Process automation technologies continue to evolve, and with this constant change and enhancement we are moving one step closer to Industry 5.0. Whereas Industry 4.0 is about machine and system interconnectivity, the next industrial revolution will bring humans back into the heart of the equation, with both people and machines collaborating to leverage their combined strengths in exciting new ways.
Hennie Colyn.
Considering the above, retaining and growing process automation skills has become paramount. And like many industries, process automation has multiple generations working together, each playing their part in the value chain. But there’s room for improvement, and technologies like augmented reality (AR) can bridge the gap. “Augmented reality is a powerful technology when leveraged appropriately, its uses are endless,” says direct sales executive, Hennie Colyn.
“AR can be used to provide digital training where tablets scan equipment and display step-by-step instructions, along with biometric thumbprinting and photo-taking. The supporting software is cloud-based and will therefore provide regular updates on new skills required for the newest PLCs.” He notes that like many other industries, process automation is at risk of losing skills if the generation gap is not overcome soon. “We’re finding skills gaps are the result of generational shifts in the types of occupations being pursued.
“To attract new talent, contractors are investing in technology and software to help bridge the gap between the needs of the industry and the talents of the new generation. Similarly, technology like AR can also bring older, seasoned workers up to speed and overcome the disconnect between the various generations,” he explains.
The global, non-profit organisation, Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA) says that AR presents critical, contextual information, real-time insight, and remote expertise to frontline workers at the point of need, directly in the user’s line of sight on industry-leading mobile devices and hands-free headsets. “Augmented work instructions, 3D products, video tutorials, schematics, IoT data, and other digital content appear on top of the work environment, directing frontline workers to do the job efficiently and accurately the first time,” says AREA. Interestingly, AREA also emphasises that with AR, senior technicians can be more accessible to less experienced workers. Using an AR-supporting device, junior technicians can instantly share their view of a machine with a remotely located expert, who will in turn guide them through task, speeding up problem solving.
“Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor software architecture improves operational efficiency with AR, enabling operators to superimpose current data and virtual objects onto a cabinet, machine, or plant,” explains Colyn. “Importantly, the software combines contextual and local dynamic information for mobile users, enabling them to experience a fusion of the physical, real-life environment with virtual objects,” he concludes.
Sustainable energy management Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.
Read more...Paving the way for a carbon-neutral future in South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
At ABB Electrification, we believe the infrastructure of the future must do more than support daily operations, it must anticipate them. We are committed to building intelligent systems that connect and optimise infrastructure across sectors.
Read more...Protecting buildings’ embodied carbon with retrofitted systems Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The World Economic Forum has said that around 80% of the buildings in existence will still be around in 2050; it is therefore essential that in order to combat climate change we retrofit them for energy efficiency.
Read more...Three decarbonisation myths and how organisations can debunk them Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
A UN Climate Change Report revealed that the world is on track to miss its 2050 net zero targets, with temperatures expected to increase by over 2,4°C by 2100. To help shift positive intent to concrete action, Schneider Electric outlined three of the most common myths surrounding decarbonisation and how organisations can get started on their decarbonisation journey.
Read more...Africa’s hidden AI advantage
IT in Manufacturing
Through my work implementing AI systems across three continents, I’ve become convinced that Africa’s unique context demands urgent AI adoption. Successful implementation requires local expertise to understand resource constraints as design parameters to create the innovations that make technology truly work under real-world conditions.
Read more...Siemens Xcelerator empowers space-tech pioneer, Skyroot Aerospace Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Skyroot Aerospace, a leading private space launch service company in India, has adopted Polarion software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to digitally transform its software development processes and enhance efficiency as it aims to accelerate access to space for its customers worldwide.
Read more...Water is running out, is your ESG strategy ready?
IT in Manufacturing
Water is one of the most critical yet undervalued resources in modern business. Water stewardship asks businesses to understand their water footprint across the entire value chain and to engage with others who share the same water resources.
Read more...Cybersecurity in 2025: Six trends to watch
IT in Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation’s?10th?State?of?Smart?Manufacturing report finds that cybersecurity risks are a major, ever-present obstacle, and are now the third-largest impediment to growth in the next 12?months.
Read more...The state of the smart buildings market in 2025
IT in Manufacturing
Smart buildings are entering a transformative phase, driven by sustainability goals, technological innovation and evolving user expectations. According to ABI Research’s latest whitepaper, the sector is undergoing a strategic overhaul across key areas like retrofitting, energy efficiency, data-driven operations and smart campus development.
Read more...Digital twin for Bavaria’s National Theatre Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and the Bavarian State Opera are digitalising the acoustics in Bavaria’s National Theatre in Munich, Germany. The result is a digital twin that simulates sound effects, orchestral setups and venue configurations in a realistic 3D acoustic model so that musicians, the director and conductors can assess a concert hall’s acoustics even before the first rehearsal.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version