26 n AUGMENTED REALITY October 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com Can AR deliver real ROIs in manufacturing? If you think augmented reality’s value is still theoretical, then think again. Over the past decade, forward-thinking manufacturers have been adopting AR systems and achieving measurable gains that go beyond mere aesthetics. From smarter operations to tangible cost savings, AR is proving its worth. But to fully appreciate its role, you need to take a hard look at its ROI (return on investment), which can be both direct and indirect. AR has long been associated with futuristic visions of digital transformation. While often celebrated in consumer technologies and in entertainment, its adoption in manufacturing raises a persistent question: is AR a productivity revolution, or is it simply a flashy “nice-to-have”? The evidence suggests that AR in manufacturing isn’t just hype. It can increase efficiency, reduce errors, cut onboarding times, raise quality levels, and improve training outcomes, with proven results from a wide range of industrial companies. These outcomes underscore AR’s direct contribution to accelerating production cycles and improving throughput and quality, ultimately translating into a stronger bottom line. One standout advantage of AR is the speed at which it enhances workflows. Imagine a technician following step-by-step instructions superimposed directly onto a part that they are assembling, using AR glasses or an augmented reality projection system. There is no need to flip through manuals or to memorise procedures – everything is visually intuitive and precise. For example, one of our customers reported a 60% increase in productivity on an assembly process that involved fixing elements onto aerostructures. Error Reduction When it comes to assembling complex equipment subject to significant configuration variations from one production run to another, there is a high risk of making errors as a result of misinterpreting paper-based work instructions. The same applies to quality checks of multiple elements, where there is always a risk of missing a control point. AR reduces this risk by offering comprehensive Is augmented reality more than a fun gimmick in industrial applications? Hélène Motycka, Delmia’s augmented experience marketing manager, explores not only the immediate gains of adopting AR, but also looks at some of the less obvious ways in which it can pay off, with real-life examples drawn from industrial users already transforming their operations with AR. Augmented reality technologies can deliver a variety of benefits for manufacturers (Image: Rockwell Automation)
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