Visualisation
The field is concerned with identification of new, effective working methods through project planning of digital information in real environments, with supervision provided remotely. Visualisation means that AR and VR, for example, are used as channels of information. Holograms can also be a means of visualising information.
Basic concepts in this field include Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Remote Guidance.
Augmented reality (AR) entails the reinforcement of a real environment with digital information. One example of use within production is real-time support for troubleshooting and remote instruction. Augmented reality can be viewed on a screen via a computer, smartphone, special glasses or projection onto a different image area. If, for example, a machine in Brazil breaks down, rather than dispatching an expert from the other side of the world, it can be repaired together using remote guidance. Supporting operators working with assembly is another example. Information on assembly sequences is projected in front of the operator by smartphone or special glasses.
Remote guidance involves controlling or guiding a technique remotely.
Virtual reality (VR) means the reality of the user is driven fully by virtual models. For example, technology can be used in order to visualise a new factory in a 3D environment before it is constructed.
In actual fact, Mixed Reality (MR) is a collective term for all of the technologies used for visualisation between the physical and virtual world. MR is sometimes described as a more advanced form of AR.