PTC’s AR Platform Simplifies Warehouse Inspections

PTC is deploying a new feature to its AI-enabled augmented reality solution Vuforia to simplify visual inspection on shop floors.  

The new Step Check platform allows workers to view a physical object with inspection instructions superimposed on top of them. It will also alert the user of any errors, such as if there has been improper assembly or missing parts.

Step Check also automatically records and stores inspection results, creating dashboards to analyze trends over time.

“Step Check uses advanced computer vision to recognize parts or products to be inspected using their 3D CAD models,” said JJ Lechleiter, PTC’s general manager of Vuforia. “Then it utilizes an AI model based on examples of passed and failed inspections.

“The AI models learn from the decisions made by the employees and, as a result, continuously improve the results. Vuforia's computer vision capabilities also recognize things not included in 3D CAD models, such as stickers or labels.”

Step Check comes as part of PTC's Vuforia Expert Capture SaaS Augmented Reality solution, a platform for “the quick and easy creation of step-by-step AR work instructions.” While the inspection process is typically completed by eye, ongoing labor shortages and supply chain pressures are driving businesses toward digital solutions to streamline operations and improve efficiencies.