Since the first industrial revolution, technological and digital disruptions have made revolutionary transformations in several industries, including manufacturing. The first revolution led to the invention of mechanized production processes.

While the second industrial revolution involved the electrification of manufacturing facilities, the third wave brought automation in the 1970s. The recent wave of the fourth industrial revolution has driven the industrial sector to integrate digital technology for an advanced production system and automated processes. 

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that has radically shifted industrial focus toward teamwork, communication and people-orientedness.

Recent research has also surfaced stating the implementation of augmented reality in the training and assistance of workers. Before we dive deeper into that, let’s have a brief discussion about Industrial Revolution 4.0.

What is Industry 4.0? 

Also known as Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution accelerates innovation and optimization of processes in the industrial sector with the help of advanced production techniques and smart technologies. A research study by Mendez and Velaquez states that the revolution has nine technological pillars, including robotics, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and more that lead to optimising internal processes and operations.  

Augmented Reality (AR) in Industry 4.0 Setting 

Augmented reality is a set of technologies that combines both real and digital worlds. There are quite a few augmented reality applications in the physical environment, but manufacturing is one of the most prominent ones. AR is a game changer when it comes to making raw materials into finished products because real-time information is a requirement at each stage of manufacturing and product lifecycle. 

Optimizing Employee Training and Assistance with Augmented Reality Technology 

Augmented reality (AR) has significantly transformed how organizations train employees. Employers have the opportunity to provide an immersive and interactive training environment where workers can participate in engaging hands-on activities and reality-based simulations for effective learning and development.

The technological approach is personalized because it caters to different learning styles, so each can learn at their own pace. Augmented reality in training and assistance of employees not only enhances customer engagement but also reduces training expenses and increases safety awareness. Some of the benefits of augmented reality in training are discussed below. 

• Employee Safety:

Working conditions in some companies, such as oil rigs, can be challenging due to harsh weather, turbulent seas and winds. Training for such jobs can be equally challenging, as these require hands-on practice for various tasks. The deployment of AR in training enables workers to practice tasks in real-world simulations, avoiding any risk of injury or harm. 

• Employee Engagement:

Learning by doing is actually true because we learn when we do the task. Every organization must deploy augmented reality to optimize employee training through hands-on learning in an interactive environment.  

• Training Expenses:

Training and development of employees require an allocated budget, and if the employee leaves, the cost becomes even higher. However, technological equipment such as AR-assisted headsets are reusable, which reduces costly sessions and seminars. 

Realtime AR headsets drive digital transformation in companies with leading AR technology that enhances safety, engagement and empowerment. AR wearables by Realtime AR provide innovative solutions to companies in every sector. The deployment of our smart wearables empowers frontline workers, boosts efficiency and increases productivity levels.

Our wearables are ideal for training and development, as they enable remote mentoring by industry experts anytime, anywhere. For more information, contact our technology experts and digital transformation consultants.