Industrial mixed reality brings a fundamental change in the way its users access information. This information is projected onto a device (glasses, mobile phone) through which they can see the real world around them. The device actively monitors its surroundings (spatial mapping) and places the information in the correct positions in space to which it relates.
Worker training / Guidance for complex assembly operations
These augmented reality devices can guide the worker at the assembly workstation or at the assembly station step by step through a standardized and logically organized assembly process. It provides the worker with textual (instructions), pictorial (arrows), visual (pictures, icons) or audio (voice, sounds) instruction and feedback. This shows the worker a correct, standardised and repeatable assembly procedure. The output is then a quickly and correctly assembled assembly. In this way, the worker can be trained or even continuously guided. The probability of error is significantly reduced.
Quality control
Another possible application of this augmented reality technology is assisted quality control. The device alerts the worker to critical points, guides him through the checking process and records the completed steps and the detected data (OK/NOK, count, value, …). This form of inspection can be located in any part of the production process (incoming inspection, intermediate inspection, outgoing inspection) or also in the form of a product audit. The device then stores all the detected data in a database, interprets the results in the form of a graph, or creates an inspection report.
Rearrangement of production lines
After the successful completion of a production batch, it is often necessary to reassign the assembly station to a different product type. This is where augmented reality support comes in very handy again. This helps to ensure that the standard procedure is followed and that the parts used are checked for accuracy. Augmented reality can provide the worker with detailed instructions including photographs, drawings or other necessary documentation. The worker is guided through a predefined standard procedure, minimizing the risk of omissions and motivating the worker to complete the reassembly process in the shortest possible time. The entire process is also documented.
Primary maintenance
At the beginning or before the end of each production shift, defined TPM steps must be performed. In this case, augmented reality will guide the worker not only within a single station but also along the entire production line. The individual steps are described at specific points, the instruction is clear and telling. The worker does not look for anything, is informed in advance of the tools needed, and proceeds directly between maintenance points without downtime. The TPM is thus carried out smoothly, according to standard procedure and within the given time. The status or result of the TPM can also be provided to the production line being inspected.
Preventive, predictive maintenance and repair
In the event of a breakdown or planned maintenance, maintenance personnel appreciate having a repair plan, machine documentation, drawings, manuals and other necessary information at hand. Augmented reality technology allows them to have all this information literally on their mind. Augmented reality glasses allow him to access and view documents on the corporate network as he needs them. This allows the maintenance worker or technologist to consult the documentation directly at the location of the activity. If he encounters a more complicated problem, he can use the device to communicate remotely with a colleague or an expert from the equipment manufacturer. He can share the images from the cameras on the equipment with them and they can indicate to him how to proceed in his field of vision.
This is just the beginning of the implementation of augmented reality
These were just a few of the basic applications that can be set up using industrial augmented reality. All instructions are prepared in advance, based on the best practices of the manufacturing company. Following them precisely thus eliminates, for example, differences between the performance of experienced and new employees. This leads to higher efficiency and availability of production lines/equipment, lower scrap rates, reduced repair times and TPM.
These generated savings are then the desired benefit and goal of deploying this technology. Already in the preparatory phase, bottlenecks are identified for which augmented reality technology is suitable. The possibilities are endless. I am sure you can already think of many possible areas where this technology could help you. The key is to provide all staff with the experience of the best and retain them for the long term. To make workers’ jobs easier and more efficient. Protect them from the possibility of making a mistake, or greatly enhance their ability to find one. Enable them to achieve rapid support or call for help.
What do we offer?
cmoore.cz specializes in these areas of industrial augmented reality applications. We will be happy to introduce you to the possibilities of the technology with a simple, active presentation. We will bring a simplified assembly station to your company and you will use Microsoft Hololens to assemble and/or inspect parts you have never seen before. With your own experience, you will then be much better able to think about the possibilities of deploying this technology. We would be delighted if we could agree on further steps together, preferably a pilot project in your company.
If you are interested in this topic, please feel free to get in touch with us, ideally by arranging a demo presentation at your location – Request an Mixed Reality Demo Presentation.
If you have any questions, you can also direct your inquiries to our email: info@cmoore.cz.
If you want to read more about AR/MR, then visit the articles in our Blog.