AR in industry
The fourth industrial revolution corresponds to the increasing digitalisation of production processes. It is accompanied by an increasing use of advanced technologies, in particular Augmented Reality, which plays a key role in this transformation by offering effective solutions to major industrial challenges.
What Augmented Reality solutions for the industrial sector?
The areas of application of Augmented Reality in the industrial sector are numerous. Indeed, this technology offers a wide range of applications that can add value to production. Initially used in industries with a lot of resources, such as aeronautics, technological progress has enabled a major reduction in AR costs, which is now accessible to smaller industries.
Today, it is widely used to assist employees, particularly in carrying out complex tasks. Indeed, many AR guides, with 3D models and voice commands, are used by industries to provide effective assistance to their technicians. For example, these solutions are very useful on assembly lines to enable workers to assemble large parts, such as aircraft engines, more accurately. AR is also particularly useful for maintenance and repair tasks. By using AR devices, such as smart glasses, workers can access real-time technical information about machines, enabling faster diagnosis and repair of equipment. The technology also makes it easy to bring in remote experts to guide technicians on site, live.
Augmented Reality assistance tool.
On the other hand, Augmented Reality is also widely used as a training tool. The superimposition of virtual elements on the real one allows a better explanation of complex phenomena and favours the memorisation of the users of these devices. In addition, they can gain practical experience in a safe and efficient way through real-time simulations. Many companies are attracted by these new tools. Volkswagen, for example, uses AR to train its workers in the maintenance of its electric cars.
Augmented Reality training tool.
AR can also be used as a sales support tool or a customer assistance tool thanks to 3D modelling of products or systems that are sometimes complex and difficult to represent. AR visualisation solutions can then be used to present an offer in a clear and detailed way through devices that are accessible to everyone, such as a smartphone.
What are the advantages for industrial companies ?
The many applications of this technology offer major advantages for the industrial sector. Indeed, Augmented Reality is now an important means for companies in this sector to remain competitive.
First of all, thanks to these extremely powerful assistance tools, AR allows companies to improve their productivity considerably. For example, a study has shown that the use of an AR device to carry out complex tasks can save 44% of time. In addition to speeding up production processes, AR also allows for better quality production. Indeed, through these devices, workers can spot defects more easily and carry out much more precise technical checks. This technology allows major performance gains to be made with little initial investment. In addition, AR solutions help to improve safety in the workplace by making it possible to visualise potential hazards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Augmented Reality also helps to reduce costs on different levels. On the one hand, real-time assistance to technicians allows for a significant reduction in production downtime, which leads to major savings. On the other hand, some AR devices, such as the training tools mentioned earlier, are much cheaper alternatives for industries than more traditional tools, especially as they allow new employees to be trained more quickly and effectively. In addition, by giving rise to a more qualitative production, the use of AR also makes it possible to reduce the costs linked to human errors and product returns.
Finally, AR as a sales tool is also a way for industrial companies to strengthen their relationship with their customers through impactful experiential marketing. Visualisation tools also help to improve buying experiences. AR has the potential to transform the industry by significantly increasing efficiency and productivity and reducing costs. By adopting this technology, industrial companies can improve their competitiveness while responding to changing consumer demands for more efficient and personalised products and services.
In conclusion, AR offers many benefits to SMEs in the industrial environment. It can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve product quality and provide real-time visual assistance to employees. Furthermore, with the use of smartphones, AR is now more accessible to SMEs, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of this technology without having to invest in expensive equipment.