5 ways to use AR in the Industry

Industry 4.0 is made up of several state-of-the-art technologies. Among these innovations is augmented reality (AR), a technology capable of combining the world around us with digital elements. In turn, it is possible to augment reality by adding an extra layer of information to objects and locations.

AR can be used in different industrial sectors (such as manufacturing, utilities, automotive, and field services) to augment operators' skills and allow them to perform a broader range of tasks. In essence, by leveraging AR companies can boost productivity, improve efficiency, and enhance the safety of workers. Some of its most popular use cases include:

1| Work Instructions

Paper-based work instructions are still a reality in the industry. However, many businesses have entered the age of digital work instructions, in which workers access instructions using mobile devices and other 2D screens.

In the age of the Augmented and Connected Worker, work instructions have been lifted from screens and contextualized according to physical locations. In other words, operators can see work instructions and step-by-step guides directly over the equipment or machines. As a result, businesses can attain error-free tasks, increase efficiency, improve productivity, and ensure safety on shop floors.

2| 3D model Interaction

As mentioned above, AR allows users to see digital elements which are combined with reality. As a result, augmented reality also allows designers, operators, and creatives to access realistic 3D models of different products. This form of AR prototyping is more efficient than physical prototypes or 2D-based models for product development.

Some more advanced forms of AR, which combine mixed reality functionalities, allow users to interact, rotate, and modify different 3D models. Such functionalities are particularly useful in the automotive, construction, healthcare, marketing, and aerospace & defense industries.

3| Visual Remote Assistance

When faced with a machine breakdown, persisting error, or repair need, experts are usually contacted using a regular phone and video calls. These forms of assistance are often limited, providing a low degree of immersion and interactivity. In other cases, experts can be immediately required to travel across continents to help resolve a single issue.

Augmented Reality provides a clear solution to these issues. AR-powered visual remote assistance allows workers to contact experts directly and initiate augmented video sessions. During these calls, specialists can zoom in on specific images, add AR markers to locate specific equipment and sites, and create 3D visual annotations.

In addition, once the session ends, both parties will have access to an automated session report, containing all messages, documents, images, videos, and screenshots shared during the call.

4| Checklists

Industrial checklists are used in all sorts of processes, including maintenance, audits, quality assurance, and changeover processes, among others. Their goal is to ensure the safety of workers, standardize processes, and guarantee product quality. Paper-based can often pose risks as they can be filled out incorrectly, there is no "evidence" operators followed all instructions or completed the procedures, and urgent issues can go unnoticed.

AR-based checklists expand on regular paper-based checklists by introducing contextualized information. Much like augmented work instructions, AR-based checklists feature digital information over real locations and machines. This allows workers to complete checks by accessing step-by-step instructions. As operators complete their checks they can also add images and videos to flag potential issues. This input can then trigger real-time alerts so that managers and other workers can be immediately notified of any urgent matter.

In addition, digital checklists can be sent to and stored directly in administrative platforms, allowing them to be easily consulted online. Checklists can also be used to generate automated reports, which combine information and insights obtained from different documents and checklists filled out over time.

5| Training

Training is the backbone of any successful company operating in the industrial sector. However, given the current demands in the sector, legacy training methods have often proven inefficient, time-consuming, and unengaging.

In industry 4.0, training is powered by digital solutions and augmented reality. By levering these types of software, trainees will have access to checklists, work instructions, and all relevant documents using mobile devices and wearables. In addition, they can have hands-on experiences where they can experience real-life situations in a simulated environment. These solutions help trainees understand what is expected of them, improve their decision-making skills, and allow them to easily learn how to perform new tasks.

Learn more

Visit our website and blog to learn more about how AR is changing the industry. If you'd like to witness the power of augmented reality for yourself you can also schedule a free demonstration with our team.