America’s Factory Floors Remained: Introduction to Virtual, Augmented Reality Technologies

As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies come of age, manufacturers are finding easier ways to adopt these technologies on many fronts—from product development, to training, to maintenance and repair, to worker safety. And, in the wake of major investments in the technologies over the last couple of years, a new generation of VR and AR devices and software is becoming available. Combined VR/AR sales are forecast to hit $150 billion by 2020, with AR alone comprising about $120 billion. VR and AR are advanced manufacturing technology tools—just like robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things. And they’re being used by manufacturers in innovative ways, such as virtual assembly and improved process design.