Industry 4.0 is the term we use to refer to the fourth industrial revolution, a change in the way of organizing production means consisting of the introduction of digital technologies in the industry.
Industrial digitization is a transformation towards the implementation of hyperconnected smart factories where it is possible to access and modify, in real-time, the behavior of the different elements that make up the system. In this fourth industrial revolution, technology is put at the service of the industry to improve the efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety of industrial processes.
Industry 4.0 through Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are two essential technologies for the transition to Industry 4.0, they allow industrial companies to undertake this path towards digitization. Both use virtual environments (Virtual Reality) or incorporate virtual elements into reality (Augmented Reality) that provide useful knowledge and information for the optimization of processes. There are four specifically the fields of application of these technologies that we will now list.
Applications of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Industry 4.0
Layout optimization
Plant maintenance and control
Operations training and operator training
Assistance and resolution of incidents
The implementation of Industry 4.0 through Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality entails a series of benefits for industrial companies. But in this post we will focus on what Augmented Reality has to offer:
Plant maintenance and control with Augmented Reality
Another use of Augmented Reality focuses on the maintenance and repair of machinery, one of the things that RealWear and Teams also focus on. Normally, at the time of failure, the operator does not have the instruction manuals for the machine in question at hand to proceed with the repair. He must look for them, or the professional who knows the operation of the machinery, with the consequent loss of time and stoppage of the plant’s production.
Augmented Reality comes to solve these problems. The operator, when the failure occurs, puts on the Augmented Reality glasses and, through them, follows the steps detailed in the virtual instruction manuals that are projected onto the lens to resolve the incident. The glasses recognize the different parts of the machine and visually indicate to the operator where he must act to solve the problem.
RealWear HMT-1
This is often referred to as the best AR smartglass on the market today. Equipped with a recording capability of up to 30 fps and a 16 MP camera, it is capable of recording and capturing high-quality images, making it easier for users to better understand work processes in modern industry.
This AR device has a very strong frame, can withstand being dropped from a height of 2 meters. Not only that, RealWear HMT-1 is also resistant to exposure to high-intensity water and dust, making it suitable for use in extreme industrial environments such as mining.
AR devices commonly used in extreme industrial environments are hands-free. Likewise with RealWear HMT-1, as users do not need to use their hands at all (to operate the device). RealWear HMT-1 is an AR device that outperforms its competitors for the following reasons:
- More CPU
The display appears as a 7 ”tablet
PPE Compatible
Compatible with many Android applications
This tool accommodates clear digital workflows
RealWear HMT 1 price is affordable
And so on …
Without a doubt, AR and VR technology are the backbones of the modern industry. These two technologies and the combination of them help in tasks that were nearly impossible in the past.
Conclusion
In summary, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are essential technologies driving Industry 4.0 and the digitization of manufacturing. Devices like the RealWear HMT-1 AR smartglasses are proving invaluable for industrial applications such as maintenance, training, and incident resolution. As digital transformation continues to reshape factories, VR and AR will play a central role in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and safety across industrial operations. Companies that adopt these immersive technologies as part of their Industry 4.0 strategies will be well-equipped to stay competitive in the years to come.
