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Manufacturing companies are revolutionized with AR/VR technologies to operate across the value chain. The reason for the adoption of the technology in the mainstream application is efficiency enhanced, accuracy, and productivity.

The most essential tool in manufacturing firms is AR and VR technology to provide an immersive experience for designers, engineers, maintenance technicians, as well as end customers.

AR and VR in Design and Prototyping

In design and prototyping, AR and VR technologies have been adopted for more intuitive and immersive experiences than any of the traditional design tools available. 3D models of products, components, and assemblies can be created using AR/VR to test them virtually to identify any design flaws. The designers are enabled for using the technologies to visualize and experience a product before it is manufactured to reduce the time and costs associated with physical prototyping.

AR and VR in Production

In manufacturing production processes, efficiency, safety, and productivity have been improved with the implementation of AR/VR. The use of AR glasses supports the operators in guiding through assembly instructions and training them using the complex equipment for reducing the learning curve for new employees.

The real-time data are also provided with AR technology for operators that includes equipment status, quality control parameters, and maintenance instructions, reducing downtime and improving productivity.

The hazardous environments can be simulated with VR technology such as high-temperature areas, heavy machinery, or hazardous chemicals, to provide a safe environment for employees for training on safety procedures. Remote collaboration can also be used by VR between employees working in different locations, reducing travel time and costs, and facilitating real-time communication.

AR and VR in Maintenance

In maintenance processes, AR and VR technologies are implemented for improving efficiency, safety, and accuracy. AR/VR is used by maintenance technicians for visualizing the equipment and identifying any malfunctions, providing real-time information on the cause of the problem, repair instructions, and replacement parts as needed. The process supports reducing the required time for maintenance, accuracy is improved and the associated costs are reduced with equipment downtime.

AR and VR in sales and marketing

In sales and marketing, AR and VR technologies are well adopted by providing immersive experiences for customers. The use of AR/VR by the customers helps them in experiencing the product before purchasing it to provide a virtual showroom for products. The VR technology also enabled customers to experience the product in different settings and locations.

The above-mentioned expertise provides support for manufacturers with AR and VR technologies across the value chain. The technologies also provide a more immersive experience with reduced time and costs associated with physical prototyping, safety improvement, and efficiency, and also enhance the sales and marketing process.

AR/VR technologies are adopted by manufacturers for being able to differentiate themselves from competitors and provide customers with a unique and memorable experience. The technology also continues to evolve with more and more manufacturing companies by adopting AR/VR technologies for enhancing operations and providing a competitive edge in the market.

The examples of manufacturing companies adopting AR/VR technologies for improving operations are:-

1. Ford Motor Company: The AR technology implemented by Ford are design process, that allows designers to virtual test new car models before physical prototyping. The efforts help in reducing the time and costs associated with design and prototyping to enable the company in bringing new models to market faster.
2. Airbus: The AR technology has been implemented by Airbus in the production processes, providing real-time data for operators and improving productivity. It uses VR technology also for training employees on safety procedures by reducing the risk of accidents and improving employee safety.
3. Coca-Cola: The AR technology used in marketing campaigns provides customers with an immersive experience. An AR app created by the company allowed customers for interacting with a virtual Santa Claus during the holiday season.
4. Siemens: The AR technology has been implemented by the company for the maintenance processes, enabling maintenance technicians to identify and repair equipment malfunctions more efficiently. The company uses VR technology for simulating hazardous environments and also training employees on safety procedures in a safe environment.
5. Caterpillar: The AR technology implemented in the production processes provides real-time data for operating and improving productivity. The VR technology used by the company for simulating the operation of heavy equipment allows the employees to be trained on equipment operation in a safe and controlled environment.

The AR/VR technologies are adopted for improving the company operations to evolve, more and more to enhance the operations for a more competitive edge in the market.

Source: Statista, AR/VR Tech, XMReality