Fraunhofer FEP
Data Glasses for Industry 4.0 in the Making
In the manufacturing industry, human-machine interactions are to become more efficient. Augmented and virtual reality are regarded as suitable means for this. Technology and specific applications are currently being developed at Fraunhofer FEP.
The industry is looking for ways to link production and logistics more efficiently. Data glasses can help here, says Dr. Uwe Vogel, Head of Microdisplays and Sensors at the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP). »They provide the worker with all the necessary information such as the removal station or part number«.
The available display technology is largely sufficient for industrial applications. Frequently mentioned aspects such as insufficient display brightness, resolution and luminous efficacy affect the consumer market to a greater extent. For industrial applications, the battery life and thus the power consumption of the display and control electronics is more relevant.
The problem was addressed with the development of an ultra low power OLED microdisplay that no longer requires 200 mW but only 2 to 3 mW of power. For this, it is necessary to dispense with full colors, high resolution, and sophisticated graphics, which is quite possible in industrial environments. Following development at the Fraunhofer FEP, the OLED microdisplay is now being integrated into end applications and prepared for mass production by the French partner Microoled. The project was rewarded with the Franco-German Business Award at the end of last year.
Practical Applications
In the joint project Glass@Service, representatives from research and industry are identifying specific applications for data glasses in the context of Industry 4.0. In addition to the Fraunhofer FEP, Siemens, the manufacturer of occupational safety equipment Uvex and the AR and VR provider Ubimax are also involved.
According to FEP, logistics is one of the major fields of application. The warehouse clerk can be guided through individual work steps via data goggles, leaving both hands free for his activities.
For the industrial environment, the project partners want to significantly simplify setup with the aid of data glasses: The AR application shows the machine operator the machine in the set-up state. The machine parts to be installed are displayed directly in the field of vision, together with deviations between machine parts already installed and those to be replaced.
Results can be expected soon. The project has been running since January 2016 and expires at the end of 2018.
