How Augmented Reality Can Benefit Manufacturing Companies
Manufacturers across industries are deploying AR to streamline manual processes, improve quality, and drive operational efficiency. This technology also offers a number of other benefits.
Using AR, technicians can quickly access 3D models that provide step-by-step instructions for assembling machines. This helps speed up the assembly process while eliminating errors.
Industry-specific solutions
Augmented reality is an advanced technology with a wide variety of use cases across industries. For manufacturers looking to leverage AR, it is important to first understand their pain points and goals. This will help them augmented reality manufacturing companies determine which use case is right for their plant. For example, they may want to implement AR for operations that generate costly defects, long or unscheduled downtime, plant safety problems, or high customer dissatisfaction.
Once a company decides on an AR application, it is then crucial to design and develop the system. This involves identifying the hardware needed, designing and developing custom software solutions, and training employees on the new technology. Once the system has been tested and approved, it can then be deployed in the manufacturing process.
For example, if a car engine needs to be disassembled, an employee can wear AR headsets to receive step-by-step instructions. These can include animations of the components and interactive controls for each procedure step. In addition, they can rotate the model in real-time to see the component from different angles and zoom in for a closer look. This will save time and increase the accuracy of the assembly.
Thyssenkrupp, for instance, uses AR to help customers visualize how a new stair lift will work in their home. Similarly, Boeing is using AR to locate the location of parts and assist engineers in assembling aircraft.
Improved productivity
It’s difficult to imagine a manufacturing division that doesn’t stand to benefit from the use of AR. Whether the goal is to increase production speed, reduce costs, or improve safety, AR can help companies achieve their objectives. According to Grandview Research, the AR market is expected to reach USD 62.7 billion by 2030.
Manufacturing companies are under pressure to launch products quickly and consistently while maintaining quality standards. To do so, they need to create better processes and implement advanced technology. AR can be used by workers throughout the production process from concept development to assembly. This helps reduce costs and deliver higher-quality products to customers.
Augmented reality software allows companies to track performance metrics, such as cycle times and defects. This data provides insights into what is affecting productivity, helping companies make decisions that will improve operational efficiency. AR can also be used to monitor and perform remote maintenance, reducing the need for employees to travel to the factory floor.
AR has a lot of applications for the manufacturing industry, from training to assembly to product inspection. Using AR, workers can get step-by-step digital instructions overlaid on physical ar prescription glasses components to minimize errors and boost productivity on the assembly line. This is especially useful for industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace that require strict quality checks. It’s also a great way to train new employees and give experienced ones a refresher course.
Increased safety
Manufacturing units often face issues like machine breakdown, which not only halts production but also increases costs. AR identifies these issues at the very beginning and allows teams to resolve them without disrupting any processes. This helps manufacturers save a lot of money and improves efficiency.
Augmented Reality in manufacturing can enhance and simplify numerous tasks, including employee training and upskilling, quality control, maintenance, logistics and warehouse management, and customer service. In addition to speeding up these tasks, AR can help increase worker safety, which is a crucial factor in every industry.
When employees are working with dangerous machinery or processes, AR can identify any potential hazards and warn them with visual alerts or audio prompts. It can also guide them through the process, helping to avoid any mistakes or accidents.
Similarly, it can also be used to train new workers in a virtual environment, allowing them to learn the necessary skills before working with physical equipment. This reduces the time it takes to become proficient and helps ensure that workers are familiar with all procedures before they start working on real machines. This way, they can work efficiently and safely without compromising on productivity. For instance, Boeing uses AR to instruct engineers on how to assemble aircraft parts. Moreover, it helps them to locate parts quickly and accurately.
Better customer service
Using AR to provide customers with unique experiences that set them apart from competitors and improve customer satisfaction can increase brand loyalty and boost repeat sales. It can also help companies reduce the cost and time needed to train employees by providing them with virtual information in real time, which helps improve retention and accuracy of knowledge.
In the manufacturing industry, AR can be used to create more engaging and interactive training for workers. This type of immersive learning is an excellent way to teach complex tasks and new skills, and it can also help companies reduce the number of accidents and mistakes. For example, in the manufacturing industry, a worker can use AR to see how a machine works and what parts it needs to operate correctly.
Another useful application of augmented reality is to provide remote support for technicians. For example, Furious Koalas developed an AR app that provides a technician with real-time support from an expert by showing visual indications on their phone screen. This allows them to complete maintenance tasks faster and more efficiently.
Moreover, AR can be used to help customers with product information and demonstrations. For example, IKEA uses AR to allow customers to preview furniture in their homes before purchasing and Sephora uses it to let customers try on makeup virtually. Additionally, AR can be used to provide employees with real-time safety instructions and alerts in the workplace.