Advanced Manufacturing: Augmented Reality Training

As the manufacturing industry continues to move towards more technologically advanced factory systems, it is evident that the strongest component of the modern factory still resides with the human labor force. As automated devices continue to take on the more monotonous, labor-intensive tasks, the machine operators’ roles have shifted from physically demanding work to more skills-based requirements. PBC Linear recognizes the need for consistent and engaging training programs to help scale up our existing work force and invite a new generation into the manufacturing industry. New training strategies that utilize augmented reality (AR) and software from Taqtile are helping us to create a factory that is smarter, safer, and capable of greater output.

This article and the video below are part of a longer series that details how PBC Linear is incorporating technological enhancements into its production systems to create greater efficiency, output, and workforce skills. It further demonstrates how we are advancing manufacturing through augmented reality and supporting software in its training programs, and how that benefits our workers, our business, and most importantly our customers.

AR in manufacturing

AR, short for augmented reality, is an interactive experience that incorporates Hololens 3D goggles and accompanying software to enhance real-world surroundings. These two elements work together to project holograms onto the clear panel at the front of the goggles, interacting with the viewers field of view and corresponding environment. This is different from virtual reality, which builds the entire environment in a computer-generated digital space.

Manufacturing is the latest industry to begin using augmented reality. When factoring in all the different types of machines and subsequent skill sets needed to operate them, it is apparent that AR is very suitable for training purposes within the manufacturing field. This sophisticated instruction replaces the more traditional process of online manuals or person-to-person training. The results are a reduction in lost information between the “listening and the doing”, and the potential bad habits and short cuts that can be inadvertently learned.

With AR, the trainee is now experiencing the equivalent of a video game, where there are real-time instructions and videos adjacent to the machine. Once they put the headset on and start going through the program, the flow is easy to follow and practice, making the training much more engaging. Most importantly, these instructional programs have been tested and will remain consistent across the onboarding of all trainees in their respective areas.

Hololens Goggles and Taqtile Interface

AR at PBC Linear

As previously stated, PBC Linear has implemented training software from Taqtile to produce our AR programs. Taqtile was chosen after extensive market research, and more specifically for their focused training within both government and private sectors. These well-rounded experiences have seamlessly translated into the creation of effective training programs throughout our factory floor.

Image for Jackson Quote

Manifest™ software from Taqtile allows expert users to easily document and record tribal knowledge and distribute it across an entire workforce. For example, we've been able to take decades of toolmaker and machinist knowledge and break that down into very understandable and consistent instructions, and then author them into the augmented reality space. These skills and job instructions are then available on demand, virtually transporting that expertise when help is needed. As Jackson Duncan, Manufacturing Engineer, states, “Just put on the headset, connect to the training, and emerge twenty-minutes later as an expert in the field.”

Logo for Taqtile Hololens technology

We begin the development process of the program by shadowing one of our technicians who has proficiency at operating a machine. We take notes and fully educate ourselves so that we can build an accurate template within the Taqtile software. Once all the instructions are approved by a manager, then the software is used to construct the template:

  • Create new template and select an appropriate asset class.
  • Create as many steps needed.
  • Add pictures, videos, and notes wherever they are needed.
  • When structure of template is complete, put on the headset and attach 3D markers.
  • Do trial runs with the AR goggles and make any necessary updates.
  • Attach a QR marker to a fixed location near the machine so that the template can be activated. This is considered your “home base” for that template.
Using augmented reality training with cobots
Head Shot Beau Wileman, Mechanical Engineer

PBC Linear takes decades of toolmaker and machinist knowledge and breaks that down into very understandable and consistent instructions, which we then author into the augmented reality space.  — Beau Wileman, Mechanical Engineer and Cobot Project Manager

3D markers are how we notify the AR user of specific instructions within the AR space. For example, when creating the template for our thermoformer machine, we added a spatial marker for Step 4 that instructs the user to “slide the oven onto your workpiece”. In a traditional manual text, the location of the oven might not be apparent. AR provided a simple solution by adding a 3D marker next to the handle, and additionally helps define the starting point and the end point of the sliding action.

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See other related information that showcases how PBC Linear is advancing manufacturing: