The Industrial IoT is gradually moving out of its inception phase and being more active in the production area. After the integration of IoT in the manufacturing industry, business operations have transformed to a large extent. Simultaneously Augmented Reality (AR) is growing as a human-centric visual technology in a physical environment. While these two technologies have their own role to play in manufacturing, their combination can effectively merge the digital and physical worlds.
When AR and IoT combine for manufacturing, they can drive efficiency and productivity for enterprises. It can recognize errors, reduce accident rates, identify the potential of each machine, and can offer many more benefits to manufacturing.
Role of IoT in Manufacturing
Industrial IoT Solutions effectively impacts almost all areas of the manufacturing process such as predictive maintenance, supply chain management, quality control, and many more. Moreover, IoT-based real-time asset monitoring and connected smart devices enhance the efficiency of manufacturing operations. IoT manages a network of sensors that collects critical production data and uses a cloud network to transform this data into valuable insights.
Role of AR in Manufacturing
Augmented Reality (AR) is changing the way the workforce connects and interacts in manufacturing. Augmented Reality allows overlaying of real-world objects and environments with 3D virtual objects. It enables the interaction of virtual and real-world objects to create intended meanings. Technologies like AR remote assistance guide and track manual processes which give a new understanding of operations. Augmented reality empowers organizations with data and problem solving which increase overall efficiency and productivity.
How AR and IoT Work Together
As IoT is rapidly evolving, it allows enterprises to collect a large number of data which helps in monitoring asset performance. While leveraging this data, enterprises can strive for business continuity which enhances operational efficiency and can handle major challenges of the industry remotely.
This is where AR comes in as its combination with IoT, can turn data into meaningful insights which give workers relevant information regarding various aspects of the business. These insights help employees to make informed decisions and perform tasks effectively. As a result, errors are reduced and business processes become more efficient.
Let’s move ahead and see how AR and IoT combination can offer various benefits to manufacturing.
Data Visualization
The combination of IoT-AR solutions lets the workforce visualize, analyze, and understand data, which, in turn, allows them to navigate their environments effectively. People can understand data properly by viewing it in 3D versions. It provides relevant data and knowledge to solve problems in the most effective way. This combination of IoT-AR helps organizations to manage equipment and operations efficiently.
Also Read : How Manufacturing Industries Benefit from Augmented Reality Remote Assistance Solution
Problem Identification
IoT and AR applications combine various kinds of data in a single view that enables workers to analyze objects and spaces better. In turn, it will help diagnose problems in physical objects and their surroundings. For instance, workers can identify issues with complex machinery without the need to open it or go through every rack on a shelf to locate a part.
Making Right Decisions
IoT-AR solutions help the workforce to make smarter decisions by combining a high volume and large variety of relevant data into a single view. IoT-AR applications can also connect workers with remotely located experts who guide them in real time. Devices such as AR Remote Assistance App allows frontline employees to directly connect with someone who has deep knowledge of complex machinery that translates into desirable results. In a way, the IoT-AR combination gives actionable insights that can translate into positive business results.
Enhancing Human Capabilities
Companies can use IoT-AR solutions to guide employees in performing complex tasks more easily. For instance, simulation of products and IoT data overlaying on them can train employees to assemble equipment or use machinery. For example, hospitals can use these solutions to train their healthcare professionals.
Asset Management
Companies can assist employees to make improvements in complex equipment and creating an AR application that superimposes IoT data on the visual representation of various components of machines. Such representations allow workers to look within the machine even in difficult areas so that they can identify issues easily.
AR enables the overlay instructions on the image as well as displays real-time guidance from remotely located experts while workers do the repairing. For instance, IoT sensors are embedded in on-site machinery, and workers wearing AR glasses can walk the floor to gain insights about equipment functioning. A closer look into a piece of equipment can give more specific information about the machinery.
Cost Reduction
Organizations can minimize operational costs by using IoT and AR technologies to improve labor productivity, reduce material waste, reduce asset downtime, and optimize working capital. In fact, a simple IoT-AR solution that provides real-time, context-specific data to assist workers in equipment repair can boost first-time fix rates (FTFR) and reduce errors which can decrease the cost of materials and prevent frequent visits by technicians.
Increased Revenue
Organizations can utilize IoT-AR solutions to increase the speed of operations which in turn also boosts business output. Enterprises can also use these two technologies to develop new products and services that for generating more revenue. For instance, enterprises can manufacture premium maintenance services built on IoT and AR that can help them to retain customers, reduce the churn rate, and earn customer loyalty.
Ending Note
The combination of IoT and AR enhances the ways interactions take place in the manufacturing sector. However, to leverage such advancements in Industry 4.0 manufacturing ecosystem, companies should know where to deploy these technologies, create an ecosystem that supports AR Remote Assistance App, and bring skilled people to utilize them efficiently. Companies can achieve reduced costs, increased revenues, and improved customer experience.
Rejig Digital is your trusted partner for offering top-notch manufacturing industry solutions. Our high-end customized solution can help enterprises across various industries achieve operational efficiency by transforming their processes.
