The Future of Manufacturing
Post By: Ryan King On: 30-03-2020 - Industry 4.0 - Industry Trends - Manufacturing
Augmented reality (AR) may be the future of manufacturing, as firms seek innovative solutions to existing industrial problems. Industrial uses for AR are directed towards improving key areas in efficiency, quality and productivity.
AR relies on the accurate position tracking of objects and visual processing. Current AR solutions require an environment with sufficient available trackers, or differentiating visual features. These allow the user interface (by means of AR algorithms) to calculate the precise position of the camera in relation to the physical environment. Real objects identified in the camera feed are then overlaid with a 3D virtual model, to generate the resulting AR effect.
Trackers can help to situate the correlated 3D models accurately, but they are subject to environmental influences. Visual features must be clear enough for accuracy, and can often be affected by line of sight and the quality of light. One way of improving this is to attach stickers as visual markers, on or alongside objects, to enhance clarity for the trackers and enrich the definable environment. Alternatively, embedded 3D cameras can improve the tracking mechanism by providing an indication of depth between the target object and the camera, providing an additional 3D mapping layer.
Most use cases integrate AR with those parts of the production line where physical machinery, moving parts and robots can most feasibly be linked to 3D graphic models. Instances include instructions for various processes such as asset maintenance, assembly, validation and quality processing. Using a 3D design model for validation could reduce both the process cycle time, and the potential for human error. An operative on the shop floor might use AR to identify which part to use next in an assembly sequence or to validate a robotic program with a part generated by AR rather than a physical part. 3D models may also be overlaid onto physical parts for the purposes of quality inspection, contrasting the "as-built" product with the "as-planned" version.
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