It’s been dubbed the ‘technology that will change the world’ and is already transforming how many manufacturing and engineering operators work. Yet we are still only at the start of the extended reality (XR) revolution and have barely scratched the surface of its potential.
XR is the umbrella term covering the various technologies that provide virtual and augmented experiences. While XR technology has been around for decades, its costs have been prohibitive to all but the biggest industrial operators. However, recent innovations and advances have made it more accessible and affordable to smaller businesses and mainstream consumers.
From a business perspective XR is the next step in immersive technology. It is fast becoming a key driver of change as manufacturing, engineering and commercial production processes evolve, helping operators achieve higher efficiency, productivity, safety and sustainability levels.
Here, we take a look at what XR is, how it can benefit your business and what the future might hold for this fast-emerging technology.
What are the different forms of extended reality?
Extended reality is the next step in the evolution of technology. It offers a new type of experience that combines the physical and digital worlds to create an immersive environment. The most common forms of extended reality are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). They both have similar qualities but are different from each other in many ways.
Virtual reality
VR technology allows users to interact with and experience three-dimensional worlds. It’s commonly used in gaming and entertainment but is increasingly being utilised in all sorts of industrial, engineering and manufacturing settings.
VR creates a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that a person can interact with in a seemingly real or physical way, using special electronic equipment such as a VR helmets or goggles, or gloves fitted with sensors. While VR has been around for decades, it’s only recently become more mainstream with the advent of better hardware and software. It has already shown great potential in various industries.
One of the most promising applications of VR is in the field of industrial design and manufacturing. The potential applications of VR are almost limitless. VR can be used to create virtual prototypes of products, which can be tested for functionality and durability. This allows companies to save time and money by avoiding costly physical prototypes. It can also help users gain experience in complex manufacturing procedures without creating any physical risks.
Augmented reality
AR provides a live view of a physical, real-world environment and augments it with digital elements such as graphics, video or sound. It superimposes computer-generated images on the user’s view of the real world. AR technology allows businesses to train their employees more efficiently by providing a realistic experience without the need for expensive equipment or facilities. It can also be used to provide an immersive experience for customers, giving them a better understanding of a product or service.
Businesses in a range of industries are now using AR to provide enhanced customer experiences and drive operational efficiencies. For example, it can be used to create virtual assembly instructions that can be superimposed on a real-world object. This can help workers more easily understand how to assemble complex products. Additionally, AR can be used for quality control purposes, such as inspecting products for defects or identifying areas that need improvement.
AR also has numerous potential applications in the engineering field. For example, it can be used to create virtual prototypes of products or structures that allow engineers to test the feasibility of designs before committing time and resources to develop physical prototypes.
Mixed reality
Mixed reality (MR) is a term for the blend of VR and AR technologies. It’s also sometimes referred to as hybrid reality. MR can be used in industrial, manufacturing and engineering applications as well as in business. For example, it can be used to create virtual prototypes of products before they are manufactured. This can help engineers identify potential design problems and make changes before production begins. It can also be used in business settings to create immersive, interactive experiences for customers or to train employees on how to use new software or machinery.
The key difference between mixed reality and other VR/AR technologies is that MR allows users to interact both with virtual and real-world objects, using special controllers, gloves or other devices that track the users’ movements. Unlike VR, which creates an entirely immersive artificial world, MR allows users to interact with digital content in a real-world setting.
What are the key business benefits of extended reality?
Extended Reality has already started to change the way we work, play, and learn. It will continue to do so in the future. Here are some of the key benefits that XR can offer businesses:
Verbesserte Sicherheit
XR technology is quickly becoming commonplace in many industrial and manufacturing settings and has vast potential to improve workplace health and safety. It can be used to create digital representations of work environments, allowing for better planning and execution of tasks. XR applications can help workers visualise potential hazards in their work environment and give them a realistic idea of what they may encounter on the job. By allowing workers to experience dangerous situations in a controlled setting, they will be better prepared to handle them should they occur in real life.
Better training
Businesses across various industries are beginning to adopt XR technology in their training programs, and this trend will likely continue as the technology becomes more accessible and affordable. These early adopters will have a significant advantage in terms of training and developing their employees. XR can be used to create realistic simulations of industrial or manufacturing environments, allowing employees to gain experience with new equipment or processes without having to put the company’s operations at risk. It can be used to create immersive educational experiences that allow students to learn complex concepts more quickly and effectively and boost their understanding and retention of information. Additionally, XR technology can be used to create simulations of real-world scenarios that would be too dangerous or expensive to recreate in reality.
Reduced costs
XR has been touted as a way of reducing production costs in many industries. By overlaying digital information in the real world, MR technology can provide employees with new levels of data and insight that can improve efficiency and productivity. In addition, by immersing workers in realistic simulations, AR and VR can help reduce training costs and increase safety. While the technology is still in its early stages, there are already several ways that it can help businesses achieve efficiencies. For example, workers using AR to assemble products can have all the information they need right in front of them, which can help them work faster and make fewer mistakes. Additionally, VR can be used to train employees on how to use equipment or perform tasks, saving on training costs.
Enhanced productivity
XR technology has the potential to revolutionise productivity in many industries. For example, in industrial and manufacturing settings, XR can be used to create virtual prototypes of products or processes, allowing for faster and more efficient design and development. In engineering, it can be used for simulations and training exercises, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming physical testing. And in business settings, XR can be used for sales and marketing purposes, providing immersive experiences that can help close deals or drive customer engagement. The possibilities are endless, and the potential productivity gains are significant.
Let Banelec help you make the most of XR technology
Extended reality technologies can help elevate your production processes to a new level and play an essential role in adapting to ever-evolving market expectations and customer demands. However, that can happen only when Industry 4.0 becomes an integral part of your business strategy. It’s all about creating a vision for how you will leverage emerging XR technologies and techniques to transform your business model.
Getting ahead of the game is essential, as these technologies will become more commonplace in even the smallest factories and production facilities. So, if you’re ready to make your manufacturing processes smarter, safer and more sustainable, Banelec can help. Get in touch today to find out how.