Real World Problems that Can be Solved with the Power of IoT and AR
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been on the rise for several years now, as more and more devices become connected to the internet, generating and exchanging data. But what if there was a way to take this data and make it more useful, more accessible, and more interactive? Enter Augmented Reality (AR), which has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the IoT, by providing a visual overlay of relevant and actionable data in real-time.
Imagine being a maintenance engineer, looking at a piece of heavy machinery and being able to see exactly where the problem areas are and which components need to be replaced. Or being a farmer and receiving real-time information on the moisture content of your soil and fuel levels in your tractor, or even being able to diagnose any potential issues with your equipment before you turn it on. This is the power of AR combined with IoT.
It’s not just a futuristic concept either – many large organizations like Microsoft, NASA, Volvo, Autodesk, and Caterpillar have already invested heavily into partnering with iot development companies to leverage the AR technology. For example, Microsoft’s Hololens has seen various use cases being tested by Autodesk and NASA, from building design to space exploration.
So, what are some real-world problems that can be solved by IoT and AR? Here are ten possibilities:
1. Cutting Inefficiency and Diagnosing Technical Problems
In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, time is money. Every second counts, and inefficiencies can lead to significant losses in productivity and revenue. This is where Augmented Reality (AR) steps in, providing an innovative solution to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
One of the main benefits of AR is its ability to diagnose technical problems quickly and accurately. By overlaying sensor data and key performance indicators (KPIs) onto real-world objects, technicians can instantly spot any operational warnings or production failures. This contextual display ensures that users can make informed decisions with increased efficiency and reduced downtime.
To achieve this, AR and internet of things systems connect multiple sensors and extract data, displaying the most user-friendly and relevant information based on context. This allows users to interact with the system, view 3D replicas of machines, access enterprise system information, and view sensor data such as RPMs, temperature, and oil.
2. AR Helmets
AR’s benefits extend beyond diagnosis and repair. Companies like DAQRI are partnering with iot development companies to develope AR helmets that not only protect workers on the industrial floor but also provide live assistance and step-by-step instructions for assembly or repairs. With thermal vision to spot overheating components and real-time instruction, AR helmets reduce the time spent referring to printed instructions and booklets, freeing up valuable time for more critical tasks.
3. Bringing Designs to Life
Designers often struggle to convey their vision to the rest of the team. But with AR, they can take their designs from two-dimensional screens and bring them to life in 3D. With a headset, designers can visualize their designs as if they’re right in front of them and make changes in real-time. Plus, engineers can use AR to overlay designs on existing products, making it easier to see what changes need to be made. You can read it here about latest IoT trends on Softeq’s blog. And architects and urban planners can use AR to see how their designs will fit into the surrounding environment.
4. Predicting Machine Failures Before they Happen
Equipment failures can be a nightmare for any business, leading to costly repairs and downtime. But with IoT and AI, machines can be monitored in real-time to detect anomalies and predict when they’re about to fail. Using AR, engineers can project real-time images or CAD diagrams on top of the machine to show exactly what needs to be fixed. This not only saves time and money but can prevent breakdowns before they happen, keeping your business running smoothly.
5. Revolutionizing Crop Monitoring and Farm Efficiency
Droughts can have disastrous consequences for farmers, but with IoT and AR, farmers can gain critical insights to help them better manage their crops. Sensors strategically placed in the soil can alert farmers to dry patches and provide real-time moisture levels, while temperature sensors give farmers the ability to monitor the soil’s temperature, ensuring the best conditions for their crops. Plus, by syncing sensors in tractors and pumps with their mobile applications, farmers can stay on top of fuel levels and prevent costly machinery failures.
6. Simplifying Assembly Process with AR
“A picture is worth a thousand words”. Which is true to the case of any assembly process.
Assembly processes can be complex, and user manuals can often overcomplicate what should be a straightforward process. That’s where AR comes in, revolutionizing assembly assistance by overlaying 3-D animations, circuit diagrams, and videos directly onto pieces of equipment. Imagine having the ability to see instructions directly on the part you’re working on, rather than flipping back and forth through pages of technical documents. Plus, with the ability to show videos of previous successful assembly steps, AR can help ensure that even complex machinery is assembled correctly and efficiently.
7. Real-time Field Assistance
When field engineers visit a site to repair equipment, they may face complex problems that require the expertise of specialists. However, specialists can be expensive and not always available when needed. Additionally, field engineers may need to make multiple visits to the customer’s location to fix the same problem, increasing the overall cost of the fix.
AR and AR headsets can provide a solution by allowing field engineers to access the help of specialists in real-time while on the field. Specialists can view the issue through the headset and provide user instructions. In cases where there is a lack of understanding, specialists can show the exact steps of assembly using CAD diagrams through the headset. This can reduce the need for specialists to travel to the site and lower the overall cost of repairs.
8. Cost Cutting in Freight Shipping
Shipping heavy equipment can be expensive, manual, and not route-optimized. AR technology can increase safety, reduce cost, and pollution associated with the shipping process by allowing companies to control drone ships from remote control centers. With the use of AR technology, a set of professionals adept at using AR technologies can monitor the drone ships that otherwise solely rely on AI and machine learning for navigation. This can help to optimize the route, avoid hazards, and ensure that the equipment is delivered to its destination safely and efficiently, ultimately reducing the overall cost of shipping freight.
9. Business Logistics
AR can be utilized to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs in transportation, warehousing, and route optimization. AR headsets can display the shortest route within a warehouse to locate an item and pick it for shipping. Headsets can also display the order in which items need to be picked to ship them efficiently.
10. Medical Training
Imagine a world where medical students can practice complex surgical procedures without having to worry about the risks of making a mistake on a real human being. With AR technology, this is becoming a reality. Medical students can wear AR headsets and visualize 3D projections of the human body, allowing them to delve deeper into anatomy and gain practical experience in performing surgeries.
Technicians can also benefit from this technology in their day-to-day operations. Consider a scenario where a machine used in medical diagnosis has a clog, rendering it useless. Typically, a service technician would need to be called in to fix the issue, causing delays and increasing costs. However, with AR technology, a lab technician can use an AR headset to view the machine and provide instructions on how to clean the aperture, thus resolving the issue quickly and efficiently.
Wrap Up
The future is here, and it’s looking a lot like the present.
We can not deny the impact of augmented reality (AR) and internet of things (IoT) in our daily lives.
These technologies are coming together to create an incredible new world for us, one where we can interact with both digital and physical objects at will.
The time is right to identify the most impactful use case in your business and leverage these technologies to maximize revenue and efficiency or minimize cost.
