While Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) offer distinct advantages for industrial applications, their true power is often realized when used together as part of an integrated workflow. EXAR's Direct2XR platform, encompassing both Direct2AR and Direct2VR, is designed precisely for this synergy.
The Challenge: Disconnected Data and Workflows
Often, companies utilize AR for field operations and VR for design or training, but the underlying 3D data and processes remain siloed. Preparing and optimizing complex CAD models separately for AR applications (mobile performance) and VR applications (high-fidelity immersion) requires redundant effort and increases the risk of data inconsistency. This prevents a smooth flow of information across the product lifecycle or operational stages.
The Direct2XR Advantage: A Unified Platform
The core strength of the Direct2XR ecosystem lies in its shared foundation. When you upload your CAD data to the EXAR web portal:
- Centralized Optimization: The data is processed and optimized once, creating versions suitable for both high-performance mobile AR (Direct2AR) and immersive VR environments (Direct2VR).
- Shared Library: Optimized models become accessible through a shared library, ensuring consistency. Models prepared for Direct2AR can be readily used within Direct2VR scenes, and vice-versa where applicable.
- Seamless Workflow Potential: This integration enables powerful end-to-end workflows. For example:
- Conduct an immersive design review of a new machine layout in VR using Direct2VR.
- Once finalized, use the same optimized models in Direct2AR to provide AR-guided assembly instructions on the factory floor.
- Later, use Direct2AR again for maintenance guidance or remote assistance on the installed machine.
Benefits of Integration
Leveraging both Direct2AR and Direct2VR offers significant advantages:
- Efficiency: Reduce data preparation time and effort by optimizing CAD data once for multiple XR applications.
- Consistency: Ensure all teams are working with the same, up-to-date version of the 3D model across AR and VR experiences.
- End-to-End Solutions: Bridge the gap between design, training, manufacturing, sales, and service using a connected XR toolkit.
- Maximized ROI: Gain greater value from your 3D data assets by utilizing them across a wider range of applications and lifecycle stages.
By combining the strengths of mobile AR for contextual, real-world information and immersive VR for simulation and detailed exploration, the Direct2XR platform provides a comprehensive solution for industrial digital transformation.
Explore how EXAR's integrated platform can benefit your specific workflow. Contact us for a consultation.