Digitization of industrial engineering processes using the augmented reality technology: industrial case studies

Abstract

Augmented Reality Technology is one of the key technologies of digital transformation in industrial and non-industrial areas. Due to the rapid development of display hardware and tracking systems, virtual and augmented reality applications are being developed today that would only have been possible in large research laboratories with huge efforts a few years ago. This paper presents the application of the augmented reality technology (AR) in the industrial field. Based on industrial case studies the implementation of two AR applications and their potential to digitize the product lifecycle processes will be discussed. The use cases were developed within cooperation projects between the University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe and a fire truck manufacturer. The case studies focus on the following topics: digital product configuration management and production planning and assistance. The objective of the case studies is the investigation of the AR application in the industrial environment and its capability as digital transformation technology along the product lifecycle. The presented case studies deliver experiences and suggestions in terms of praxis-oriented development and deployment of the AR technology in the engineering field, which can be used for future AR research works.