Futurism Industrial Edge Computing

Field workers frequently carry out intricate tasks on the factory floor, often interacting with potentially hazardous equipment due to extreme temperatures or high voltages. At times, these workers may lack the necessary skills to complete specific tasks.

Enterprise Metaverse and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) solutions can address both these issues. For example, AR/VR can offer remote expert guidance and vital environmental information about equipment to enhance safety. For instance, in one such application, a field worker wearing AR glasses receives a live overlay of detailed instructions from a remote expert, who can view the worker's visual environment and assist with complex assembly tasks.

Edge computing is essential to support this technology. By streaming AR/VR from an edge server, the need for extensive computation on the AR/VR device is eliminated, making the device more practical by reducing battery consumption and weight.

One of the primary concerns for manufacturers is minimizing unexpected downtime. In fact, more than 80% of manufacturers still experience this issue. Implementing advanced Predictive Maintenance (PdM) can help decrease downtime. This approach involves tracking data from sensors on machinery to determine when a machine may fail or require repairs.

To conduct the essential data analysis, information from thousands of sensors must be gathered and examined. Transmitting such a vast amount of data to a central server can be costly and would benefit from edge computing. In addition to the financial advantages of connectivity, storing data on a local edge server enhances security. In the future, as closed-loop automated maintenance becomes more prevalent, ensuring security.

A top priority for manufacturers is to achieve better transparency throughout the supply chain and production line, aiming to optimize overall production time and develop consistent, predictable processes that minimize product variation. Shop floor workers get in-depth insights into the performance and quality of the production line, allowing them to make necessary adjustments.

By offering comprehensive information on equipment conditions, condition-based monitoring enhances visibility. This helps with real-time surveillance of manufacturing equipment through video cameras and analytical tools. Data regarding equipment conditions can then be showcased on a dashboard, enabling informed decision-making.