AR in Industry
In the logistics industry a logistic professional spends 50% of time looking for the correct item in warehouses. AR helps them find the right product quickly, with fewer mistakes and lower costs.
Transforming procedures like assembly instructions, machine repair guidelines and design processes into digital content for AR applications is a complex task. This requires company technology and AR experts.
Training
Providing your employees with AR training helps them retain information and feel more engaged ar in industry with their work. In addition, the immersive experience fosters a stronger understanding of complex machinery and equipment. AR training also enables employees to complete tasks more quickly and accurately. For example, Caterpillar and GE use AR to train employees on how to operate their machinery. With this technology, workers can view 3D models of the equipment and overlay detailed instructions and diagrams.
Augmented reality is also useful for training purposes in retail, where employees can learn how to interact with customers and answer customer questions. Companies like Cusmat are using AR to train sales representatives and improve employee retention rates. Other examples of AR applications in the workplace include technical skills training, safety training, onboarding, product training, and leadership development.
To get the most out of your AR investment, choose a platform with an intuitive user interface and clear navigation instructions. The system should also be compatible with the hardware devices your employees will use and offer scalable software features. Moreover, it should be compatible with existing management systems and support cloud-based deployments.
Moreover, make sure that your platform offers a robust set of tools for creating custom AR solutions. For instance, some AR platforms enable users to add step-by-step interactive graphics and images that are automatically positioned on a work surface. This feature is crucial for industrial applications, as it minimizes the need to invest in expensive equipment and training programs.
Product Design
Augmented reality enables designers to interact with virtual prototypes in a realistic environment, increasing communication, collaboration, and decision-making. It also synchronizes technology, data, and human work—essential for smart manufacturing.
AR provides a unique advantage over other 3D modeling methods by allowing workers to superimpose models on the physical world in real time. This allows them to inspect every angle of the model, view it from a distance without having to touch the product, and rotate or zoom in for a closer look.
For example, when a worker is working on the assembly of a headliner in an augmented reality goggles auto manufacturing plant, they need to know exactly where to place the padding, glue, and wire harness. Using AR, they can get an overlay with digital work instructions that shows them precisely where to put each component. This reduces the number of errors by eliminating the guesswork involved.
Similarly, when a part is delivered, workers can instantly access inspection and verification information in the field with AR. This allows companies to quickly and accurately adapt to a new product variation or detect issues with quality control. It also saves costs by avoiding travel expenses and accommodation for on-site experts and unplanned downtimes.
Another way AR can help is by reducing the time it takes to find and open documents. This is achieved by combining the power of the cloud with AR, creating an intuitive solution for enterprise employees and delivering a seamless experience across devices.
Asset Identification
One of the biggest opportunities for AR in manufacturing is identifying and tracking assets. This can save time by automating inventory and supply chain management processes, reducing manual data entry and processing costs. It can also reduce rework and production downtime by enabling real-time troubleshooting of equipment issues.
For example, when assembling headliners for cars, workers have to place padding, glue, wire harness, and more in exact locations to match the digital template. With AR, workers can see exactly where to lay each component so they get the job done quickly and accurately. This reduces rework, waste, and product defects.
Industrial Augmented Reality software can also support worker training and provide remote assistance to help solve problems in the field. One example is TeamViewer’s augmented reality (AR) tool, Frontline. It helps manufacturers streamline their maintenance processes and improve quality by providing live, step-by-step guidance from experts to factory floor employees. Additionally, it can detect mechanical anomalies and help prevent them from escalating into more complex repairs.
The AR market in the manufacturing industry is growing rapidly as enterprises need to improve productivity and efficiency. It also needs to meet customers’ increasing demands for high-quality products. As a result, AR is becoming more of a necessity for them than just a value add-on. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote assistance and smart workflows are required to minimize unplanned downtimes.
Marketing
AR allows companies to promote new products and services by enabling remote experts and customers to communicate in real time. It also helps employees with complex and complicated tasks by providing them with step-by-step instructions, virtual representations of the task’s workflow, and realistic simulations. Furthermore, AR provides instant feedback on performance to encourage workers to complete tasks correctly and efficiently.
As a result, AR reduces training and support costs by enabling workers to learn new skills in a more interactive and engaging way. It also improves the accuracy of product designs and manufacturing processes, reducing errors and improving productivity. Additionally, AR allows companies to save on travel expenses and accommodation for expert visits as well as costs associated with unplanned downtimes and internal audits.
AR is also used to enhance marketing materials and create dynamic sales presentations. For example, Facebook’s augmented reality app lets users digitally try on makeup and accessories before making a purchase decision. This type of augmented reality can also increase brand engagement and boost customer satisfaction. Moreover, it can level the playing field for less popular brands by allowing customers to evaluate a product’s quality and fit without having to rely on brand signals. This could lead to more cross-channel sales. The benefits of augmented reality in industry are vast, but implementation may be challenging for many businesses. To maximize the benefits of this technology, companies must map out their use cases and develop a prototype to test in a simulated environment.
