Augmented reality for automation machine maintenance management

Summary

Meat processing plants are often in remote locations so equipment cannot be easily serviced by centralised technical organisations. This contributes to difficulty in securing and retaining long-term, full-time engineering staff.

This project used virtual reality and augmented reality systems to develop a quick, easy and self-taught method of applying technical knowledge.

Visual components, animated simulation and 360° video filming demonstrated how virtual and augmented reality can improve visualisation of concepts, which provides effective and comprehensive information to maintenance engineers.

Objectives

This project addressed training issues in red meat processing plants through the development of an augmented reality immersion concept and a 3D training and maintenance manual for Bladestop and the X-ray, primal, middle and forequarter automation systems.

Key findings

• Virtual and augmented reality technologies promote better visualisation of plant and machinery.

• Technical support can be accessed remotely using augmented reality.

• The machine manual produced is a useful starting point to develop an interactive augmented reality machine application.

Benefits to industry

Augmented reality is relatively easy to implement and can be used with medium skill levels. Further, this engaging method that supports plant engineering staff and reduces their need to be experts in each machine can broaden the employment pool.

MLA action

MLA is partnering with RealWear™, a provider of augmented vision devices, to facilitate and demonstrate on-farm applications of Bladestop.

Future research

The use of virtual and augmented reality systems to visualise plant layouts will allow prospective purchasers of new technology and machines to easily determine how an operation will look, and better understand how the layout will interact with all surroundings. Therefore, this technology should be further evaluated when new processing products are created.