Managing Operational Complexity

Even for seasoned personnel, complex industrial processes present risks of errors. The numerous steps and precise specifications can lead to oversights or failures, resulting in significant losses of time and material, or even the rejection of entire batches. The use of augmented reality, through smart glasses, allows crucial information to be superimposed directly in the operator’s field of vision, thus reducing downtime and ensuring strict adherence to procedures at each step.

Traceability and Quality Assurance

In regulated sectors such as the aerospace or food industry, action traceability and compliance with standards are crucial. Deepsight technology, integrated into augmented reality devices, offers an innovative solution to record who performed which task, when, and under what conditions. Features such as audio-video capture or photo-taking upon task completion not only ensure the accuracy of operations but also provide irrefutable proof of the processes followed.

In the pharmaceutical industry, the rigor of each production step is also paramount, especially during product changeover phases on a labeling line. This process, called “line clearance,” is essential to ensure that no previous product is labeled with incorrect information. Typically, this involves a meticulous inspection of the production line, where employees sometimes have to remove components such as gears and belts to verify that no vials or bottles remain stuck somewhere in the mechanism.

The use of augmented reality in this context not only allows operators to be guided through the cleaning steps with precision but also offers the possibility to document the process. For example, asking operators to take a photo of a specific area after cleaning can serve both as a reminder of their responsibility and as proof that the area has been properly checked and cleaned. This technological approach adds a layer of safety and compliance, as it allows precise tracking of who performed each task, when, and how, thus minimizing the risks of cross-contamination and increasing the traceability of actions within the production line.

A recent incident involving missing screws on Boeing 737-900ER doors highlights the importance of these verification systems. AR could have been used to perform systematic safety checks before takeoff, ensuring that all critical components, such as door bolts, are properly installed and secured. This is applicable both in service centers and assembly plants.

Equipment Inspection

A concrete use case for this technology is equipment inspection by a technician, supported remotely by an engineer or expert. The technician, equipped with an AR headset, can receive real-time instructions overlaid on their field of vision. During the inspection, the engineer or expert, located remotely, can see exactly what the technician sees and provide precise and instant advice. This allows for quick problem-solving, improved inspection efficiency, and reduced equipment downtime. Deepsight connect is an excellent tool to allow the expert to see what the technician sees, and see where they are positioned in relation to their environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the continuous integration of augmented reality in industrial processes represents a major advancement, enabling faster, safer, and more compliant execution, even in the most routine operations. Its application is not limited to initiating novices but is an added value for experienced operators, offering measurable improvements in terms of quality, cost, and time. In an era where precision and efficiency are paramount, augmented reality positions itself as an essential pillar of Industry 4.0, facilitating not only daily management but also transitions towards disruptive innovations.

Contact us today to discover how augmented reality can revolutionize your operations!