The pandemic has played a significant role in pushing digital transformation through automation and robotics solutions into various industry operations to stay relevant in those tough times. While the wave of COVID has passed, the rapid evolution of the business climate in 2023 keeps forcing manufacturing executives to incorporate advanced techs like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and AI-enabled robotics to enable seamless production, distribution and warehouse operations.
Automation has become an integral part of many manufacturing businesses. Research shows a significant boost in the industrial automation market from a valuation of $ 40.6 billion in 2023 to $ 81.4 billion by 2033 (estimated prediction). Where US market is showing strong demand for industrial robotics at a record compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% in 2023.
Sectors like automotive, aerospace, retail, and pharmaceuticals are a few examples that have seen massive growth by including automation and robotics in their plant floor.
However, many modern manufacturing plants still depend heavily on human efforts. This led to revenue loss, inefficient delivery speed, and operation errors. By investing in robotics and automation solutions, companies at any scale can leverage their benefits to overcome assembly line roadblocks.
AR/VR Providing Agility to Manufacturer
The COVID-19 pandemic has had ever-lasting effects on many industries, including manufacturing. One key takeaway from this unprecedented crisis is the need for greater operational flexibility, where advanced technology and automation can play a critical role. The ability to scale production up or down quickly without disrupting hourly shifts has become essential in meeting project deadlines and ensuring manufacturing efficiency.
In this context, technologies like AR/VR-driven robotics and automation are becoming increasingly vital on plant floors. These innovations are helping manufacturers adapt to changing supply chain and logistics demands while also improving safety and productivity.
As we look to the future of manufacturing, it’s clear that advanced technologies and automation will continue to drive innovation and efficiency. By embracing these solutions, manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve and position themselves for success in a competitive market.
So, whether it’s a pandemic, a natural disaster, or a sudden surge in demand, operational flexibility is key to maintaining manufacturing efficiency. And with the help of advanced technologies, manufacturers can adapt to any challenge and emerge stronger.
Great Results at a Minimal Effort
As we navigate the year 2023, global supply chain disruptions are becoming increasingly common, and manufacturers are looking for ways to address these challenges in new and innovative ways. One way to do this is by improving supply chain visibility, which was identified as the single most important business priority by 59% of manufacturers in 2022.
To achieve these goals, manufacturers are turning to advanced automation-driven technologies. These technologies are paving the way for:
- Supply chain improvements
- Enabling manufacturers to track products in real-time
- Optimize delivery routes
- Proactively identify and address potential disruptions before they occur
By doing so, they can improve customer satisfaction and streamline operations, all while mitigating the risk of supply chain disruptions.
Spearheading Manufacturing with Cloud-based Automation
To get the maximum output from your automation-based robotics approach, employing AR/VR technology plays an essential role. Moreover, when applying it to manufacturing, certain aspects must be considered. Manufacturers and designers who utilize AR/VR capabilities can conduct real-time 3D visualization and CAD (computer-aided design). Results in:
- Shortening training cycles
- Allowing experts to focus on core work
Additionally, some manufacturers have reported significantly reduced errors by using AR/VR, resulting in improved planning and visualization through instructions overlay and remote assistance. In some instances, this has led to a significant productivity increase.
Cloud-based AR/VR removes the limitations of scalability and performance from the manufacturer and utilizes distributed cloud architecture, AI and 3D to forefront industrial innovation at speed.
Experience Immersive Mixed Reality with 3D and AI
Achieving an accurate overlay of a digital model or twin onto a physical object is a critical requirement for mixed-reality applications. By doing so, manufacturers can easily track any errors & defects to provide valuable instructions to their assembly/training workers. Moreover, the user can adjust the rendering anytime in between the work progress.
Relying on 2D tracking can result in accuracy. Because 2D tracking can’t calculate the depth and, as a result, cannot estimate the scale and pose with high precision, most on-device object tracking systems use 2D picture and marker-based monitoring, significantly restricting the precision of overlays in 3D. It signifies that even if consumers see what appears to be a good match from a particular point or angle, the overlay shows alignment errors as the user moves around in 6DOF (six degrees of freedom).
Some real-world examples of AR/VR helping manufacturers —
- DHL, a renowned logistics company, leverages AR potentials with its smart warehouse glasses to guide workers and record necessary data for smoother operations and reduce error.
- Another great example would be the incorporation of VR and 3D tools by popular car manufacturer Hyundai to design test models and simulate real-world scenarios to evaluate systems.
Final Say…
Today’s market accelerates the need for digital transformation for manufacturers to stay relevant in the game. And by adding AR/VR into the arsenal, they can optimize the whole robotic factory machine lineup without compromising on the level of visibility.
The aid of robotics supported by AR/VR to upgrade automation efforts has been mastered by several software testing services. Having a trusted AI automation testing partner well equipped with the latest technologies is a huge advantage for manufacturing organizations handling complex software suites.
