How Augmented Reality is Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow
- Augmented reality (AR) training enhances comprehension, retention, and engagement by immersing deskless workers in realistic, interactive learning environments. Â
- Implementing AR-based training significantly reduces training times, with companies cutting onboarding periods by up to 80%. Â
- AR platforms like Taqtile’s Manifest help capture and disseminate expert knowledge, ensuring consistency and quality across the workforce. Â
- AR training provides hands-on, immersive experiences that make learning more engaging and effective, leading to a more skilled, confident, and satisfied workforce.Â
Effectively training deskless workers in industrial operations is a pressing challenge that demands innovative solutions. The need is high with the skills gap, and traditional methods are too slow and inefficient to cover the level of training currently needed by many organizations. Enter spatial computing and augmented reality (AR). As demonstrated by Taqtile‘s Manifest platform, these cutting-edge technologies transform how training is conducted, making it more immersive, interactive, and effective.Â
Creating a Skilled, Confident, and Flexible Workforce
One of the advantages of augmented reality-based training is its ability to capture and disseminate expert knowledge. As seasoned workers retire, AR platforms like Manifest can document their expertise and make it accessible to new employees so that valuable know-how is not lost. This technology creates detailed digital procedures and best practices that new workers can follow for consistency and quality.Â
AR-based training elevates the entire workforce by making training more effective and accessible, so that all employees are up to speed and capable of performing their tasks to a high standard. Workers trained using AR often report higher levels of confidence and job satisfaction. Knowing they can access precise, reliable instructions makes them feel more secure in their roles, reducing anxiety and increasing overall job satisfaction. Furthermore, AR’s ability to standardize training across global operations guarantees that all employees receive the same high-quality instruction, regardless of location.Â
By implementing AR-based training, companies can develop a stable and skilled workforce. This approach helps retain skilled labor and makes it easier to onboard new employees and scale operations without compromising quality. The use of AR can reduce the time required to achieve total productivity, as new hires can access step-by-step guides and expert support instantly. As industries evolve, quickly training and upskilling workers becomes crucial. AR-based training ensures companies can adapt seamlessly to new technologies and methods, maintaining a competitive edge. This adaptability is key in industries with rapidly changing technologies, such as aerospace, manufacturing, and utilities.Â
Revolutionizing Training with Spatial Computing
AR offers a groundbreaking approach to training. Traditional training methods often rely on static manuals, lengthy classroom sessions, and passive learning. In contrast, AR-based training immerses workers in realistic scenarios, allowing them to interact with digital overlays in their actual work environment. This hands-on, immersive method makes learning more engaging and makes sure workers better retain the training material. Â
Spatial computing allows workers to visualize complex procedures and concepts in 3D, which can be more effective than reading about them or watching videos. For instance, a technician learning to operate a new piece of machinery can see step-by-step instructions overlaid onto the actual machine, providing a hands-on experience without the risk of mistakes. Â
Key Benefits:Â Â
- Enhanced Hands-on Training: By leveraging AR, training materials can be overlaid on real-world equipment or 3D models for an immersive hands-on experience. Workers can then follow step-by-step directions, engage with the material, and submit evidence of task completion for assessment. This method leverages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, making complex concepts easier to grasp and boosting comprehension and retention.Â
- Just-in-Time Training: Training can be accessed whenever needed to align with the specific tasks or procedures workers are about to perform. With this flexibility, employees can refresh their knowledge and skills right before they are needed to increase confidence and competence in real-time applications.Â
- Real-Time Feedback: AR training provides immediate feedback based on task performance, answers to questions, real-time IoT data, and hypothetical conditions. This instantaneous correction helps prevent repeating mistakes, reinforces correct practices, and produces higher-quality work. Real-time feedback also enables trainees to adjust their approach on the spot.Â
- Immersive and More Realistic Simulations: AR training creates realistic and immersive simulations that can replicate complex industrial environments, scenarios, and procedures that may not be possible in traditional training settings. This hands-on experience helps workers prepare for actual tasks, boosting their confidence and competence while providing practical experience in a safe and controlled environment.Â
- Virtual Access to Machines: AR training allows workers to learn using 3D models, so the real equipment doesn’t have to be taken offline. This approach reduces costs and safety risks, particularly in cases where it is unsafe or impractical to provide real equipment access. It also eliminates downtime and operational disruptions so that training does not depend on machine availability.Â
Taqtile's Case Studies: Success in Action
Taqtile’s collaboration with PGT Innovations exemplifies the benefits of AR training. Using the Manifest platform, PGT Innovations reduced errors and downtime, demonstrating how AR-based training significantly improves technician retention and operational efficiency. This case highlights the transformative impact of AR on worker satisfaction and performance. Retaining skilled technicians has become easier as AR facilitates continuous learning and professional development. Â
PBC Linear, a manufacturer of linear motion products, faced challenges in training machine operators due to a high number of retirements among experienced staff. By implementing Taqtile’s Manifest, they reduced the training time for new operators from three weeks to just three days, achieving an 80% reduction in training time. This improvement not only saved costs but also made sure that new employees could quickly become productive, maintaining high standards and reducing errors and scrap rates.  Â
British Airways has also leveraged Manifest AR Work Instructions to streamline and enhance its maintenance procedures. By transforming expert knowledge into clear, easily accessible instructions, they have fast-tracked new engineers to proficiency and dramatically improved efficiency and operational reliability. Â
In the defense sector, the U.S. Navy has deployed Taqtile’s Manifest to empower sailors to perform at-sea repairs and support operations independently. The platform’s in-situ authoring capability allows for creating detailed work instructions in hours rather than weeks, enabling rapid adaptation and high-quality maintenance practices. Â
Embrace the Future of Training with AR
Augmented reality and spatial computing are not just futuristic concepts but practical solutions that address current challenges in training deskless workers. AR-based training fosters a more skilled, confident, and satisfied workforce by enhancing knowledge sharing and retention. For companies looking to stay ahead in a competitive market, investing in AR technology like Taqtile’s Manifest is a strategic move that promises substantial returns. The integration of training and employee retention strategies using AR proves to be a game-changer in workforce management. Â
Ready to transform your training programs and boost workforce efficiency? Schedule a demo with Taqtile today to see how Manifest can revolutionize your training processes. Visit our website to download case studies and learn more about the tangible benefits of AR-based training for your organization.Â
