AR technology is rapidly revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, with augmented reality accounting for over 70% of revenue in 2021. The growth was associated with the AR technology preference that lets manufacturers simultaneously access automated data and manual processes. Additionally, AR technology’s application in improving process efficiency, staff well-being, and production training drives AR’s market growth in manufacturing.
Investing in automation to track data and deal with simple and repetitive tasks is the best way manufacturers can remain competitive. Augmented reality helps with this. Exploring the advantages of AR in manufacturing can help manufacturers determine if it’s a worthy investment. This article outlines five benefits of using AR in manufacturing.
1. Object tracking
AR object tracking supports automatic and uninterrupted digital content alignment to real-life objects. Using computer vision strategies, manufacturers can localize preferred objects in the camera image regardless of whether they use handheld or wearable devices. The actual physical objects’ 3D information is utilized as reference data to enable and inform the computer vision system of the objects it must find.
Since 3D data is utilized, manufacturers don’t need to teach or train the system in advance regarding the objects to find. Augmented reality snaps AR content on physical gadgets and preserves correct alignment while minimizing the time spent on alignment corrections and manual nudges.
2. Improves maintenance
In manufacturing plants, it’s crucial always to ascertain every industrial equipment’s proper function. Modern production machinery is very sophisticated. Getting technicians with extensive expertise in the required maintenance skills is challenging. While paper instructions are helpful, they can quickly get dirty, particularly in machine environments. AR is the solution to these challenges. It displays the real world with extra digital data overlaid on it. Using 3D models, manufacturers can visualize virtual information, including directions and objects, in real life, enabling real-time interaction via handheld devices.
With AR in maintenance, mobile devices with cameras are utilized to navigate workers to machines that require checking. Markers are placed on machines or beside them for AR-powered devices to recognize them and display technical details. AR technology for machine maintenance standardizes maintenance workflows and reduces potential costs and downtime for equipment maintenance procedures.
3. Enhances training
AR is a precious training tool, primarily in manufacturing. This AR training can boost productivity in manufacturing plants. Using AR, manufacturing plants can offer an independent, interactive, and visual training experience, bridging the skills gap. Augmented reality can also prevent mistakes in production. When employees utilize AR, they can conduct quality or equipment checks without consulting an engineer or guidance manuals, helping them learn how to evaluate and resolve issues on time successfully.
When training manufacturing staff on complex or dangerous machinery, AR can help make the training efficient and safe. It can also be used to ensure effective and timely maintenance, quality production, and timely assembly.
4. Promotes operational efficiency
AR provides manufacturing staff with real-time instructions and guidance, helping them perform their tasks more accurately and efficiently and improving processes. Using AR-enabled devices, workers can access virtual work schematics, instructions, and other relevant data. This eliminates the need for paper guidance manuals.
5. Accelerates product design procedure
Product designing is time-consuming and costly. AR can accelerate the design procedure and minimize related expenses by letting engineers test their concepts risk-free. As AR facilitates features overlaying onto physical objects, it lowers the never-ending need for creating expensive prototypes.
Endnote
AR is rapidly changing the manufacturing scene. Explore the benefits of adopting AR in manufacturing to determine if it’s a worthy investment.
Thank you for this informative article highlighting the benefits of using AR! I wholeheartedly agree with the importance of augmented reality in improving efficiency, maintenance, training, operational processes, and product design. The transformative impact of AR is undeniable, and the fact that it has accounted for over 70% of revenue in 2021 speaks volumes. Investing in AR seems not only worthwhile but also essential for staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.