Augmented reality expected to address manufacturing skills deficit

Manufacturers share knowledge where and when needed via augmented reality (AR). See eight leading AR applications, according to IHS Markit research.

By Alex West August 14, 2019

How can the factory of the future deal with the skills gap deficit? Research from IHS Markit finds augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies can help address the challenge of sharing knowledge within an organization and supporting fewer available skilled workers by providing on-the-job support, training and remote assistance.

An engineer fixing a piece of equipment can access user manuals and instructions through a heads-up display, allowing them to work uninterrupted and follow a step-by-step procedure hands-free. However, the process can be far more involved. In another use case, workers can be equipped with specialized glasses incorporating an audio link and a camera streaming what is being seen live. This can connect the worker to a remote “center of excellence” where experienced engineers are based and supporting colleagues around the world in real time.

Share expertise in real time

These experts can provide immediate on the job feedback and training to remote colleagues, walking them through the stages of a task with audio and visual directions on what should be done. This could include sharing images or even overlaying notes and markers onto the display the worker is seeing – for example, highlighting the part to be worked on. Such applications will become more important for companies dealing with the loss of in-house knowledge.

Other applications include providing workers with equipment readings across a plant, which can allow them to focus more on priority tasks and help them plan their routes to maximize efficiency.

Lockheed Martin AR use

For example, Lockheed Martin did a trial of AR technologies to produce its F-35 fighter plane. Engineers were equipped with educational software hosted on AR glasses. The glasses showed engineers where different parts should fit, along with part numbers, etc. Productivity improvements of 30% were achieved through engineers being able to work faster alongside more hands-on training. This helped ensure people with the minimum amount of training could complete jobs.

Alex West is an analyst with IHS Markit. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media, mhoske@cfemedia.com.

KEYWORDS: Augmented reality, skills gap

Augmented reality can help full the manufacturing skills gap.

Design, training and set-up planning are among leading AR applications expected by 2020.

Audio, visual help are among ways AR can help.

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Original content can be found at Control Engineering.


Author Bio: Alex West is an analyst, IHS Markit.