Augmented Reality Solutions for Manufacturing

Several aspects of the manufacturing process can be improved using augmented reality. These include employee training and upskilling, quality control and maintenance, and product design and assessment.

Workplaces that use AR can collapse the learning curve for new workers and deliver work instruction in real time at the point of need. They can also reduce search times for relevant content and decrease error rates.

Real-time work guidance

Augmented reality is one of the strongest solutions for manufacturing companies seeking to improve operational efficiency, enhance employee experience, and increase productivity. By delivering real-time work instructions and remote guidance, AR enables manufacturers to accelerate maintenance procedures, reduce downtime and operational costs, and deliver high-quality products to customers.

A typical example of AR for industrial applications is a 3D model that guides workers during procedure steps. This technology can help speed up the process by eliminating errors and ensuring accuracy. For example, a technician disassembling an engine can use an AR headset to view the model from any angle and rotate it in real time for a closer look at components. Moreover, AR can provide information from other departments without interrupting the workflow. For instance, a factory worker may need to consult with an engineer to solve a problem on the production line.

There are three types of augmented reality tools that can be used in industrial environments: wearable AR, which uses smart glasses and headsets to display graphics in a worker’s field of vision, tablet-based AR, which is the most popular, which utilizes consumer-level tablets and smartphones, and projection-based AR, which projects graphics over a physical workspace without the need for a headset. Each type of solution offers different advantages and disadvantages, but all offer benefits to industrial operations.

Digital twin

Digital twins are virtual representations of physical products that are linked to and interact with them throughout the product lifecycle. They have a variety of uses in manufacturing, from fatigue testing for offshore wind turbines to improving the efficiency of racing cars. These tools can also predict and prevent breakdowns, as they can detect malfunctions before they occur. Using augmented reality to present these digital twins can improve the user experience and increase productivity.

The digital twin enables companies to make better decisions by enabling them to see and analyze data on their products and processes. This data can be analyzed by machine learning to identify problems and find solutions. This data is also used to optimize production, making it more efficient and effective. The digital twin also allows for more transparency and accountability. By providing a clear picture of production, it can help reduce costs and improve quality.

One example of a digital twin is the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systemes, which provides an immersive augmented reality solutions for manufacturing experience to help engineers and manufacturers work together. It can support a wide range of business functions, including designing new products, optimizing production, and analyzing supply chains. It can even support the deployment of new technology, such as automated inspections or robots.

This augmented reality solution is becoming more common for industrial applications. It is a cost-effective and time-saving way to improve quality, efficiency, and safety. It can also be used to train and monitor robots, reducing the risk of errors.

Visual inspection

Visual inspections in manufacturing are a key part of quality assurance and must be carried out accurately. However, they can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. This is especially true for recurring visual inspections, such as those performed during machine installation or maintenance. AR can help reduce inspection time and improve product quality.

Unlike paper-based checklists, augmented reality allows workers to access essential information quickly and without taking their eyes off the task at hand. It also enables them to standardize the way in which visual inspections are conducted and makes it easier for employees to communicate inspection results. It can also make it easier for businesses to identify potential problems and take corrective action before the issue becomes a major problem.

The use of AR in manufacturing provides a number of benefits, such as increased production accuracy, quicker response times to queries, and improved training processes. Manufacturers can also reduce their costs by implementing AR solutions that are easy to deploy, intuitive to use, and provide high levels of accuracy.

One example is Dassault Systemes, which uses AR to provide employees with 3DExperience-enabled headsets and tablets that display engineering drawings, parts lists, technical documents, ergonomics data, and interactive assembly instructions. Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, has used AR to improve safety in the workplace by providing employees with real-time visibility of building processes and performance metrics. This enables them to resolve issues faster and more accurately, leading to better productivity, lower cost, and a safer work environment.

Human-machine connection

Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital elements over the real world, enabling users to interact with and view this information. It has been used in a variety of applications in manufacturing, including training, digital work instructions and quality inspections. It’s also a valuable tool for maintenance and remote troubleshooting.

AR is a powerful tool that can help manufacturers increase productivity and reduce costs. It can provide a clear and concise interface that enhances the human-machine connection. This type of interaction allows workers to focus on the task at hand and eliminates time-consuming tasks, like switching between different systems and coordinating with team members.

Whether it’s a 3D model, step-by-step interactive graphics or a digital twin, AR can deliver a more intuitive and convenient way for manufacturing employees to access data. In addition, this technology can be used with a wide range of devices, from smartphones augmented reality solutions for manufacturing to tablets and wearables. Moreover, projection-based AR is the most versatile of all AR solutions. It can display virtual 3D models on any surface, making it a viable option for pharma manufacturing, automotive assembly and other industrial uses.

In addition to enhancing the human-machine connection, AR can improve employee training and support. It can also assist technicians and engineers in performing equipment maintenance faster. Depending on the app, AR can also enable employees to remotely connect with an expert and receive instant assistance with a specific issue.