The Benefits of Mixed Reality in Manufacturing: Explained

See What You've Been Missing with this Exciting New Tech

An employee on the factory line approaches a machine they’ve never operated in their life. As he does, labels for all of the different buttons and apparatuses blink into view. The employee is relieved to see, in simulated space, exactly how the machine works. Suddenly, this unfamiliar piece of equipment doesn’t seem so strange.

While this may sound like an excerpt from a science fiction novel, what we just illustrated is one of many benefits of mixed reality in manufacturing!

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed Reality blends natural objects and virtual ones via a headset, such as Microsoft’s HoloLens, worn by the user. Mixed reality also allows for virtual objects and menus to be interacted with by the user, providing a more engaging, intuitive use than other forms of virtual reality. The main difference between augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) is that AR simply overlays virtual objects over the real world while MR allows interaction between the real world and virtual elements. This fundamental discrepancy in intractability can be used in many innovative ways to benefit manufacturing efficiency across several industries.

Remote Troubleshooting

If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that remote work can apply to more than just office jobs. Of course, remote work can be difficult for manufacturers, whose work is tied to physical machinery that regularly needs to be maintained and inspected. Enter Mixed Reality.

Repair specialists have found great success in interacting with machine operators miles away through mixed reality. Troubleshooters and repair specialists receive a direct feed of what operators see on-site and aid them in fixing any breakdowns or issues. They can guide operators through visual cues for an easy-to-follow, step-by-step fix.

Product Design

Using simulation software such as Digital Twin tech, product designers can load virtual versions of product prototypes and interact with them in the real world. Here they can observe individual components, open up the product to gain a deeper understanding of its functions, and begin to answer some of the logistical questions that will determine whether this prototype is fit to be produced and tested further.

Reskilling and Training

Mixed Reality allows new hires and those learning recent posts to load up menus, instructional videos, and manuals right next to them as they work with machinery. Those still unable to be hands-on with dangerous equipment can even create virtual simulations of these devices and interact with them. Not only does this save on downtime for a machine that could otherwise be used to make a profit, but it also diminishes possibilities of injury, breakdowns, and more that could be caused by a pair of inexperienced hands operating dangerous hardware.

What’s Needed to Build a Mixed Reality in Manufacturing Program

Mixed reality, like several other industry 4.0 solutions, is an IoT-enabled Bluetooth technology. It draws in data from sensors and machines using its sensors and uses it to create the virtual realities employees can use to augment their work. That said, IoT machines and sensors capable of tracking performance and KPI are prerequisites for a mixed reality program.

Furthermore, computers and workstations designed to house this data need to be built to last in the industrial spaces they’re expected to be deployed in. Industrial panel PCs and HMI stations will need to be used near heavy machinery to protect against a certain degree of ingress. Industrial tablets and computers used within the factory will need IP65 secured bezels capable of keeping out harmful debris and moisture, which’s pretty standard when near these pieces of heavy machinery.

Additionally, a lot of manufacturing hardware and software is old and outdated. And while that may be the case, several plant owners rely on legacy hardware and software and require data to be pulled in from these devices as well. Naturally, this means ensuring deployed workstations and sensors support these legacy solutions. Custom mini PCs, fortunately, are a solution that can be customized to include ports and connections for your legacy hardware that can also house essential data with which to create mixed reality in manufacturing.

Mixed Reality in Manufacturing and its Benefits are Available Now

For more information on how a proper, industrial-grade computer or tablet can help you reap the benefits of mixed reality in manufacturing programs off the ground, contact an expert from Cybernet today.