The Application of Augmented Reality in a Manufacturing Setting Using Microsoft's HoloLens

Presenter Information

Carl Hobus, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Tres Wuerffel, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Connor Johnson, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jason Lambert, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 201

Start Date

2-4-2019 1:05 PM

End Date

2-4-2019 2:05 PM

Student's Major

Integrated Engineering

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Jacob Swanson

Mentor's Department

Integrated Engineering

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Second Mentor's Name

Robert Sleezer

Second Mentor's Department

Integrated Engineering

Second Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Recent developments in the state of the art of augmented reality have brought the technology to hobbyists and manufacturers alike. The Minneapolis based manufacturer, Design Ready Controls (DRC), elected to develop augmented reality for use in its manufacturing processes assembling complex electrical control panels because of its potential to increase production and assist quality control. An augmented reality suite comprised of a Microsoft HoloLens headset and a proprietary application was developed by Team Monstars; a student-led engineering team from Mankato State University. Team Monstars designed the application with the intent of reducing assembly time of DRC's products, specifically, the build of a high-demand and unchanging piece of hardware produced by DRC. Considerations in design and implementation such as: steps of product assembly, ergonomics of the HoloLens, dynamic environmental changes, education & training, and use of the HoloLens were addressed throughout the project. The completed application used in the HoloLens serves as a baseline for an iterative design approach for DRC to make improvements in their manufacturing processes applicable to changing products and assembly steps. The functional prototype of the augmented reality suite validates the benefits and practicality of the implementation of augmented reality in a manufacturing setting for any industry looking to reduce assembly time, increase product quality, and implement self-guided training.