// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Augmented Reality
A technology that overlays digital information, like instructions or data, onto a user's view of the real world, often through smart glasses or tablets. It enhances human perception and interaction with physical objects.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes computer-generated digital content (e.g., instructions, data visualizations) onto a user's real-world view in real-time, enhancing perception and providing interactive contextual information for tasks like maintenance or training in manufacturing.
BACKGROUND
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR, Industry 4.0 or the Intelligence Age, is a neologism describing rapid technological advancement in the 21st century. It follows the Third Industrial Revolution. The term was popularized in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder and former executive chairman, who asserts that these developments represent a significant shift in industrial capitalism.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- AR
- mixed reality (subset)
- enhanced reality
- interactive overlay
USAGE NOTE
Used for guided assembly, maintenance, and training, providing workers with real-time visual assistance.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Augmented Reality.
A global software company known for its Vuforia augmented reality platform, which is widely adopted in manufacturing for guided work instructions, remote assistance, and design visualization.
Developer of the HoloLens mixed reality headset, which is heavily utilized in manufacturing for design reviews, training, remote expert assistance, and factory floor operations.
Through its Frontline suite (formerly Ubimax), TeamViewer provides augmented reality solutions for smart glasses and mobile devices, focusing on optimizing industrial workflows, logistics, and field service operations.
A leader in industrial automation and digitalization, Siemens integrates augmented reality into its Xcelerator portfolio to enhance engineering, manufacturing, and service processes, often leveraging digital twin technology.
Manufactures ruggedized, head-mounted Android tablets designed specifically for frontline industrial workers, enabling hands-free operation, remote assistance, and workflow guidance in challenging environments.
A leading supplier of smart glasses and augmented reality technologies for enterprise, offering devices and software solutions that improve productivity, safety, and training in manufacturing and logistics.
Provides the Onsight augmented reality platform, which delivers remote expert assistance, digital work instructions, and intelligent data capture for industrial field workers, maintenance, and manufacturing lines.
Offers augmented reality solutions for remote assistance and work instructions, empowering industrial companies to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance training for their workforce.