SECTION FEATURE
Left: AR users can“ drop” a machine in a specific location to make accurate decisions about its maneuverability and reach in the exact working environment.
Right: With AR, users can experiment with different machine sizes and configurations to determine the best fit for their needs. via ladders.
The facility also owned a 60-foot boom lift. Before the installation of additional production equipment, there was enough open floor space to position the base unit farther away from the machinery and use the boom to perform maintenance on it. But that is no longer possible with the current, more crowded production setup. In other words, this boom lift was now too large for this more crowded space.
Using an AR app on a tablet, Padilla experimented by virtually placing a variety of machine types and sizes in various locations on the production floor to determine which model and configuration would work best.
Bakery
A bakery that manufactures cakes and other baked goods for local retail stores was looking for safer alternatives to ladders to enable its staff to perform routine maintenance in one of its facilities.
After baked goods exit an oven, they are transported on a variety of elevated conveyors for cooling, packaging and other secondary operations. Sometimes, the product gets stuck on them. A worker must manually access this area to clear the jam. The facility also has several elevated dust control units. They contain filters that must be cleaned regularly.
The bakery had been using ladders to perform most of this work, but decided to explore other alternatives, such as low-level access lifts. Padilla used an AR app to help its safety team select the right machine size and configuration to give them the needed reach.
In several locations, ovens were located near building walls. Using the AR app, he demonstrated that a JLG EcoLift vertical lift had adequate clearance to make a 90-degree turn near them and traverse this narrow space.
Find Solutions Faster One of the biggest advantages of an AR app is that it enables Padilla to play“ What if?” with a variety of machine sizes and configurations in their work environment. He can easily envision fit and reach in ways that measuring the space and comparing those numbers to a traditional spec sheet can’ t.
“ In the past, I was restricted to demonstrating the machine that I towed behind my truck. Now, I’ m able to show them a whole range of options and help them identify the best lifting solution for their needs. For me and my customers, digitizing the whole experience— from equipment demo’ ing to project documentation— has been a game-changer,” Padilla says.
After he leaves the facility, the customer’ s team members can download the AR app and continue experimenting with it on their own.
“ They can explore machine types and options on their own, including many of our newest models. It’ s very empowering,” he adds.
Equipment Guide- October 2024 l 9