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Augmented Reality (AR) in Industry

Learn how augmented reality (AR) improves machine service and maintenance. Explore the technology's applications and capabilities with Siemens' SidiroAR solution.

An automotive engineer is using an augmented reality tablet to inspect a car.

Just a few years ago, a complex machine breakdown often meant waiting for a specialist to arrive. Today, more and more problems can be resolved faster thanks to augmented reality. AR (Augmented Reality) technology supports service and maintenance by connecting technicians working on machines with experts located hundreds of kilometers away.

Every minute of downtime translates into tangible costs, which is why companies are increasingly seeking solutions that allow for faster fault diagnosis, improved collaboration, and increased access to specialized knowledge. However, experienced experts are not always on-site – they often service plants in different locations, requiring hours or even days to travel.

Person wearing augmented reality headset interacting with virtual industrial robot arm in manufacturing setting

Therefore, a growing number of manufacturing companies are seeking ways to streamline service processes and shorten response times. One tool that is rapidly gaining importance is augmented reality (AR).

This technology is becoming increasingly popular as a practical support for maintenance departments, enabling faster diagnostics, remote collaboration with experts, and safer service work.

What is AR in industry

AR technology involves overlaying digital information onto the real world. In practice, this means that a technician performing a machine inspection or repair can simultaneously see the device and the instructions, diagrams, markings, or tips displayed on it, provided by a remote expert.

Unlike virtual reality (VR), AR does not isolate the user from their surroundings. On the contrary, it enriches the real-world work environment with additional information that helps them make the right decisions faster.

In industry, augmented reality is used for applications such as:

  • machine diagnostics,
  • periodic inspections,
  • troubleshooting,
  • starting up new equipment,
  • employee training,
  • remote service support.

One example of such a solution is SidiroAR from Siemens, which uses augmented reality to remotely support service work.

A person is using augmented reality glasses to interact with a virtual interface while working on a project.

How does AR work during machine servicing?

Imagine a situation where a maintenance technician encounters an unusual failure. Instead of describing the problem over the phone or sending photos, they can connect with an expert who sees the exact same image.

With AR, the expert can remotely:

  • indicate specific machine components,
  • mark areas requiring inspection,
  • provide step-by-step instructions,
  • share technical documentation or diagrams,
  • assist with diagnostics without having to come to the plant.

This allows even the most complex work to be completed faster and with a reduced risk of errors.

What maintenance problems does AR solve?

In many manufacturing plants, the challenge is no longer access to technology, but access to knowledge.

Companies are increasingly facing:

  • a shortage of qualified specialists,
  • retirement of experienced employees,
  • distributed production plants,
  • rising travel and service costs,
  • pressure to reduce downtime.

Augmented reality helps mitigate the impact of these issues. Experts can support multiple plants simultaneously without the need to travel, and less experienced technicians gain access to knowledge precisely when needed.

For companies, this means the ability to shorten time to repair (MTTR), better utilize expert skills, and reduce the costs associated with service trips.

This doesn't mean that every intervention can be carried out remotely. In many cases, however, remote support can avoid unnecessary visits or better prepare the service center for a planned intervention.

A person is demonstrating augmented reality technology with a virtual object floating in the air.

Step-by-step instructions in the technician’s view

One of the greatest advantages of AR technology is the ability to present information exactly where it's needed.

Technicians don't have to interrupt their work to search for documentation on a computer or review paper manuals. Required information can be displayed directly while performing service.

This can include:

  • service procedures,
  • checklists,
  • component labels,
  • wiring diagrams,
  • safety instructions.

This solution helps reduce errors and facilitates more complex tasks.

Discover the SIMATIC Unified AR app

SIMATIC Unified AR enables users to overlay WinCC Unified HMI visualizations directly onto machines via iOS or Android. After scanning a QR code, a smartphone or tablet becomes a mobile panel with a visualization tailored to the specific machine.

Discover the SIMATIC Unified AR app

SidiroAR – practical support for service & maintenance

One solution utilizing augmented reality in industry is SidiroAR, available from Siemens.

The platform enables remote collaboration between experts and technicians working directly on machines. Thanks to real-time image transmission and the ability to add tips to the visible image, users can collaboratively diagnose problems and perform maintenance without the need for a specialist to be physically present at the plant.

SidiroAR is a mobile application using augmented reality to support the design, dimensioning and production of low voltage switchgears. It allows you to visualize a 3D model of the switchgear with its actual dimensions at any place and time, making it easier to verify the correctness of the design before installation begins.

When assembling the switchgear, SidiroAR allows you to check, among others: guide and method of bending the busbars, arrangement of devices, their connection to the busbars and the required depth, taking into account the installed accessories. Thanks to the use of augmented reality, it is possible to quickly and accurately verify the compliance of the switchgear with the design assumptions.

SidiroAR

See the switchboard before it's built.
Visualize the 3D model in its actual environment, verify dimensions, device layout, and busbar routing. SidiroAR helps verify the design and reduce the risk of errors during switchboard assembly and production.
Available free of charge for Android and iOS.

Get to know the app SidiroAR

Augmented reality is standard for modern maintenance

Today, the digitalization of production encompasses not only machines and control systems but also the way service work is performed. AR technology enables faster knowledge transfer, improves collaboration between specialists, and helps mitigate the effects of failures.

Augmented reality is becoming one of the tools supporting the digital transformation of industry. Combined with Siemens solutions, it allows for improved service, more effective use of expert knowledge, and increased machine availability, which directly translates into production continuity.

For businesses, this means not only a modern tool supporting technicians but, above all, the ability to increase machine availability, improve service efficiency, and build a more resilient organization.

Man wearing VR headset and holding controllers stands before large screen showing industrial machine simulation in blue lab.