Examining the Competitive Advantage of Using Spatial Computing/AR in High-Skill Environments
- The rapid adoption of augmented reality and spatial computing in high-skill industries is driven by its ability to enhance training and operational efficiency.
- Taqtile’s Manifest platform scales expert knowledge across the workforce, ensuring consistent performance and demonstrating the benefits of augmented reality in reducing errors.
- AR integrates real-time data and instructions overlaid on equipment to improve decision-making and task accuracy.
- Enterprise adoption of AR is expected to grow at a 66% CAGR through 2026, reflecting its rising importance in training and operations.
High-skill industries that rely on a deskless workforce are under pressure to close the skills gap, retain experienced workers, and keep up with rapidly evolving technology. Spatial computing applications and augmented reality (AR) are proving to be indispensable tools in this effort, sharpening precision, accelerating training, and improving overall efficiency. As the global immersive-reality market grows — expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2035, according to McKinsey & Company — AR will play an even greater role in helping organizations meet these challenges and gain a competitive edge.
How AR Augments Precision and Efficiency
AR technology is becoming essential in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and defense, where even small mistakes can lead to costly and potentially dangerous outcomes. By providing workers with step-by-step, visually anchored instructions, AR makes sure that tasks are performed consistently and accurately to reduce errors and improve safety. For example, an aircraft mechanic might use AR to avoid missing critical steps during maintenance, preventing rework and guaranteeing compliance with safety regulations.
Even the most experienced workers encounter tasks they don’t perform often. AR can be a lifeline in these situations, offering just-in-time guidance that helps workers execute these tasks correctly. Let’s say a technician is asked to perform a repair they haven’t done in years. Instead of relying on memory or digging through manuals, they can use AR to see exactly what they need to do, step by step, overlaid onto the equipment they’re working on.
In many organizations, the most skilled workers are stretched thin. AR helps spread their expertise more broadly by allowing them to create digital work instructions that less experienced employees can follow. Taqtile’s Manifest platform, for instance, allows companies to capture the expertise of their top talent and scale it across the entire workforce. By using this approach, companies make the most of their top talent and keep workers performing at a high level, even when faced with complex tasks.
Supporting Continuous Workforce Challenges & Development
With an aging workforce and a growing skills gap, organizations need solutions that can rapidly upskill new workers while retaining the expertise of seasoned employees. AR enables this by transforming training into an immersive, hands-on experience tailored to each worker’s needs. The benefits of augmented reality extend to skilled labor training, offering interactive, real-time guidance that helps workers gain the necessary skills faster and with greater retention. This helps new employees get up to speed quickly and supports the continuous development of existing staff so they remain proficient in the latest technologies and procedures.
AR also allows workers to practice tasks in a virtual environment, building confidence and competence before handling actual equipment — an approach particularly valuable in industries where mistakes are costly. For instance, a new technician might use AR to simulate an engine repair, practicing until the task is mastered. As technology and procedures evolve, AR keeps the workforce up to date by providing easy access to the latest training materials and step-by-step guides, ensuring they remain effective and adaptable in a fast-changing environment.
As more companies recognize the value of AR in training and operations, enterprise adoption of AR is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66% through 2026, according to McKinsey, driven by the need for scalable training solutions and process improvements. AR’s rapid growth highlights the increasing reliance on this technology to address challenges in workforce development and operational efficiency.
Using Real-Time Data to Improve Decision-Making
One of the most significant challenges in high-skill environments is making sure that workers have the right information at the right time. Augmented reality and spatial computing address this by integrating real-time data into the workflow. For instance, imagine a worker adjusting a valve on a piece of equipment. With AR, they can see the current pressure reading directly in their display without looking away or switching between tools. This makes it easier to make informed decisions quickly, reducing the chance of errors.
Sometimes, a worker might run into a problem they can’t solve on their own. That’s where AR’s remote assist features come in. With a quick call, they can connect with an expert who can see exactly what they see and guide them through the issue. Real-time support helps resolve problems faster and minimizes downtime, which is critical in high-stakes environments.
AR-Driven Performance Improvements
From improving precision and reducing errors to scaling expertise and enhancing decision-making, AR is proving to be an essential tool for organizations aiming to stay competitive. These key improvements show how AR technology is driving meaningful change in high-skill industries.
1. AR Boosts Precision and Cuts Down Errors
In high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense, AR overlays step-by-step guidance directly on equipment, helping workers follow procedures accurately and reducing the risk of mistakes. By doing so, even complex or infrequent tasks are performed with precision, maintaining consistency and safety across the board. For example, Fastenal uses Taqtile’s Manifest on iPads to provide employees with detailed, AR-driven work instructions, helping reduce errors during complex tasks and improving both safety and operational efficiency.
2. Scaling Expertise Across the Workforce
As seasoned experts retire, capturing and sharing their knowledge is vital. AR platforms like Taqtile’s Manifest make it easy to digitize expert know-how, allowing even newer employees to take on complicated tasks with confidence. By bridging the skills gap, companies can keep their workforce performing at high standards. For instance, British Airways uses Manifest to train workers on complex equipment like engine lifts, helping new employees quickly get up to speed on intricate procedures and maintain consistency in operations.
3. Real-Time Data Integration Enhances Decision-Making
AR integrates real-time data into the user’s field of view, providing critical information like sensor readings at the exact moment it’s needed. This capability enables workers to make quick, informed decisions, which is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in time-sensitive situations. At the U.S. Army’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), soldiers use AR to assist with vehicle maintenance, getting real-time guidance and support from remote experts, which improves their decision-making and keeps operations running smoothly.
Adopting AR and spatial computing isn’t just about staying current with technology — it’s about leading the way in efficiency, precision, and workforce development. These tools are helping companies set new benchmarks for quality and performance, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. By investing in AR now, companies can build a more capable, adaptable workforce and position themselves for long-term success.
Ready to experience the benefits of augmented reality for your skilled labor training and workforce development? Contact us today to learn how Taqtile’s AR solutions can transform your operations, improve training outcomes, and give your company a competitive edge.
