In today’s rapidly evolving aerospace industry, staying at the forefront of technology is essential for driving efficiency, enhancing productivity, and ensuring safety. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have emerged as indispensable tools, revolutionizing various aspects of aerospace manufacturing, training, and operations. In this blog, we explore the myriad benefits of AR and VR in the aerospace sector and highlight real-world examples of their implementation by industry leaders.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have become indispensable in the aerospace industry, revolutionizing operations and training processes. As the aerospace sector embraces Lean manufacturing principles to eliminate wastage, AR and VR emerge as powerful tools in mitigating inefficiencies across various stages of production and enhancing training methodologies.
Augmented reality and Virtual reality are no longer fancy, eye-catching technologies. They have become a necessity. Every industry requires AR and VR. Be it manufacturing of aerospace equipment or the commercial aspect of it, all require AR and VR. There is a concept in manufacturing called LEAN manufacturing, which describes seven types of wastage that should be avoided in any manufacturing line to make the functioning more effective. They are:
-Waste of inventory
-Waste of excessive
-Waste of motion
-Waste of waiting
-Waste of overproduction
-Waste of overprocessing
-Waste of defects
All these wastages can be avoided when a manufacturing unit uses AR and VR.
Imagine an aircraft engine designing plant. Using AR to explain audio-visually the operational mechanics of the engine to the engineer will save time and reduce the chances of having a defective engine. Also, the entire engine can be built through AR once before actually making it, saving the engineer from over-processing. Similarly, having an idea of the engine building through simulated working before saves wastage of inventory. So on, there are several aspects of AR and VR that save several of these factors.
1.Moving assembly line: Having an automated moving assembly line equipped with cognitive computing allows quick replacement of damaged panels and components, removing defective parts leading to early detection of non-conformities and improving quality control processes.
2.Time saving and cost-effective: AR saves time by automating assembly, removing defective parts, and reducing the cost of redoing complex works, thus reducing the time of development of new aircraft.
3.Design and assembly: Customers can follow aircraft development steps and specify configurations. VR provides fast layout of 3D arrangements of parts and components, enhancing prototype development and production processes.
4.Training purposes: AR and VR solutions are used for detailed training on all models of flights, safety training, ground training, and airport training, improving efficiency, knowledge retention, and skills transfer.
5.Performance tracking: AR provides a view of activities of pilots and engineers, allowing for correction of minor flaws before they become bigger problems.
6.Military aircraft: AR and VR are used for navigation, flight information, targeting, and troop coordination, enhancing operational capabilities.
Several aerospace companies are leveraging AR and VR technologies to improve productivity and enhance operations:
1.Boeing:
Utilizing tablet AR mode for fusing system data with human subject data to enhance training outcomes and measures.
2.Airbus:
Collaborating with MiRA (Mixed Reality Application) to increase productivity in production lines by using AR to scan parts and detect errors.
3.Aero glass :
It uses the VR headset to show control information like altimeter readings, fuel pressure, heading. This saves the pilot from having to keep moving his head to get all the information.
4.Air newzeland:
Using Hololens to display passenger information and enhance in-flight experiences.
5.Air France :
Testing immersive entertainment systems with VR headsets for passengers.
6.TAE aerospace:
Collaborating with Fountx technology to design wearable technology for remote collaboration and real-time guidance.
7.Japan airlines:
Collaborating with Fountx technology to design wearable technology for remote collaboration and real-time guidance.
8.Bell helicopter:
Manufactured aircrafts crafted from sustainable materials, a hybrid power system, an artificial intelligence co pilot and morphing rotor blades that change to suit different flight conditions.
Considering that the existing aerospace companies are using AR VR services, it is a necessity for aeronautical engineers to get trained in AR and VR to stay ahead in their field.
AR and VR technologies are driving innovation and transforming traditional aerospace practices. Given their rapid adoption by industry leaders, it is imperative for aeronautical engineers and aviation professionals to acquire proficiency in AR and VR to remain competitive.
In conclusion, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are reshaping the aerospace industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for efficiency, safety, and innovation. By integrating AR and VR into their operations, aerospace companies can optimize processes, enhance training programs, and deliver superior experiences to customers. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of aerospace. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, professionals must embrace AR and VR training and leverage these transformative technologies to propel the industry forward.
