Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have been gaining popularity in a number of fields. Whilst they are traditionally associated with gaming and entertainment, AR and VR have proven to be versatile tools in other industries as well. The technologies seem to have far-reaching applications in industries demanding precision, safety, and efficiency. One of the sectors that are using these extended reality (XR) tools is manufacturing. By seamlessly blending the physical and digital realms, XR is transforming the manufacturing sector and driving innovation.
Using the two jointly with industrial internet of things (IIoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can open up many possibilities in design and development, logistics, equipment maintenance, and customer support. However, one of the pivotal advantages of integrating AR and VR into manufacturing lies in the improvement of communication. As this article by EASE states, manufacturing communication and employee engagement is quite important.
The article discusses the challenges that employers encounter when managing communications, and offers suggestions on how to improve them. Two of the challenges listed in the copy are outdated methods of communication and limited visibility into manufacturing processes. That’s where XR can be helpful.
AR’s ability to overlay digital information onto the physical world empowers workers to visualise intricate processes, access real-time data, and engage in immersive hands-on training. Meanwhile, VR creates fully immersive digital environments, enabling remote collaboration and simulation of high-risk scenarios in a controlled and secure setting.
A primary advantage of incorporating AR and VR into manufacturing lies in modernising communication practices. Traditionally, conveying complex manufacturing processes and designs presented challenges. Yet, with AR and VR, these complexities can be translated into vivid 3D visualisations, rendering comprehension easier for all stakeholders. This streamlined visualisation makes decision-making faster. It also significantly diminishes the likelihood of miscommunication. For example, engineers can use Augmented Reality (AR) to overlay designs onto real-world environments. These would provide a clearer and more precise representation of the final product.
Furthermore, AR and VR are fostering collaboration within the manufacturing sector. VR facilitates real-time interaction among teams dispersed across geographical locations, allowing them to collectively assess designs and troubleshoot challenges. This approach eliminates the need for resource-intensive travel and enhances collaboration efficiency. Similarly, AR empowers real-time collaboration by enabling on-site workers to share their perspectives with remote experts. This seamless exchange permits remote experts to guide workers through intricate tasks or repairs, ultimately expediting problem resolution.
Training, a critical aspect of manufacturing, undergoes a significant transformation with the integration of AR and VR. Traditional training methods often entail risks, especially in tasks involving hazardous materials or complex machinery. VR offers a secure virtual environment for workers to practice these tasks. That allows employers to mitigate potential accidents and facilitate flexible, frequent training. AR also enhances training by providing step-by-step instructions and real-time feedback. That accelerates the learning curve and boosts overall worker performance.
Moreover, AR and VR contribute to the optimisation of manufacturing operations. By presenting data in a three-dimensional visual format, these technologies yield valuable insights into production processes. This ability enables manufacturers to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or safety concerns. That, in turn, leads to more informed decision-making and fosters continuous process improvement.
In short, these technologies could substantially enhance communication, collaboration, and efficiency while propelling innovation. As they evolve and accessibility increases, their influence on manufacturing is poised to expand. Using AR and VR will give manufacturers a competitive edge and help them deal with future challenges.
Parul Mathur has been writing since 2009. That’s when she discovered her love for SEO and how it works. She developed an interest in learning HTML and CSS a couple of years later, and React in 2020. When she’s not writing, she’s either reading, walking her dog, messing up her garden, or doodling.
