Chapter 24: XR in Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and Smart Factories
Abstract: XR (Extended Reality) is revolutionizing Industry 4.0 smart factories by creating immersive training, remote assistance, and virtual prototyping, boosting efficiency, safety, and collaboration through AR/VR/MR, bridging digital & physical worlds for better data visualization, maintenance, and complex task execution, thereby addressing the skills gap and accelerating digital transformation . Key Applications in Smart Factories: Immersive Training: VR/AR simulations allow workers to practice complex, hazardous tasks (like robotics, welding) safely and repeatedly, improving retention and reducing real-world risks. Augmented Reality (AR) for Real-Time Guidance: Headsets overlay digital instructions (manuals, data, schematics) onto physical machinery, guiding technicians for faster, more accurate repairs and compliance. Virtual Prototyping & Design: VR enables engineers to design, test, and optimize entire factory layouts or ...