The case for augmented reality in manufacturing

As we go further down ‘the rabbit hole’ in terms of technological advancements, we discuss augmented reality and its uses for pharma manufacturers with Jean-Yves Balfin, product manager at Korsch, which has recently launched PharmaView* — a mixed reality environment.

More and more we are witnessing increasing applications of technology across all areas of life. Augmented and virtual reality has found use in many sectors and, as can be viewed when walking the vast exhibition halls of any pharmaceutical event nowadays, is securing its position within healthcare too.

But how can this advancement truly help pharmaceutical manufacturers? “The sort of mixed reality environment that we can now create can raise both efficiency and safety in machine operation to a totally new level,” explained Balfin. “We have based the PharmaView on the Microsoft HoloLens-technology, which beams holograms and additional information into the user’s actual visual axis, enabling hands-free, interactive capabilities.”

These interactive capabilities include operational assistance through holograms to assist in setup, operation or maintenance, multimedia support that can be directly beamed into the smart glasses, machine control and operation as well as a virtual service via secure video call function.

The control that can be gained from this sort of assistance has massive potential from a manufacturing perspective. Any potential faults or maintenance that may be required to the machinery can be caught much earlier and help to streamline processes.

Another important function that can be gained through augmented reality is training. “Realistic three-dimensional training at scale in the presence of the machine provides the opportunity to instil the best practices for machine operation and service,” added Balfin.

As augmented reality can delve deeper into the subassemblies of the machine through holograms it is possible to train operators with virtual tutorials in a way that is not really possible in the real-world. “We have also looked at training prior to delivery of machines and will aim to do this with PharmaView,” he continued. “In this way, downtime can be reduced and it also gives the companies more flexible options for training.”

But what of safety, are there any potential safety issues when using augmented reality that operators and companies should consider? “When using a mixed/augmented reality environment, the operator is not immersed in a completely virtual reality,” said Balfin. “This means that the operator doesn’t lose contact with the real environment but simply has holograms and additional information beamed in around them to combine with the real surroundings.

However, it was noted that care should be taken in some areas, such as defining the safety distance for machine remote control as well as the duration of time the operator wears the smart glasses, which obviously should comply with health regulations.

“Augmented reality, such as the PharmaView, is the first step towards enhanced communication between operator and machine,” concluded Balfin. “Artificial intelligence will lead to further steps in this exciting technological journey.”

*PharmaView is a registered trademark of Korsch.