Critical production machine failures are a common occurrence in large manufacturing facilities. In the past, bringing the unit back online would require scheduling an appointment with a repair technician, resulting in at least a day of downtime for the entire assembly line and a tremendous cost for the business.
However, the way manufacturers react to such a momentary crisis may change with the spreading utilization of new remote assistance technology powered by 5G. For example, by wearing smart glasses, a worker can remotely connect via videoconference with a senior technician. Using the live video feed, the expert can share equipment diagrams and point a digital marker in the worker’s field of view to guide them through the repair. Remote assistance for simple fixes and repairs allows facilities to get back up and running quickly or expedite the spare parts order process to minimize downtime.
The potential benefits of augmented reality (AR) technologies —often deployed as smart glasses, tablets, and other mobile devices —are quickly increasing in industries like manufacturing, construction, and aerospace.