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May 22, 2024
Why Augmented Reality is the Next Big Thing in Manufacturing Training Programs
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May 22, 2024
Augmented Reality is the perfect technology to add digital inputs over real-world ones. Try and picture operating smart glasses that display virtual objects or instructions directly in your field of view. Digital Physically Mixed World, This union of the virtual and real worlds creates a more interactive and engaging learning.
Training is important in manufacturing because it ensures that employees understand how to operate machinery, comply with safety requirements and deliver high-quality products. The reason why traditional training methods such as manuals and videos do not work great is because they are boring or hard to understand. AR changes this by turning learning into a physical and immersive process rather than just receipts that workers can learn faster, while also having better recall.
Used to create a more interactive 3D experience out of traditional training materials Trainees can walk around and gesticulate with machine tool objects while aiding the exact manner of installation or fixing engine hardware.
Use Case : Companies including Ford are utilizing augmented reality goggles to guide workers through the assembly process, showing precisely where each part goes and lessening the potential for errors.
AR gives them immediate feedback about the consequences of their actions. This immediate feedback will help them understand their errors on the spot.
Case study: If a factory worker install a part incorrectly while using AR goggles, they get instant visual feedback to correct the error instead of having a supervisor come over.
Virtual lenses created by AR simulate dangerous situations that would be difficult to recreate in real life but allow trainees to practice anyway without the danger of bodily harm. It is especially beneficial for training on heavy machinery or dangerous materials.
Case study: Chemical plants use AR to teach workers how to deal with dangerous chemicals. AR can replicate a spill, demonstrating to workers what they should do in an emergency without actually endangering them. Cost-Effectiveness
AR minimises the need for expensive physical prototypes and training material. The virtual models can be employed repeatedly, which hugely reduce the manufacturing costs related to physical items.
Case study: Aerospace companies such as Boeing are using AR technologies to instruct engineers on how to assemble an aircraft without the need for expensive physical mock-ups, and over time this could drastically reduce training costs.
Training with AR saves time, and because it can require fewer resources to set so also faster than other traditional systems.
Use case: A manufacturing company deploys AR training modules that employees can access on-demand helping to reduce times and resources allocated for scheduled training sessions.
Manufacturing training often makes use of popular AR hardware devices like Microsoft HoloLens, Google Glass, and Magic Leap. These glasses project digital information right into the wearer's surroundings, offering them with tutorial instructions and interactive experiences.
Use case: Automotive manufacturers use HoloLens to provide workers with holographic instructions just-in-time on assembly lines, decreasing errors and accelerating training.
Similarly, AR and tablets/smartphones equipped with these capabilities are used for training purposes. These are more portable and affordable, providing easier ways to build microlearning learning solutions.
Use case: Training – Maintenance workers at a manufacturing plant can use tablets to scan machinery and have AR overlays with information on the production line, service parts used for maintenance, and instructions on how to conduct maintenance.
Developers can use platforms like PTC Vuforia—the Industrial and Enterprise AR Solution, Unity software platform, and Upskill's Skylight to create and deploy Augmented Reality-based training modules. This allows developers to build out VR experiences focusing on training modules for unique manufacturing processes.
Use case: A manufacturing company using Vuforia to develop AR training modules for new employees with interactive simulations of complex machinery operations.
What are Digital twins? They allow AR to superimpose virtual models of machines and tools not only in the real world, but also make trainees able to interact with these dynamic models in a very realistic way.
Use Case: Aerospace Companies utilize digital twins for training engineers on how to service aircraft so that they can practice in a virtual environment before working on the real thing
AR on IOT devices: AR integrated with IoT devices gives real-time data collection and feed back AR can blend both live data from the real hardware and traditional learning materials with sensors within machinery.
Use Case: IoT sensors in a manufacturing plant monitor the performance of equipment and send data to an AR system that can guide trainees through maintenance tasks based on real time conditions.
The addition of AI can make the AR environment even more intelligent and dynamic with feedback. ML algorithms are able to analyze the trainee performance and accordingly customize or personalize training modules based on an evaluation of what areas a particular individual is weak at.
Use Case: AR training program assesses a trainee using AI in real-time, provides customized feedback and additional resources for those particular skills\Blockstack Future.
Nissan employs Google Glass for its assembly line workers, and Ford utilises Microsoft's HoloLens for the same purpose. The AR system projects digital instructions onto the real-world environment and helps workers navigate through complex assembly processes.
Use Case: we might overlay holographic step-by-step instructions on the brains of workers who are attaching components within an engine. This lowers the error rate, reinforces rapid learning and makes it more efficient with fewer errors.
PorscheHaving AR can allow techs to use remote assistance while working on difficult repairs. AR glasses enable technicians to share their view with remote experts as they receive real-time guidance.
Use Case: A technician can diagnose an issue with the engine and consult with an expert from a different physical location The expert viewer sees what the technician does and provides a step-by-step guide overlayed in the technician's AR glasses to complete repair accurately on time.
AR in Training Surgeons on New Medical Devices and Procedures Virtual simulation will enable surgeons to practise before performances, reducing error rates and better patient outcomes.
Use Case: AR Glasses for Surgeons showing virtual overlay of patient anatomy with help in catheter insertion or other complex surgical procedures This immersive training helps surgeons develop greater recognition and expertise (Training) —
AR also features in the medical education programs at Johns Hopkins AR enables students to perceive and manipulate 3D human anatomy visualisations, improving their insight into daunting anatomical structures.
Case Study: Med Students learning Cardiology can learn about the detailed structure and function of the Human Heart through a 3D model using AR. This hands-on experience makes it easier for students to understand complex topics
GE trains field service technicians on maintenance and repair of large machinery with AR. AR devices provide interactive guides and access to immediate assistance, such that technicians can execute tasks correctly.
Case Study: A GE technician servicing one of the company's wind turbines is provided with an AR headset, through which he receives detailed data and visual instructions (pictures even) on how to conduct maintenance. This lowers the time taken down and ensure effective operation of machinery.
Siemens, for example, uses AR to enable remote technicians. AR eyewear allows technicians to see live instructions and tips enforced by remote experts.
Case Study: When a technician who is working on repairing the powerplant enters into an unfamiliar issue, use AR goggles to connect with experts remotely The expert walks through the repair with them, guaranteeing efficient service of a durable fix.
Problem: AR hardware like smart glasses and headsets can be costly and tend to have limited battery life, which may hinder continuous use throughout training.
Solution: Investment in better AR hardware with improved battery life and new features can help to prevent this. It can also leverage AR hardware with a tablet device to offer both flexibility and lower costs (Training); double ref source: Autodesk
Use Case: For a manufacturer, AR headsets could be augmented with tablets that are less taxing for basic training tasks so the heavy lifting is done on top of the line hardware while other costs are kept to functional needs.
Problem: Complex System Interoperability — Making AR software work harmoniously with the established systems and platforms of an enterprise is considered a complex process.
Solution: Choosing AR platforms that provide rich API support and the ability to be extended via customizations can ease integration. Working with software developers to develop customized, relevant solutions is useful(Autodesk).
Use Case: An automotive company which collaborates with AR software developers to add AR training modules to its ERP system, thus enabling seamless data flow and information sharing across platforms
Problem: There are high costs in AR hardware and software with significant upfront investment which is a barrier for many companies.
Solution: Businesses should launch initial AR initiatives to gauge the feasibility of using it as a learning and development tool before involving larger capital. On the other hand, leasing AR equipment, or even choosing a subscription-based model for software can help spread out the costs over time. (BCG Global)
Use Case: A mid-sized manufacturing firm piloting an AR program with rented hardware and software with a monthly subscription to evaluate benefits before full-scale roll-out.
Problem: Constant investment in hardware and software are necessary for AR systems to remain working properly.
Solution: Implement a maintenance cycle so that regular updates become part of the budget and cost management Working with AR vendors for continued maintenance and upgrades(Training)
Use Case: A logistics company partners with their AR vendor in order to get quarterly updates and maintenance checks, which means the functionality of their AR system has been maintained.
Problem: However, all employees might not easily adapt to AR technology resulting in resistance and training programs may less effective.
Solution: It would provide practical workshops, comprehensive manuals and ongoing technical assistance (BCG Global).
Use Case: A healthcare institute that holds many workshops and individual training sessions to help their medical staff train on AR in surgery.
Problem: Some employees and management may resist change from traditional training habits.
Solution: This can be overcome by proving the value of AR – (That could mean setting up pilot programs, going through case studies and demos, etc). AR training may save time, reduce errors and improve engagement, and emphasising this enables you to encode stakeholders with the value of AR training.
Use Case: A manufacturing company demonstrates a decrease in training time and error rates for data from the pilot project, convincing both management and employees to adopt the new technology.
Trend: Continue to improve AR hardware, for example lighter and more comfortable smart glasses with higher resolution, longer battery life.
Use Case: Future AR devices could allow for more detailed and immersive training experiences. Next-generation AR glasses, for example, could provide sharper visualizations of interconnected components or processes regarding complex machinery making it harder to examine individual parts
Trend: More sophisticated and embedded AI in AR to make the training systems smarter, adaptable.
Use Case: AI-driven AR training systems could offer individualized teaching experiences that adapt based on performance, offering specific guidance and feedback in real-time. For example, if a trainee is having difficulty with a task, AI can refine the AR training prompts to offer further assistance and practice.
Trend: Beyond manufacturing, AR is spreading to areas such as construction where it can enable training on building techniques and safety protocols for workers.
Use Case: Construction firms use AR to train workers on-site, layering in digital instructions over machinery and structuresuse_case (Autodesk).
Trend: Another AR trend that has been on the rise is utilisation in logistics and supply chain management to eliminate errors and increase accuracy in inventory control, order fulfilment etc.
Use Case: Real time augmentation of inventory location and optimal picker route for warehouse workers using AR glasses, cutting down time taken in performing these tasks significantly with smaller errors.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a key player in the implementation of training programs for the manufacturing sector. Bringing the digital world to our real world, it adds an interactive element that can make learning fun. This would assist trainees in understating complex tasks and eliminating mistakes.
Feedback can also be given in real-time, meaning the trainee corrects them as they go. This can enhance the training experience all while maintaining stricter safety measures, as trainees will be able to practise in virtual worlds without any real life consequences.
