Investigating the Use of Immersive Technologies for Additive Manufacturing

The demand for Additive Manufacturing (AM) is continuously increasing, so new challenges must be overcome. For instance, in the event of a pandemic, location-independent communication must be ensured so that the production and the training of workers can continue. As a result, digital learning and teaching techniques have gained traction, especially in location-independent interventions. Those techniques enable synchronous and asynchronous, location-independent transmission of information and data, however, they are mostly designed for theoretical contents. In order to ensure physical learning as well, more immersive technologies must be resorted to. Thus, this study investigates the extent to which Extended Reality (XR) technologies can be used in AM. Two workshops were held to gather expert opinions on how Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) can be utilized in AM. It turns out that the technologies can be used in a variety of ways, especially in areas such as training, visualization, information, simulation, checking, and communication. The greatest added value with minimal effort could be achieved in the location-independent training and assistance of employees.