4 Cool Augmented Reality Applications in the Manufacturing Sector (Part 1)

Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer a science-fiction today. It is real, and manufacturers are betting big on this technology to unlock better productivity at the factory floor.

Talk about Augmented Reality and you will immediately think of Pokémon GO. But this is not the case with manufacturers. The immersive technology is actually seen as an important tool that lets manufacturing firms to redefine critical processes and tap the productivity potential out of them. Although AR is still at a nascent stage, leading manufacturing companies are already applying it at different levels and are witnessing tremendous benefits across multiple production stages. Here’s a list of 5 coolest applications of AR in the manufacturing space that’s worth giving a look-

Design – Thyssenkrupp

Thyssenkrupp recently started using Microsoft HoloLens – a fully self-contained, holographic computer that enables interacting with high-definition holograms overlaid in real world, for designing bespoke home mobility solutions. The process that involved a complex system of label and camera along with tedious manual data-entry for developing a custom stair lift solution is now transformed to digital, reducing the delivery time manifold. The salesperson now measures the staircase through HoloLens and the measured 3D point cloud data is then sent to manufacturing team automatically. The company is now able to make quick decisions and near real-time design approval for manufacturing. At the same time, the technology is allowing the sales person to provide the customer with a visualization of how the new stair lift will look like and function in their home. This Augmented Reality application is bringing Thyssenkrupp incredible amount of productivity and satisfaction for customers.

Assembly – Boeing

The world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners – Boeing, is utilizing AR technology to ease their complex task of wiring that goes into every new 787-8 Freighter. The company is using Google Glass and Skylight software platform from Upskill to amplify the wiring process.

Traditionally, Boeing technicians used charts and laptops to do their work which had a basic problem. The workers had to look away constantly to refer to the diagrams to get assembly instructions. With the AR solution, however, technicians get instructions right when needed without looking away through Google Glass touchpad, voice commands and the head tracking interface. While voice commands enable freeing up both the hands of the technician, barcode readers and Google Glass cameras help in identifying and confirming the wiring inventory. Whenever in need, technicians have the provision to look how-to videos for more clarity on the assembly process right in their field view. Implementing AR solution has enabled Boeing to save 25% time in wiring production and reduced the error rates to virtually zero.

Source: Interesting Engineering