Augmented reality

As the term "augmented" implies, the real world is extended by additional digital content. This virtual content is then either freely positioned in the real world, or images, 3D models or even entire rooms are recognised using computer vision, which serve as anchors for the content.

Through intelligent object/image recognition, the content remains in its intended position even when the camera of the end device moves. This enables a huge spectrum of possible applications. The difference to Mixed Reality (MR) is that the user cannot interact with the virtual objects as they are static.

Industrial fields of application

In the industrial context, there are many applications where AR technology can create significant added value.

The possibility of anchoring two- and three-dimensional virtual content in real space makes the presentation of additional information much more intuitive. The information can then be found exactly where it is needed. For example, an electrician can be equipped with AR glasses so that the required information on wiring is displayed directly in the control cabinet at the right place.

Another possibility to support the electrician during wiring is remote assistance. If the employee does not get any further at a work step, he or she can have an assistant switched on remotely. The assistant can then position additional information in the electrician's field of vision via the integrated camera of the AR headset. The information remains anchored at the set location.

In addition to supporting employees in the implementation of work, AR can also provide crucial support in preparing for work. Through the camera-based identification of real objects and their positioning, virtual 3D models can be superimposed. To display internal components, a real object now no longer needs to be disassembled.

This feature can be extended by three-dimensional animations. This makes it possible to train employees even without a real machine. The use of three-dimensional and animated step-by-step instructions can also drastically reduce the training effort and thus save considerable costs.
The previously frequently used research in operating instructions can thus be completely eliminated.

Since AR glasses, such as the Hololense 2 from the manufacturer Microsoft, also have ten-finger recognition, the glasses not only serve as a display, but can also be used to enter information. The operator can carry out interactions on virtually displayed user interfaces, which means that a machine can also be operated remotely without haptic input.

Web-AR

With web-based augmented reality solutions, downloading an application is no longer required. The AR application is accessed directly via the internet. A variety of operating systems and end devices are supported. However, the prerequisite is that the end device has a camera. Because there is no need to install the application, content can be made available on-demand. This has the advantage for the user that no additional effort is required until the content is displayed.

A disadvantage, however, is that web-based applications are limited in terms of the display resolution of the virtual objects. In addition, animations are only supported to a limited extent and for a short duration (cf. Google Scene Viewer AR). However, these limitations will soften in the future, as 5G technology enables significantly higher data transmission speeds with lower latency.

VR glasses as an AR device?

This is also possible. By using the so-called passthrough mode, VR glasses can access the integrated camera. This means that the filmed real environment is displayed on the VR glasses in real time. If virtual content is added, one finds oneself in a kind of augmented reality, except that the real environment is faded in as a video. So you see the environment as you would actually see it if you were not wearing a VR headset. This is possible with the Meta Quest, Quest 2 and the Rift S, for example.

Guide

A very informative and easy to understand guide has been published in Digitalradar MünsterLAND. In it you can learn how service processes can be made more flexible with AR.

Guide - Making service processes more flexible with AR

Focus group AR

In addition to the aforementioned guide, Digitalradar MünsterLAND also offers free participation in the Augmented Reality focus group.

The focus group provides a framework for informing each other in a small circle about the use of AR technology, discussing it and supporting each other in their own or joint projects.

Further information on the AR focus group

If you have any further questions about applications and implementation possibilities, please do not hesitate to contact the regional experts.