guide a user through a process. i.e. with holographic models that are augmented in conjunction with the actual product.

4) 3D X-Ray Views - Allow a view inside your product. A Holographic model is overlaid onto your product to provide the view inside. This is also an excellent way to illustrate engineering principles and bring your product to life... e.g. fluid flow through a valve system, or the lead screw in a linear actuator.

5) IIoT [Industrial Internet of Things] Data Display - IIoT Sensors that capture data for cloud based dashboards can be leveraged by AR to give a "heads up" display. E.g. a bearing that has failed can be quickly located with a 3D X-Ray view using AR to show the technician where it is located, and then they also can use AR Work Instructions to guide him/her with the steps on how to remove.

6) Measurement Tools & Data Retrieval - There are AR applications on the market that will measure floor and/or wall space... i.e. since most AR devices will map the surfaces of their environment. AR systems can also be taught to recognize 3D objects, thus simply pointing your phone or tablet at a part on a piece of factory equipment, could pull up part numbers for replacement or servicing.

7) Sales - A Salesperson can show a Full Scale view of a product on a Factory Floor using a AR Holographic Model. If the customer should want any changes, the Salesperson can mark up the Holographic Model, and then place a 'Remote Assist' call back to the office to speak with an Engineer to confirm if it can be done (i.e. in 'Real Time' while viewing with the customer) and close the sale all in one visit.

8) Marketing - AR is an attention getter. Using AR at tradeshow events will help you standout from the competition. E.g. a 3D-Xray view inside of your product, or process details augmented onto a cutaway. An app can also be provided on your corporate web site... i.e. which users download and run on their phone or tablet, in order to display your product at full scale on their factory floor.

9) Training - AR provides huge advantages when it comes to training. E.g. engineering principles such a fluid or air flow can be augmented onto a product, or how gears and force vectors effect motion. Students will engage and learn at a faster rate, since the experience is interactive and provides a visual experience that is easily remembered.

10) Service - AR in service offers the opportunity to help technicians quickly identify the source of an issue (e.g. with IoT sensors), then guide them through the process of how to fix or replace the product (i.e. via AR Work Instructions), and should they run into any issues they can then also call for help via AR Remote Assist.

Note - Two things that are good to consider when deciding on a Use Case for AR within your organization are: 1) How is it different from what you already have in place to accomplish a work task? 2) How will it increase productivity or help reduce errors?