How to Harness AR for Cutting-Edge Design Engineering

Augmented reality has gained momentum as a technology that provides highly immersive experiences that blend the real world with virtual elements. For example, someone using AR in manufacturing might see a checklist floating in their field of vision as they assemble particularly complex products. Having that specific information so easily accessible is an excellent way to reduce errors and enhance quality. People have also explored augmented reality in engineering, particularly for design-related gains. How could decision-makers follow suit and find new possibilities?

Rely on Augmented Reality for Better User Experiences

Best practices in engineering often make the difference between convenience and complications, especially when people interact with products used daily. The features engineered into a coffee maker might not seem crucial to most people, but they could become as such to individuals who use that appliance daily. 

Most consumers can quickly list a few products they own and love. However, they can just as quickly mention those that they dislike. Engineering decisions are likely at the heart of those passionate answers. This reality is why engineers working at Volkswagen’s South American headquarters use AR to design car interiors. They wear headsets while sitting in test settings, which contain a seat and steering wheel.

The professionals can then add various virtual elements and ask themselves relevant questions. Would moving a cupholder 2 inches to the left enable better driver access? What is the best position for the screen on the driver entertainment panel? Since engineers can work out these particulars before making changes to actual vehicles, they save substantial time and money. 

Besides using AR to work out the interior design details, Volkswagen’s engineers can use separate simulators to alter things related to ergonomics and visibility. Then, they determine things such as the ideal design and size for a car’s mirrors or whether one of the automobile’s pillars creates a blind spot. 

Engineers should let these creative examples inspire them as they put future users at the center of their decisions. Although it is impossible to design products to suit every person, AR allows them to choose possibilities that will benefit large percentages of them. 

Keep an Open Mind When Exploring Use Cases

When people consider applying augmented reality in engineering, it is a good idea for them to choose a few desired use cases. However, while focusing on implementing those, they should remain aware that other applications could become apparent. 

Consider a recent case where a NASA engineering team initially intended to use AR to develop advanced assembly options and reduce fabrication time for a new space telescope. However, as the group worked, they found numerous other exciting applications, including some likely familiar to those who use augmented reality in manufacturing. 

For example, engineers can use a hand gesture to retrieve the torque specifications for individual bolts. The technology also allows them to adjust propulsion assembly specifics before constructing it, saving the group time and money during this mission-critical application. NASA’s decision-makers are also interested in potential solutions that apply AR to create training materials that teach learners about reverse engineering. 

However, the agency’s leaders also recognize that using technologies in new ways requires a cultural shift throughout the organization. It will also be important to collect feedback from engineers as they describe how AR and other technologies help their workflows and what problems they encounter. Gathering and analyzing those insights will help executives determine where to pool their resources and efforts for the best and longest-lasting outcomes. 

Use Augmented Reality in Engineering to Increase Confidence

One reason why augmented reality has become so popular for training-related tasks is that it can reduce anxiety that may otherwise distract people from learning and comprehension. More specifically, AR reduces stress people may feel due to failure-related worries. Trainers can design highly realistic modules that blend real and virtual elements but remove the possibility of an engineer breaking a tool or wasting supplies while trying to master a new skill or design a pioneering product. 

Engineering revolves around pushing the boundaries to break new ground. However, concerns about perceived shortcomings could dampen someone’s forward-thinking attitude. AR tools and simulations could encourage them to embrace their current skills while feeling excited about learning new ones. 

People who learn best through repetition can also go through AR-based lessons numerous times until they have thoroughly grasped the concepts and feel ready to move on to the next chapter or exercise. 

Training is also typically most beneficial when accommodating people’s various learning styles. Although some learners like reading textbooks or listening to lectures, many prefer more interactive methods. Augmented reality can cater to them by providing a more hands-on option for acquiring or building skills in design engineering or other vital areas. 

Become Aware of Newer Delivery Methods

Although variations exist, many AR apps require people to use head-mounted devices or their smartphones. Those options can suffice, but when individuals are serious about applying AR to design engineering needs, they should also stay abreast of other possibilities that are not yet widespread but may eventually gain marketplace traction. 

For example, researchers built an AR device that people can wear like a contact lens. They tested it by displaying navigational directions to a user and confirming that the person received real-time GPS coordinates to guide them. It is easy to understand why a contact lens or similarly small device would be so convenient for engineers. 

Similar use cases could expand the capabilities of augmented reality in manufacturing. After all, the more freedom a person has to interact with their environment while using the device, the greater the potential use cases. Some well-known brands — such as Apple and Samsung — have also shifted their priorities by planning to produce AR glasses rather than headsets. Although it is too early to know the eventual outcomes of those efforts, it is good for people to keep themselves informed about such developments.

Estimates suggest the virtual and augmented reality industry will surpass $162 billion by 2025, showing the robust interest in such technologies. As people work out more successful use cases for these technologies, there should be more creative ways to apply them in engineering, manufacturing and other industries. 

Embrace Augmented Reality in Engineering Design

These tips will get people off to a strong start, whether they are educators, engineering students, team leaders or other interested parties. Although AR is a relatively new technology, it has plenty of potential for those who take the time to learn about the possibilities.