Manufacturing companies have long been the frontrunner in using newer technologies in their tasks. The open-mindedness of these companies is what makes it easier for the manufacturing units to innovatively use technologies like extended reality (XR) to improve their workflow and the resulting output.  

Many manufacturing companies are already using Extended reality (XR) – the amalgamation of interactions between human and computer-generated graphics, to manufacture new products or to create quick mockups.     

4 ways the manufacturing sector are utilizing extended reality

Here are the five key ways in which manufacturing companies are using XR in their many functions. 

1. Accelerate the product development cycle

Extended systems can be used to test new design simulations, keeping in mind the needs of present and future customers. It also allows close collaboration between different teams such that rapid iteration throughout the product design process is maintained. Moreover, the process is accelerated with easy sharing of the design with the client and the ease of incorporating changes in the product designs

2. Prototype creation 

Creating prototypes using extended reality makes it much easier to obtain design reviews and continue digital prototyping. While this saves a lot of effort, it also reduces any material and power wastage. Furthermore, it is environment-friendly as well as cost-effective.

3. Gamified employee training

Employee training especially in manufacturing industries is expensive as well as time-consuming, not to mention the number of risks involved. Using extended reality in training employees provides a virtual environment for learners without the need for any physical equipment. Moreover, this gamification of employee training can improve knowledge retention and eventually reduce errors during manufacturing processes. 

4. Remote engineering using extended reality

With this technology, it is possible for engineers to live stream and guide operators through their manufacturing processes and provide expert advice. For example, a subject expert could be at the company headquarters while guiding the operator by seeing and simultaneously telling them what to do. Thus, the operators can share the real-time perspective with the experts and reduce errors. 

Why are manufacturers using extended reality?

Now that we know the various ways in which manufacturers can use XR, let’s see the various benefits that they can enjoy. 

1. Reduced Costs 

Extended reality can help save a significant amount of time and cost involved in running various machines and equipment. Also, any repairs or upgrades required in the machinery can be evaluated beforehand with extended reality. This makes it easier to continue work without any hiccups or any money wasted in manufacturing downtimes. It can also help catch bugs and allows the team to fix them well in time. 

2. Establish a human-machine interface (HMI)

Extended reality also has formed a better human and machine interface thus employing human cognition and machine ability to perform heavy tasks. Furthermore, it helps use human creativity and consciousness in combination with computer-generated technologies to open up new opportunities. 

3. Increasing Productivity 

Using extended reality in manufacturing allows the participation of operators as well as subject experts at the same time. This reduces the odds of any errors while significantly improving productivity. So much so, that studies show a 60% increase in productivity when companies use it in training as well as manufacturing. 

4. Improve Quality Control 

Extended reality ensures precision and accuracy while also ensuring critical quality control throughout all the processes. Also as productivity levels increase, companies can implement newer technologies that improve the quality and efficacy of the products. 

The extended scope of extended reality in manufacturing

The visual technologies that encompass XR including augmented reality, mixed reality, and virtual reality have found their own place in a variety of industries. These technologies are quickly becoming indispensable, thus increasing the urgency of implementing them. Platforms like HelloAR have been known to successfully guide companies into the world of extended realities.