Reshaping Manufacturing and Construction With Augmented Reality

The rising adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, which integrates virtual elements with the real world, is set to upgrade the functioning of a wide range of businesses. Manufacturing and construction are increasingly deploying AR as an effective tool to pitch business solutions that would have been unimaginable previously.

Game-Changing Innovations in the Manufacturing Industry

AR is being progressively deployed across numerous processes in the manufacturing industry, including design, prototyping, inspection and maintenance. In the contemporary manufacturing process, installing hundreds and thousands of parts in a precise manner is a pre-requisite. To achieve this in minimum time and effort, visualization through AR is being brought into use. Providing repair instruction to technicians is also facilitated with AR. For instance, in cases of technicians requiring additional assistance, plant managers can review the machine condition remotely to provide the best-fit solution.

A minute defect in the process might require re-manufacturing the whole product, which could result in loss of time, effort and resources. However, with AR, defects can be detected by creating a digitized prototype, which makes it easier to visualize and makes the product accessible in 3D format. Additionally, AR is gaining prominence among manufacturers/companies in providing real-time data briefing on machinery breakdowns, maintenance issues and safety issues. AR can also provide training to new employees on unsafe, complex and expensive equipment without compromising with their and the product’s safety.

For example, Jaguar Land Rover leveraged AR to provide training to a new pool of employees in a joint venture with Bosch. During the project, they developed an application that digitally visualizes an X-ray of some JLR vehicles onto the dashboard. Applying AR, the app enabled technicians to see operations behind the vehicle’s paneling, which significantly resolved the problem to uninstall and reinstall the vehicle dashboard, simplified training and achieved cost savings.

Augmenting Realty in the Construction industry

The construction industry is excited with the prospect of AR technology combining virtual designs with real surroundings to enhance accuracy while minimizing errors. AR can combine physical surroundings with computer-processed data in real time with the help of sensors and futuristic camera technology. This augmented experience is revolutionary in construction and provides a great opportunity to improve turnaround times in a project’s lifecycle. Augmented reality is helping teams achieve greater accuracy and efficiency by combining physical and virtual views, rather than replacing workers on the field. Due to its ability to provide information in real-time, industries are using AR to improve safety, streamline collaboration, manage costs and improve human-machine interaction.

Two major factors in the construction process are completing the project on time and within budget. With AR, companies can plan, strategize and act on the project. Its 3D visualization ensures accuracy, prevents rework and saves building costs. This 3D presentation also helps construction companies to gain the customer’s confidence, which improves client relations and lead to long term ROI. Case in point, Sensopia, a Canadian company, is providing funds for an AR app that enables the user to evaluate estimated material costs based on the 3D model, and users can order the parts directly from the app.

Conclusion

Despite its huge potential, augmented reality is still not a commonly used technology, and faces challenges. For instance, AR delivers the best results with an uninterrupted strong internet connection, which is not always possible at the project site. However, with ongoing technological advancements, Augmented Reality (AR) is anticipated to be more accessible across a wider arena of industries.

Sources

• https://cerasis.com/augmented-reality-in-manufacturing
• https://www.americanmachinist.com/automation-and-robotics/article/21903238/can-augmented-reality-improve-manufacturing
• https://blog.thomasnet.com/augmented-reality-manufacturing
• https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/augmented-reality-construction