Manufacturers Harness Extended Reality Technology

WASHINGTON—Manufacturers in a variety of industries are using extended reality technology for applications ranging from quality assurance to workforce development. Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that refers to augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality. With the aid of wearable devices, XR combines the physical world with the digital world, giving users an immersive experience.

According to a recent study conducted by the XR Association, 81 percent of manufacturers believe that immersive technology is important. In addition, more than one-third of respondents claim that XR technology can help address workforce skill gaps by significantly reducing barriers to skill acquisition, improving new hire training and helping with employee recruitment.

“Our intention with this survey was to take a comprehensive look into an industry that is exploring the use of immersive technology to address some of the same challenges we’re seeing across other fields, including skills and employee shortages,” says Stephanie Montgomery, vice president of research and development at the XR Association. “This isn’t a phenomenon isolated to the manufacturing industry, but a piece of the larger puzzle seeking to drive efficiencies in workflows.”

Montgomery claims that XR technology can be used to improve employee training, recruitment and retention at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. She says manufacturers can also apply the technology to improve quality control, design and prototype products, encourage remote collaboration, and improve customer engagement and sales.