Above: AR could provide more precise tools for intricate manufacturing.
Image Credit: Model N
Augmented reality is poised to radically improve manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. AR can superimpose holographic images and instructions onto the real world, which is immensely valuable for educating workers on how to use large machinery or specialized devices.
The technology also has the potential to increase productivity in warehousing and transport by optimizing processes across the entire supply chain. I spoke to AR thought leaders and investors who gave me three key insights from into how the technology will disrupt manufacturing in terms of training, logistics, and transportation.
On-the-spot training for tomorrow’s workforce
AR applications will be highly valuable for training skilled talent in manufacturing hubs. The technology can spur significant improvements in productivity by shortening the learning curve for on-site staff. Industrial AR company Atheer, for example, has created an enterprise AR application that provides remote subject matter calling, access to contextual documentation and resources, step-by-step task guidance, and barcode scanning — all of which can be directly transmitted to an on-site employee’s smart glasses.
This technology could easily be expanded into other skilled trades, such as various engineering disciplines, welding, plumbing, and electricity systems. With the rise of automation potentially eliminating manual roles, AR training tools will be useful in future-proofing the global workforce.
Rob Crasco, Virtual and Augmented Reality Influencer, expands on how AR training will prepare workers for the future: “Augmented reality is a natural fit for on-the-spot training as it takes the education out of the classroom and into the field where it can be applied to actual work situations. Workers can see the correct methods to perform a task as they do it themselves, and these instructions can be recalled as required, all without a human trainer in the loop.”
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Narayan continues: “by providing real time instructions, gathering feedback, combined with AI integrations to change workflow in real time, companies can reduce down time in training, errors, and dependency on specialized skillsets. While the consumer growth of AR headsets is still in the prototype stage, the impact to enterprises — and specifically to global logistics — is a no brainer with a real ROI.”
Optimization of transport
AR applications could streamline the time it takes to identify packages and determine their route and destination. For example, an AR mobile app or wearable device can project information about the type of goods being transported, each package’s weight, and whether it is fragile.
The device could then calculate the space required for the package and search for a suitable spot in the driver’s vehicle, taking into account the planned route. Moreover, once the driver is en route, AR applications could display digital directions into the immediate environment. If directions aren’t readily available, a driver could add markers to an open database, thus creating a sort of crowdsourced guide for other drivers.
Tom Cole, Managing Partner at Hone Capital, expands on how AR can optimize global transport: “AR will dramatically improve logistics, and the potential applications are numerous, spanning warehouse operations, transportation optimization, and last-mile delivery. For example, in the transportation segment, there are natural use cases not only in freight loading optimization and completeness checks, but also in dynamic traffic support where traditional navigation systems in delivery vehicles can be replaced by AR glasses or windshield projection.”
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Source: Venture Beat