Augmented Reality In Manufacturing: A Path-Breaking Revolution!
Augmented reality in manufacturing is an emerging technology that promises to change how factories are designed, built, maintained, and operated.
Unsurprisingly, the global market for augmented reality is expected to grow dramatically in the coming years. It is projected to rise from roughly 3.5 billion dollars in 2017 to over 198 billion dollars in 2025, increasing to over 195 billion dollars.
The market is gaining momentum globally due to the rising demand for real-time data, growing need for view management, and rising requirement for safety in manufacturing processes.
Therefore, in this article, I will shed some light on how AR in manufacturing processes can potentially boost business growth and how it will change the future of this sector.
Key Benefits of Augmented Reality in Manufacturing
“I feel that Augmented reality is perhaps the ultimate computer.” — Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO
Augmented reality technology enables users to find, fix and improve products by overlaying information on the real world. It is a key enabler for the next generation of advanced manufacturing. So, let’s overview some of AR benefits in manufacturing and implement them with the help of top augmented reality companies.
1. Improved and faster product development
AR comes with a unique set of features such as real-time data, solutions to improve:
- Decision-making process
- Absolute control over the facility under consideration.
- Its usability allows manufacturers to access information from different sources at once, which is simply impossible with any other platform.
As a result, companies can create products faster and offer them to the market at a lower cost.
For example:
The use of augmented reality and wearable devices at the Ford Motor Company has drastically reduced the time needed for tests, assessments, and inspections.
It also allowed mapping more than 200 test points on a new truck model in just two minutes. Moreover, the same process used to take close to an hour before adopting AR technology.
Ford Motor Company in Dearborn unveiled the “F-150 Lightning: Strike Anywhere” 3-D augmented reality visual experience for reservation holders, enthusiasts, and car customers interested in learning more about the advantages of an all-electric pickup truck.
2. Increased production efficiency and quality
AR helps manufacturers to address damages or flaws in products by providing more information on the go. Now, inspectors can quickly check parts and components of a product for impurities, scratches, dents, etc., without removing them from the assembly line.
This feature is beneficial for all kinds of production facilities that are time-consuming or highly complicated.
For example:
AR smart glasses allow inspectors to enhance their vision and record processes in 3D. This ensures that workers focus only on high-quality production, thus increasing the facility’s efficiency. According to experts, this method reduced inspection time by almost 50%, therefore significantly reducing assembly line downtime.
Besides, global sales of augmented reality (AR) glasses reached 410 thousand units in 2021 and are expected to rise 3.9 million by 2024.
3. Remote assistance to personnel
AR comes with unique features such as the real-time transmission of data and 3D visualization that can be used to train personnel remotely.
Now, manufacturers don’t need to send their employees abroad for training, nor do they have to invest loads of money on it. Instead, they can use the same technology and save time and resources.
AR applications allow manufacturers to train employees efficiently and remotely on a factory floor, regardless of their location.
For example:
The Embla VR system from Vuzix will enable workers to learn about complex machinery operations without leaving the assembly line. It uses augmented reality technology with head-mounted displays and wearable sensors to provide real-time data and step-by-step instructions.
4. Maintenance, quality inspection, and training
As mentioned above, AR helps manufacturers access more information and control operations remotely.
Moreover, it allows workers to easily recognize the faults and damages of products without removing them from the line. This is an excellent way for companies to improve their product quality and reduce warranty costs.
You can visualize the manufacturing process in 3D with a portable HMD device, allowing you to see all production steps and quickly recognize any potential problems. Then, if required, you can fix them on-site without wasting time or product materials. You can always hire augmented reality developers if you are interested in this technology and wish to implement it in your business.
According to estimates, head-mounted displays (HMD) will reach USD 36.5 billion by 2026, growing at a rate of 46.0% from USD 5.5 billion by 2021.
5. Improved communication between manufacturers and customers
No doubt, AR is a powerful tool that helps companies innovate and improve the quality of their products.
With its help, manufacturers can easily demonstrate processes or allow customers to visualize how products are made. Therefore, they can provide more insights to consumers who are beneficial for both parties.
For example:
Unilever collaborates with ScopeAR, a provider of augmented reality (AR) training, and knowledge solutions, to see if they can reduce downtime by using a live AR support tool that allows technicians to communicate with experts remotely.
6. Digitalising blueprints and architectural models for construction projects
When working on construction projects, workers need to visualize blueprints, architectural models, or other related data to construct the project accurately.
However, it’s not always easy because blueprints are often extensive and hard to work with. AR is an excellent solution for this problem as it allows users to display large files more compactly and understandably.
For example:
The Allworld Project launched an AR platform that uses smartphone cameras to depict blueprints. With its help, construction workers can see the blueprint of a building in real-time while being on-site.
This AR tool can be integrated into other project management software to engage stakeholders and managers.
7. Warehousing, inventory management, and supply chain management
AR systems can come in handy when tracking and managing products in warehouses, transportation, and supply chains. It allows companies to monitor high volumes of materials and keep track of their location at all times.
Companies like DHL, a German logistics company, use Augmented Reality systems to track their products from the point they are manufactured until the moment they arrive at customers’ doors.
For example:
DHL can visualize all its items in real-time with an AR system that uses wearable sensors and HMD devices. With this technology, they can track their shipments in real-time by simply scanning barcodes to see the exact location of every item.
Moreover, companies like Epson make HMD devices that provide workers with visual instructions for complex tasks involving assembly lines or transportation. Epson’s AR system works in combination with an app and maps to ensure employees always have access to all the required information.
8. Mobile devices as a connected platform for the shop floor data
AR allows companies to track the location of their products, workers, and devices anywhere. That is why it can be used as a real-time mobile platform for shop floor data. There are plenty of ways AR can help companies collect and share data.
By 2024, there will be 1.7 billion users of mobile augmented reality (AR) worldwide. There will be 1.1 billion mobile AR users worldwide by 2022.
For example:
Companies like Noldus and Augmate enable users to create interactive dashboards that display real-time data on mobile devices or HMD headsets.
Moreover, companies like Microsoft and Epson also provide software solutions for AR systems. Both companies allow their customers to design custom AR apps and integrate them with enterprise software such as SAP.
Also, with its help, Walmart collected over 200TB of data per day by using smartphones with QR code software that collected visual information about store layouts or issues that need to be addressed. With this information, the company improved its sales and assisted buyers in purchasing items from online stores.
9. Securing customer loyalty
Today, most companies use points and coupons as a token of appreciation for their customers. However, those methods aren’t always efficient because they can be time-consuming and hard to track.
Using AR apps instead makes it possible to reward customers with discounts tailored to their preferences or needs in seconds. This way, companies can help an augmented reality development company create an app for you that can increase revenue and satisfy more customers.
For example:
Some brands like Sephora use a custom app to provide their customers with instant coupons, product samples, videos tutorials, and other helpful information that helps them make better purchase decisions.
With augmented reality, companies can target specific audiences or groups of people based on their interests, location, or preferences. Therefore, they can create personalized experiences for users that keep them returning to their stores.
Other Examples of Companies Using AR solutions
- L’Oreal Paris: This company launched an AR makeup app that lets its customers try different lipsticks and see what they would look like before buying them. This makes the whole purchase process easier, faster, and more fun for users.
- Lexus: With this car manufacturer’s help, people can visualize their dream car on any street in front of them before deciding to buy it.
- Adidas: Customers can try on different sneakers models before purchasing them using an AR app made by the company.
- Ikea: Customers thinking about buying new furniture can use an AR app to see how all their potential purchases would look in real life before committing.
Wrap Up!
As you can see, augmented reality has a wide variety of applications that go beyond games or entertainment. It is being used to improve many areas in companies, help workers perform better, train them to handle complex operations safely, and much more.
That’s why if you are working for a company that could benefit from implementing an AR solution, you should contact your IT consulting company right away. Furthermore, it would be best to consult the experts at PixelCrayons about how you can use augmented reality to improve your company’s current system.
We hope this article on AR was helpful for you. Please feel free to leave a comment with your feedback on the subject or share some of the ways your company uses augmented reality!
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