AR for Industry 4.0

Challenge

An automated factory is a dangerous environment, and visitors are only allowed to view it from outside a protective cage. The challenge of this project was to let people properly explore the factory at their own pace without disrupting its workflow, at the same time present specific information of every machine in an attractive way, easy to access.

Solution

To solve this challenge, my team at Innovation Zone developed an augmented reality application for Microsoft Hololens, in which the user can interact with a virtual model digital-twin of the factory, picking it apart into its components and showing three-dimensional exploding sketches of certain parts. The application uses a context-based interface where the user can intuitively interact with objects by looking at them while tapping their finger.

Effect

The application was presented to the project collaborators during the unveiling of the first factory at Lindholmen in Gothenburg. Our contribution not only helped showcase the factory in a fun way but also aided in demonstrating the potential of using augmented reality as a tool in future industry and entertainment. The application was likely the first of its kind and was met with much excitement and curiosity from the visitors.