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Augmented reality (AR) in industry has several benefits and applications. This new technology is indeed changing the way we communicate and interact in manufacturing processes. As an enhanced version of the world around us, augmented reality is the combination of digital and audiovisual elements that connect the digital world to the real one. Unlike virtual reality (VR), AR allows for interaction between digitally generated information and the environment around us. While VR blocks the user from the external world, AR enhances their perceptions of it. Due to improving manufacturing capabilities, augmented reality in industry has become a highly valuable tool. Therefore, Pix Force wants to show you how augmented reality technology can improve the productivity and efficiency of industries. Come with us! READ MORE: How does the internet of things work? What are GANs and how do these networks work?
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What is the difference between augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality?
Before we dive into the applications, it is important to understand the difference between augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. Each of these types of technology interacts differently with physical space and digital space. Virtual reality completely immerses the user in a digital world. Here, it is all or nothing: once you put on the glasses, the real world disappears. VR can be useful in training and prototyping, but it is not suitable for environments where you need to be aware of the surrounding space, such as on the factory floor. Augmented reality, on the other hand, overlays digital information onto your view of the real world. Because it keeps its roots in what is happening around you, augmented reality can be used for many industrial tasks, as well as different manufacturing sectors. Finally, mixed reality is a combination of virtual and augmented reality, allowing interactions between digital and physical elements. Mixed reality technology is still in its early stages of development, so it is not yet easily available for industrial-level applications.
What are the benefits of augmented reality in industry?
The applications of augmented reality in industry 4.0 are diverse, and their goal is to assist technicians in their work environment. Through augmented reality, users can visualize step-by-step processes when performing an activity, or receive real-time visual instructions from experts using remote assistance systems. Currently, the presence of augmented reality in areas such as maintenance, assembly processes, and quality control is already common in certain companies, and various sectors are implementing systems based on augmented reality to revolutionize their industrial processes. In the context of maintenance applications in industry, some of the benefits of AR include: • Avoiding damage to machinery, tools, etc., by simulating equipment and reinforcing step-by-step processes;
• Reducing production errors by allowing users to guide equipment and control quality;
• Reducing safety risks by allowing employees to check safety information related to a specific piece of machinery;
• Helping solve problems as they occur by collaborating in real-time with experts located elsewhere (remote assistance).
The possibilities are endless with AR training, and organizations can create interactive 3D models of equipment, program 2D text, images, and videos within an AR application, and provide step-by-step process instructions, among many other options.
What are the applications of augmented reality in industry?
Product design and development
Designing and developing prototypes can be a long, resource-consuming task. With the use of AR, engineers can create digital overlays to see how certain components will look when next to different objects in the real world. Augmented reality provides visibility of the final product during the design phase, making it possible to make changes and improvements at a very low cost.
Maintenance and repair
One of the main applications of augmented reality in industry is in maintenance and repair. With AR systems, an expert technician does not need to be on-site to perform maintenance. This specialist can provide step-by-step instructions to anyone with an AR headset, circling important objects and acting as a guide during the process. AR systems can also display important information about the equipment, such as operating time, the date of the last service, potential failure points, among others. This data can provide preventive and predictive maintenance measures, and allows operators to identify and solve problems faster, reducing downtime and associated costs.
Training programs
Even though the real-time capabilities of AR are excellent, augmented reality is not limited to live interaction. It is possible to record training modules, which help employees learn how to perform different tasks using an AR headset. This is beneficial for complex tasks, which are difficult to explain and understand using a normal video, or in text. Furthermore, it is only necessary to record the training module once, instead of repeating it every time for each individual.
Assembly
Another application of augmented reality in the industry is in the assembly sector. With AR sensors and immediate capability analysis data, employees can gain an additional understanding of complicated tasks, giving them more efficient working time. This occurs in the assembly process, for example. AR systems can overlay blueprints or assembly instructions, placing renderings of bolts, cables, and part numbers in an employee's field of vision. This on-the-job guidance can help reduce training time and minimize assembly errors.
Quality control in the industry through augmented reality
Since visual inspection of products is a key step to ensuring their quality, the quality control process is far from becoming completely automated. Although human interaction is still necessary, augmented reality can enhance this process by providing quick access to information. A quality control technician wearing AR glasses can quickly obtain details about defective product components and specifications, reducing the amount of time required for visual inspection.
Augmented reality in the industry: is it possible?
Yes, it is highly possible! With so many benefits and potential applications of augmented reality in the industry, it is possible to ensure a huge differentiator in different sectors. The trend, therefore, is for it to grow more and more, and for companies that apply its use to gain a competitive advantage in the market. If you want to know how Pix Force can develop technological solutions for your company, get in touch with us.
Fabio Caraça
Fábio Caraça is the Chief Growth Officer at Pix Force. He leads Pix Force's transformation into a scalable SaaS operation, combining strategic vision, culture, and high-impact execution.
