Where to start with AR/VR in manufacturing?
Augmented Reality (AR) is bringing digital experiences to the real world like never before. In manufacturing, AR can help manufacturers see and understand information more clearly so they can make better decisions faster. Manufacturers are rethinking how they approach issues like inventory management, safety training, and visual aids. With AR, manufacturers are now able to see data and 3-D objects in their workspace in real time through headsets or cameras. With these solutions for manufacturing, you can put your employees’ natural sense of sight to work to improve efficiency and quality in your plants.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR headsets are also referred to as heads-up displays (HUDs) and go beyond just augmented reality solutions for manufacturing to offer full immersion in a virtual environment. VR content can be static or interactive, creating a broad range of use cases such as training, visualization, or e-commerce. VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Samsung GearVR are used to deliver immersive and interactive experiences. For example, you can use VR to train employees in maintenance, create visualization tools to see parts in 3D, or create virtual product showrooms to showcase your products. VR is also being used to create new use cases in manufacturing such as AR/VR to improve safety training and engineering design for parts. VR and AR can also be used to produce a better visual effect for manufacturing such as to show a process or a machine in 3D.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) involves the use of technology to overlay digital information on a person’s view of the real world. This information can be text, 2D/3D graphics, videos, or references to other information. AR solutions are a good fit for manufacturing for various reasons. AR is a natural fit for visualizing data on a person’s view of the real world. It also enables people to interact with the AR experience using hand gestures, voice commands, or click actions. AR is used to create a lot of solutions in manufacturing to make the work environment easier and more efficient. For example, you can use AR to create training simulations, visualize maintenance instructions, or create specialized visual tools. AR solutions in manufacturing can also make work processes more efficient. For example, solution providers are experimenting with AR solutions to make the picking process more efficient. AR can also be used to make safety training more effective. AR can be used to create a 3D model of a machine or a facility to help train employees or create AR simulations to help train managers.
Mixed Reality
Mixed Reality combines elements of VR and AR to create experiences that are more natural than either technology on its own. Companies are using Mixed Reality to create more natural work environments that incorporate real-world data, holographic images, and virtual objects. For example, you can use Mixed Reality to create a natural work environment that shows the part that an employee is currently looking at in 3D and with the part’s dimensions. These experiences can be used to create better safety training and other visualizations. Mixed Reality is also useful for making better use of AR/VR solutions for engineering design. For example, you can use AR to create a 3D model of a part and then use VR to overlay the model with the part’s real dimensions. These technologies can also be used to create a more seamless workflow for engineering design.
Where to start with AR/VR in manufacturing?
If you are considering implementing AR/VR technologies, the first step is to evaluate your current operations to see where improvements can be made. The second step is to assess your company culture to see how your employees would respond to implementing these new technologies. You want to ensure that your employees don’t feel overwhelmed by this change, but rather see it as an opportunity to make their jobs easier. Once you understand where you could use AR/VR in manufacturing, you can assess your budget to see if it makes financial sense. Also, you should assess your employees to see if they are interested in using AR/VR in their daily jobs. Once you have identified potential areas for implementation, you can consult with your technology providers to see if they have a solution that would be a good fit for your needs.
Improving employee safety with AR and VR
AR and VR solutions can be used to create realistic training simulations that help employees understand proper procedures and use equipment safely. Using AR and VR to create simulations like these can help reduce the risk of injuries and accidents. VR can also be used for safety training where employees are able to understand how to use equipment safely in real time. Using AR and VR to create these kinds of simulations can help cut down on the risk of training sessions that are lengthy and boring.
Improving your quality program with VR
VR solutions can be used to create a better visual experience for quality assurance programs. For example, you can create computer-generated environments that people can walk through to understand where a problem could occur during the manufacturing process. These environments can be easily updated to show the latest changes to your process and they can be used to train your employees on best practices. VR can also be used as a visual tool for your visual inspection program. AR/VR solutions can be used to show parts with wear conditions or components that need to be inspected, helping to make these processes more efficient.
Manufacturing M&AR
M&A is a hot topic in the industry and has the potential to help manufacturers adopt new technologies. AR/VR will help you increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction by providing an immersive and interactive experience. For example, you can use a VR solution to create a virtual storefront that enables customers to view and interact with your products. An AR solution can help visitors to your store see the product in 3D, helping to convert browsers into paying customers and reducing refunds and returns.
Final words
The manufacturing industry is changing rapidly and new technologies are helping companies stay competitive. With new technologies like AR/VR, manufacturers can see data in real time, create realistic simulations, and communicate with their customers in new ways. AR/VR in manufacturing can help you be more efficient and create a better workplace. It can also help you create safer environments and better quality control programs. Now is a great time to invest in AR/VR technologies, as they have the potential to help your company be more innovative and competitive.