INTRO TO AUGMENTED REALITY ALSO KNOW AS ( AR )

Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology currently making a big impact with industrial applications allowing technicians to perform service and repairs by accessing the latest digital repair processes and service manuals. The technology is also being used for training providing a new level of digital knowledge like never before. AR Apps enable the user to view the real world with overlaid computer-generated images (CGI) – part design information, CAD data, text, and animations projected in the users’ field of view.

AR has been a topic of interest in the automotive industry with many of the leading manufacturers beginning to explore digital systems in conjunction with the internet of things (IoT). Technologies have matured becoming cheaper, advanced analytics using AI, and a new wave of automation coming with the Industry 4.0 theme. These advances are making it possible to gather and analyze data across machines, enabling faster, more flexible, and more efficient processes to produce higher-quality repairs at a reduced cost. This in turn will increase productivity, shift economics, foster industrial growth, and modify the profile of the workforce—ultimately changing the competitiveness of companies and regions.

Target Detection

Target detection and stability is a critical success factor for leading AR applications. Being able to move around a large object such as a vehicle or machine with a consistent target lock and correct overlay is essential for a satisfactory user experience. Whilst most AR developer platforms have some limitations with light reflections and are limited to 2D targets determined from a chosen view angle of a 3D object rather than full SLAM capability with a persistent location in the user environment. The virtual overlay in many cases drifts away and becomes misaligned from the real object as the user moves around beyond the original target viewpoint.

SMART ( AR ) Devices : Phones, Tablets & Smart Glasses

The most common AR devices are everyday smartphones and tablets. More recently a range of AR headsets has become available, though they are restricted on performance due to screen size and information accessibility also costing a significant amount more than a phone or tablet. All AR tools can detect real-world objects and allow CGI and data interaction with these objects on the digital platform. These systems also enable interactive real-time video streaming, remote communications, and information exchange via a multiuser platform.

CAD – Computer Aided Design

CAD, or computer-aided design and drafting(CAD), is a technology for design and technical documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. CAD in most cases is the key driver in AR applications allowing these digital parts to be engaged and interacted with.

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND SERVICE

Information at your fingertips

For applications in the automotive repair and service industry, AR provides several significant benefits. The primary benefit is hands-free context-relevant information such as technical datasheets, schematics, and step-by-step procedures appearing in the users’ field of view without obscuring the view of what they are working on. This makes the information more intuitive and can help the user pinpoint the location or object that is the subject of the information. Applications may be applied to show a technician an “x-ray like” view of the assembly highlighting where parts are and how to disassemble or reassemble them.

It’s also useful for showing technical notices on what can and cannot be repaired or modified without compromising the safety and integrity of the vehicle structures or systems.  Other applications include maintenance procedures and operating instructions for the equipment. For design and development applications, a virtual overlay of design changes can be projected onto the real assembly allowing the user to see if the part has the correct geometry or if there’s adequate clearance with adjacent parts in the assembly

Manuals and OEM Procedures

OEM repair and service procedures, training manuals, or data from equipment can be presented on a virtual dashboard. Similarly, virtual quality control check sheets can prompt the user to verify the status and condition of the job including capturing data and images for quality records. No more lost time searching for information or asking other technicians as this new technology, accessible via your smartphone, tablet, or an AR headset directs your attention to its exact location and provides information live at your fingertips. Even for consumer use changing a tire or setting car controls via AR provides a new level of virtual assistance.

Training & Instant Knowledge

AR technologies are going to play a significant part in providing both instructional information and guidance with real-time feedback during on-the-job training exercises. The advantages of providing real-time context-based training are being realized with improved access to relevant information and intuitive modes of learning. This results in trainees being brought up to speed in considerably shorter time frames than ever before. Instructional content and check sheets to confirm the user’s knowledge and confirm completion of the steps in the correct order and/or with measurable outcomes from the target objects.

Training Apps can also focus on interactive instructional information using pointers, animations, and embedded video. Training Apps may be structured for quick mode (basic level of information and prompts) and have options available for extra levels of detail such as explanations of the purpose and expected outcomes for each learning stage. Add-ons for image capture, markup, quiz results, and notes may be included to provide assessment records for the student/trainee.

Job Planner and Management

For service and repair tasks the job planning will provide exploded views of assemblies on the target object with sequence and embedded standard times for disassembly. Individual parts may be tagged and marked up for dismantling, repair or replacement with an image capture function pre-programmed by admin users or by default. Additionally, individual parts may be tagged with useful information such as material type, mass, and associated consumable items.

Remote Job Assistance

Provides the user with the ability to create a live connection overlay to a technical support expert who is then able to facilitate a guided troubleshooting scenario, service procedure, instructor feedback, or interactive estimator quote process.

WorxAR: AUGMENTED REALITY SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

by Tradiebot Industries

The WorxAR (AR) software is designed to digitally support businesses in achieving their goals by providing intuitive access to technical information, new skills development, quality control, time management, and waste reduction. Available as a standalone mobile App or online enterprise software tailored to your business or product requirements.

Enterprise Software & Stand Alone Mobile Applications

WorxAR is an Augmented Reality software providing seamless and intuitive delivery of context-relevant information via your own online platform or mobile App.

This groundbreaking AR technology will help businesses better connect, adapt, comply, assess and repair with your staff, customers or network.

WorxAR software solutions are offered both online or in mobile formats that can be tailored to suit each customer and their product requirements.

Example of some of the cool features available via the AR Technology

WorkAR Technology Objectives

• Eliminate time wasted looking for current technical and procedural information.
• An interactive and intuitive method of providing up to date standard operating procedures.
• Engaging method of delivering training with assessment feedback.
• Planning and managing jobs with standard times and inventory data.
• Easy method for delivering and capturing job data or QC records shared on a multi-user interactive platform.
• Digital user manuals and product information for consumer use.

The solution live at the AAAA / Collision Repair Expo Melbourne

Recommendations

The proposed Augmented Reality systems will enable seamless integration with business information systems facilitating standard operating procedures, training, vehicle damage assessment, and job estimation linked to procurement, claim application data entry, and job workflow management for continuous improvement.

Example of the SATA Spray Gun Maintenance Service App

Market Opportunities

As with all service industries, continued profitability and growth are the main goals. This is realized via improved product and service quality, and operational efficiency. A clear path to achieving this is by identifying and addressing waste associated with unproductive time, excess inventory, materials handling, and lack of procedural information. Capability and capacity to grow a business are also founded on the ability to build a dedicated and highly skilled workforce.

The collision and mechanical repair industry are undergoing a transformation with the adoption of digital technologies that facilitate global connectivity, greater access to critical information, lean-agile operations strategies, and new modes of fast-tracked training and upskilling of technicians. A vast majority of data and business information services have moved to cloud-based platforms offering flexibility to expand and evolve features and functionality beyond what was previously imagined.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT USING AR IN YOUR BUSINESS?

 

www.tradiebot.com

Watch the full WorxAR Training and Service video for Automotive use.