Augmented Reality in Action – The Revolution in Industrial Maintenance
Augmented reality technology is transforming multiple industries. It superimposes digital information onto the physical world, enhancing real-life experiences with computer-generated perceptual information. In operations, AR technology provides innovative solutions to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and improve decision-making across various sectors.
The advantage of AR technology is its seamless integration into operational workflows. It provides real-time insights, visualisations, and instructions directly in the user’s field of vision. AR overlays digital data with physical objects or environments, enabling users to interact with and process information in previously unimaginable ways.
The presented solution offers a contemporary industrial maintenance approach that aims to enhance operations and productivity in various areas. The system integrates Indoor-Navigation, Defect Marking and Remote-Assistance functions to streamline maintenance processes and optimize efficiency. Technicians can navigate complex environments, report issues objectively, and collaborate with remote specialists effectively. The provided tools are designed to revolutionise traditional maintenance methods and achieve exceptional outcomes.
Indoor Navigation:
Advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Indoor Navigation is revolutionising the way technicians work in industrial environments. Upon receiving a work order, the mobile app guides the technician precisely to the specified locations or identified defects using AR. This process streamlines navigation and increases efficiency by significantly reducing the time required to search for specific areas within the plant. Furthermore, technicians have access to comprehensive work instructions, technical specifications, and other relevant data stored at each location within the app. This ensures that all necessary information is readily available. If any ambiguities arise during task execution, technicians can seamlessly request virtual remote support from colleagues or planners directly via the mobile app, promoting real-time collaboration and problem-solving.
One of the advantages of this Indoor Navigation system is its seamless integration with existing Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems, such as SAP, IBM Maximo, HxGN EAM, BMS and MS Dynamics Nav. Unlike conventional navigation methods based on GPS or WLAN, this innovative approach offers flexibility and compatibility, making it easy to implement in various industrial environments. Technicians can navigate through the production plant quickly and intuitively by using digital images and mapping the individual steps of the work order. This optimises the allocation of resources and operational processes, reducing downtime.
The system distinguishes itself from other industrial maintenance and operations systems by prioritising quality assurance. It employs automated monitoring and control mechanisms to systematically verify the complete execution of work orders, thereby reducing errors and enhancing overall performance.This proactive approach to quality management not only boosts productivity but also fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the organisation.
Defect Marking:
Defect Marking is a high-performance process for identifying and solving problems in production facilities. The system utilises the augmented reality (AR) module of a mobile application to accurately locate faulty parts or systems and record their position in the digital image or twin of the production plant. This data is then seamlessly integrated into the existing Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system to ensure comprehensive documentation and traceability. When accessing the EAM system, planners can retrieve flagged defects and inspect them further using the virtual reality (VR) module available on their desktop.This immersive experience enables planners to examine the environment and make observations.
Furthermore, the VR module enables planners to include contextual information that is crucial for technicians. It also allows them to add notes, comments, and delineations, thereby enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of communication with the technicians responsible for resolving the issues. Once the planning phase is complete, the system generates comprehensive work orders that provide technicians with all the necessary information and instructions.This system has the key benefit of being able to integrate seamlessly with a variety of
EAM systems, including SAP, IBM Maximo, HxGN EAM, BMS und MS Dynamics Nav, without requiring any additional infrastructure such as GPS or WLAN.
Integration simplifies implementation and ensures compatibility with existing workflows and procedures. Efficiency gains from fast and accurate defect detection via the mobile application result in significant time and cost savings for the organisation. Defect Marking sets a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness in facility management and maintenance work by streamlining the inspection process and providing comprehensive analysis and communication tools for planners and technicians.
Remote Assistance:
Remote support is provided using mobile devices or advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) or smart glasses. This enables real-time audio and video streaming during remote support sessions. The innovative approach facilitates seamless communication between technicians and support experts, regardless of geographical restrictions. Support experts use various tools during these interactive meetings. To improve clarity and comprehensibility, relevant parts of the system can be marked in real-time using arrows and other visual elements. Accompanying audio explanations should be provided to ensure that the markers remain clear and understandable even when the mobile device is moved. This approach ensures continuity and clarity throughout the support process. Additionally, integrating time tracking functions enables support experts to navigate back within the streaming timeline. This enables further exploration of previously discussed topics and the provision of additional guidance if necessary.
This collaborative approach rationalises task completion and raises safety and quality standards by providing clear instructions and guidance in real-time. The integration of advanced technologies, such as projecting 3D models, scans, or digital plans onto displayed objects, increases efficiency by precisely identifying and highlighting relevant components of the system. Remote Assistance offers numerous advantages. In addition to improved operational efficiency, these benefits include increased safety protocols, enhanced quality assurance, and significant cost savings through optimized resource utilization and reduced downtime.
The integration of Indoor Navigation, Defect Marking, and Remote Assistance into the existing EAM system provides a comprehensive solution for streamlined maintenance work. Technicians can seamlessly navigate through the plant using augmented and virtual reality technologies, access detailed instructions, and efficiently rectify marked defects.
This integration eliminates the need for GPS or WLAN and ensures continuous quality assurance, as well as rapid problem identification. Remote support also facilitates joint problem-solving, providing a good basis for increasing the efficiency of order processing, safety, and overall quality, while reducing costs associated with conventional methods.
The use of innovative technologies revolutionises maintenance processes, ensuring optimum performance and longevity of systems in industrial environments.