Industrial Internet of Things and Augmented Reality, key technologies for digital factories

According to Iberdrola, around 4.6 billion people are currently connected to the Internet worldwide. This figure is significant, but even more impressive is the number of devices connected to the network that interact autonomously, reaching 30 billion.

We commonly associate the Internet of Things (IoT) with examples such as a refrigerator that automatically places an order with the supermarket when it detects a lack of food. However, most of the applications of this technology are found in the industrial field, in so-called digital factories. This is what is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The Industrial Internet of Things can be defined as a set of devices, industrial sensors connected via the Internet that enables greater data collection and automation for the purpose of analysis, real-time decision making and increased efficiency and quality of processes.

For example, sensors can measure temperature, humidity, pressure and other parameters, making it easier to monitor procedures and adjust variables to optimise production and reduce costs.

Industrial applications of the IIoT are mainly concentrated in sectors such as manufacturing, transport and energy, with investment, according to Iberdrola, of more than $300 billion worldwide in 2019 and expected to double by 2025. In fact, according to data from Oxford Economics, the Industrial Internet of Things could have a significant impact on sectors representing 62% of GDP in G20 countries.

When we think of an interface from which to visualise the information generated by IIoT systems, we need to know that it is not necessarily limited to a PC, but can also include advanced devices such as Augmented Reality glasses.

In fact, Augmented Reality has proven to be the perfect ally to present all that data generated in IIoT networks, and the convergence between these two technologies is fundamentally changing the way we interact in industrial and manufacturing environments.

One of the areas where this union is gaining momentum is maintenance, in particular preventive maintenance.

Thanks to the Industrial Internet of Things, sensors embedded in industrial equipment can constantly monitor its performance and detect signs of wear and tear or impending failure, thus determining the precise moment to carry out a maintenance task. This establishes a key competitive advantage by reducing costs for repairs and production downtime.

In this context, Augmented Reality allows technicians to have detailed and easy-to-interpret information about the state of the machine while performing operations, enabling them to take preventive measures before an error occurs.

Process optimisation is another advantage of the marriage between IIoT and Augmented Reality. By installing sensors on equipment and machinery, companies can gather real-time information on their performance and operating conditions and make adjustments to optimise efficiency and minimise downtime.

The ability to view key operational data overlaid on the physical environment through Augmented Reality facilitates the analysis of this large volume of information and enables fast and accurate decision making to maximise productivity.

On the other hand, the integration of IIoT and AR makes it possible to visualise production data and parameters in real time while examining products on production and assembly lines. In this way, product defects or anomalies can be detected and this information can be presented in a visual and contextualised way through Augmented Reality devices.

This allows for more accurate and efficient inspection and ultimately greater efficiency in quality control, as inspectors can identify and correct problems immediately, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.

The Industrial Internet of Things facilitates real-time tracking of assets and inventory in the supply chain, from receipt of raw materials to delivery of finished goods. Augmented Reality, meanwhile, allows workers to visualise information about the location, status and availability of products directly in the warehouse or distribution centre.

By combining the two technologies, companies can optimise logistics, as well as improve inventory accuracy, reduce product search times and minimise shipping errors.

As the Internet of Things and Augmented Reality continue to advance, we are likely to see further integration and adoption across a wide range of industry sectors, so that the transformative potential of these technologies continues to grow and open up new opportunities for innovation and business growth.

By harnessing the power of real-time information and contextual visualisation, businesses can optimise operations, improve decision-making and deliver unprecedented user experiences.