AGCO Expands Use of Assisted Reality

AGCO plans to double the number of assisted-reality headset devices at a plant in Minnesota and to begin using the technology at six additional factories.

The headsets—known as Glass—enable workers to scan a machine’s serial number, for example, and bring up a manual, photo, or video they need to build the tractor. Workers also are able to use voice commands to leave notes for the next shift.

Peggy Gulick, who directs business process improvement at AGCO, said the company has found the greatest value for the smart glasses in assembly and quality, where workers use them for hands-free access to instructions and checklists.

“We have discovered that training with smart glasses is a grand slam,” she said. “New product launches, multi-operation and new hire training are easily administered and audited for success. We have seen a significant increase in productivity, and our factory employees have reported being much happier doing their jobs.”

With the use of Glass, AGCO has seen over a 30 percent reduction in inspection times and a 25 percent reduction in production time for low-volume, high-complexity assemblies.

“AGCO was an early adopter of Glass in the workplace and their business results highlight how useful it can be for manufacturing workers to have all the information they need to get the job done right in their line of sight,” said Jay Kothari, Project Lead, Glass.

Source: AGCO