Augmented reality (AR) looks poised to empower industrial innovation. AR integrates features of virtual reality into real-life scenarios. The concept first gained popularity with AR games, like Pokémon Go, where virtual objects were blended with real-life settings. Industrial AR (IAR), however, is not a video game or an app, but rather a collection of technologies that reduces training barriers and improves industrial efficiency by providing operators with valuable insights.
What is IAR?
IAR is an assembly hardware and software acting together to provide operators with computer-based graphics that support an industrial process. The technology superimposes computer-generated images on a heads-up display to provide an enhanced view of the environment. It is a growing field that has already found several use cases.
Asset Management
IAR plays an important role in industrial asset management. Asset management pertains to industrial management, service engineering and reliability engineering. It is the culmination of the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of physical assets. It is a labor-intensive field ruled by a plethora of standard operating procedures, checklists and other mundane activities.
Through IAR operators have hands-free access to standard operating procedures. Operators can use voice commands to open or retrieve necessary digital materials, speed dial technical support or schedule future maintenance requirements.
Manufacturing and Assembly
IAR aids in the production, assembly, inspection, quality assurance and delivery of manufactured goods. Factory workers benefit from hands-free access to guided task instructions, safety checklists and technical resources. They can document production procedures, establish an audit trail and improve productivity.
Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment involves retrieval, recording and packaging of orders. While the task may seem simple, workers are constantly multitasking between documentation, establishing an audit trail, referencing a checklist and searching for parts or components to fulfill an order.
IAR simplifies this process. Workers receive visuals of stocking locations, while the AR system monitors checklists, creates an audit trail and increases efficiency by minimizing the risk of human error.
An Adaptive AR Solution
Skylight is an intuitive software interface developed by Upskill that integrates with smart glasses to unleash the power of AR. It provides users with hands-free access to live-streaming data from connected devices and technical resources, and allows them to capture and share images, video or documentation.
Skylight can adapt to suit user needs. It provides users with the information and necessary tools to complete job functions. Manufacturers benefit from increased productivity, improved accuracy and reduced operating expenses. It is an AR platform with a number of use cases that can be further developed and defined as new situations arise.
