Extended Reality (XR) is transforming industries across the board, with annual shipments forecast to surpass 12 million by 2030. Aerospace manufacturing is a key sector where immersive solutions are making a striking difference. XR integration solves some of the aerospace industry's most pressing challenges, including design complexity, high iteration costs, and lengthy prototyping cycles. XR tools, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), are being utilized by aircraft manufacturers to enhance collaboration, improve design accuracy, and reduce operational costs.
As the aerospace industry increasingly leverages XR tools, ABI Research offers the following best practices to ensure desired results.
XR Deployment Best Practices
1. Integrate Data Across Systems
To successfully implement XR, it’s crucial to understand where data resides in existing systems and identify what would be valuable to access through XR. Initially, XR was often siloed from systems like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) due to integration complexities and device compatibility issues.
However, historical hurdles have dissipated as most XR platforms now support integration through Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs), content tools, and professional services. Indeed, connecting XR with other systems is a lot easier today thanks to these solutions.
Establishing a two-way data relationship between sources and users should be seen as essential for functionality and security. This is particularly true in industries such as aerospace, where data integrity is critical.
2. Prepare Your Workforce for Change
XR solutions hold immense potential for aerospace manufacturers but require thorough education for successful adoption. According to ABI Research’s Industrial and Manufacturing Survey 1H 2024: Extended Reality (XR), the main barriers to XR adoption are poor alignment with objectives and a lack of XR expertise. Addressing these issues involves streamlining user onboarding and creating internal champions.
User experience is crucial for success. If an XR solution is difficult to use, it risks low adoption and wasted investment. Moreover, key stakeholders will struggle to see the value in further investment. Therefore, it’s important to use intuitive, user-friendly hardware. For example, Sony’s XR HMD provides natural input and comfort features, which helps build widespread advocacy.
Having key users as internal champions is also vital to the XR transitional phase. These advocates can resolve issues in real time and ensure the solution is integrated into operations. When users understand how XR benefits them personally—as opposed to solely benefitting the company—the adoption path will experience less friction.
3. Set Out Clear Goals and Performance Metrics
To measure the success of XR adoption, manufacturers must establish clear, actionable goals and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Several examples include:
- Reductions in iteration time
- Improvements in design accuracy
- Fewer design errors
- Quicker prototyping cycles
Setting clear benchmarks from the onset allows companies to assess whether the technology is meeting expectations and provides value. Tracking the benefits and Return on Investment (ROI) of XR tools is essential for justifying their continued use and scaling the technology across the organization. Moreover, these metrics can highlight areas for further improvement and optimization in the XR implementation process.
XR Is a Cornerstone of Aerospace Digitalization
As the aerospace industry continues to digitally transform, XR technology offers an opportunity to tackle long-standing challenges. A successful deployment will induce benefits such as improving collaboration, streamlining design processes, and reducing prototyping costs. Aerospace manufacturers that embrace XR and follow the aforementioned recommendations will be well-positioned to innovate and attract new customers.
For a deeper dive into the practical use cases and best practices of XR in aerospace, download ABI Research’s whitepaper: Aerospace Immersive Engineering.
About the Author
Eric Abbruzzese, Research Director
Eric Abbruzzese, a Research Director at ABI Research, primarily leads research efforts in Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Virtual Reality (VR). Coverage includes devices, content, platforms, and use cases across consumer and enterprise applications. Additional coverage areas include gaming, video, metaverse, and emerging technologies.