Other technologies


How real is augmented reality?

First Quarter 2020 Other technologies

The early morning air was cold when we arrived at the mine for an underground visit. Our hosts were keen to show us the practical challenges of the drilling and blasting operation, and the many ways in which rock fragments containing ore are removed to the surface for processing. At the rock face the drilling process was an eye opener – hot, uncomfortable and hazardous. Knowing where to drill to optimise the blast pattern is a skilled operation. It was apparent that drilling was a manual operation, and there was a lot that could go wrong.

The aim of our visit was to see how augmented reality (AR) might be used to improve the drilling procedures, while enhancing safety. Could an AR display be used to help analyse and superimpose the most efficient layout of the drilling pattern on the rock face for marking the holes? Could a virtual device such as Google glass or Microsoft Hololens be practically used in such a harsh environment? Since then there have been many important developments in AR technologies, and innovations in heads-up displays now make many suitable for use in industrial environments. These displays, together with artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies, promise to be a game changer in the way operators will work in future.

What is augmented reality?

AR is the augmentation of the physical world with context aware visual information that can be used to help operators make better decisions, or help guide their actions. The visual information is usually text, a 2D drawing or a 3D model, object or hologram, which is overlaid onto the physical world. In the control room environment, AR can be seen as an evolution of the human machine interface (HMI). With new augmented reality technologies, we can now move out of the control room and support field operators and maintenance technicians with real-time process information in the field.

The same design considerations that apply to good control room HMI also apply to AR systems. The goal is to provide additional information to improve decision making, not replace human judgement or take away responsibility for decisions or actions taken

Practical applications

In industrial manufacturing, there are many practical examples of AR applications. The business goal is to reduce costs, improve productivity and enhance safety.

In complex assembly or maintenance procedures, augmented reality can help with a visualisation of the right way to assemble or disassemble a piece of equipment. The display can provide quick access to visualisations of the task at hand based on 3D models that provide a technician with step by step instructions.

AR technologies can be used to inspect items of equipment in the field for quality control purposes. The actual item can be compared with a reference image and AI techniques used to indicate a pass/fail when any defects are detected.

Human experts can remotely assist field technicians with complex tasks by monitoring the work being done through a camera and providing guidance on complex procedures. This can be particularly useful where expert skills are scarce and not located on site.

AR systems can identify elevated safety risk to warn people working in the field. This can be determined by a visual analysis combined with data from the DCS/scada and IIoT devices and the maintenance/work permit systems.

The location of people can be tracked through IIoT devices and this information presented on an AR display to improve coordination and productivity of teams in the field. This could be particularly useful in highly regulated or hazardous plants, as well as for supporting rescue operations.

The HMI dilemma

Since the system as a whole needs to take into account human behaviour and this can introduce several design challenges. There is a real risk of a human placing too much reliance/trust in the system and not paying sufficient attention to the whole environment. The system ideally needs to recommend rather than instruct the operator.

In closure

The growth of AR technologies will result in more and more industrial manufacturing applications becoming mainstream. Areas such as expert support and complex assembly/maintenance are the most likely to see early adoption of systems, particularly where there are many identical repetitive but complex tasks to be performed.


Gavin Halse.

Caution is advisable, as with any emerging technology. Start by becoming familiar with exactly what technology is available and find out what the vendors are working on. Look for practical case studies in your industry that can guide you away from making expensive mistakes. In deciding on AR investments, always be led by the business priorities and do not get carried away by hype.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.

Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.

Read more...
Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.

Read more...
Electric chain hoist where advanced features are standard
Other technologies
Konecranes has launched the new Konecranes D-Series electric chain hoist, designed to meet the demands of industries that require high-performance lifting equipment.

Read more...
Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.

Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.

Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.

Read more...
Regular maintenance of cutting fluids is essential to maintain quality
Other technologies
Regular cleaning and maintenance of cutting fluid systems significantly enhances overall efficiency by extending the life of the cutting fluids, reducing downtime and improving the quality of the end products.

Read more...
Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.

Read more...
Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved