Augmented reality (AR) - the addition of additional information or virtual objects to images or videos - is already being used in many application areas. For example, smartphones display additional information about places of interest or live broadcasts of sporting events enhanced with information such as the distance of free-kicks to the goal.

The technology is also increasingly used in Industry 4.0 to make production processes more efficient and sustainable. The scientists at VISCOM have therefore developed an augmented reality visualization in the KYKLOS 4.0 project, with which additional information is superimposed during the visualization of a maintenance process. The demonstrator consists of a rotor on which AI-supported predictive maintenance is shown. Current properties such as rotation speed, temperature, and current are displayed here via AR - apparently spatially connected to the rotor. Superimposed images and videos display further information and visualizations of the process. Arrows point to specific locations in the setup and explain the sensor components and functions. Buttons, which appear to be attached to the table, are used to operate the visualization by finger tap. Virtual objects, such as warning signs, rise from the tabletop depending on the system's current state.

In the KYKLOS 4.0 project, 29 partners from 14 countries are working together. The EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program funds this project under grant number 872570.