FANUC ASSISTED REALITY (FAR)

Following a successful trial phase, FANUC is expanding its FANUC Assisted Reality (FAR) digital remote service and will start offering FAR as part of its regular service package on April 1, 2022. It is an augmented reality application that enables FANUC customers get remote support. It enables service engineers to diagnose faults using real-time video and digital overlays, ensuring the proper replacement parts and tools are identified during the first call.
In 2020, FANUC started testing FAR software, which has received a lot of positive feedback. FANUC service engineers can use the technology, which takes the form of an app, to examine machine problems remotely and safely.
FAR simplifies planning for replacement parts and tools, which can cut service visit time in half.
One of the most important aspects of developing the software has been ensuring that it works under conditions of low data throughput. This, coupled with a user-friendly user interface, makes it a suitable choice for most FANUC equipment users.
Another important element of FAR is data security, which is only used with the permission of the client. As highlighted as a persistent factor throughout the manufacturing business, end-to-end encryption provides security across all data exchange.
FANUC continues to enhance its digital service capabilities. Remote service support in various countries is now easier thanks to the introduction of an automatic translation mechanism. FANUC is looking to add capabilities such as live data viewing, smart glasses, and repair instructions via how-to videos in the future.
According to Rolf Urban, Business Development Manager, Customer Service, FANUC Europe, comments. “We were able to identify a solution for our customers in some situations in 20 minutes thanks to FAR.” This is due to the fact that the problem is often not related to the hardware, but to another aspect of the system, such as programming. “Our service engineers can use FAR to communicate photos and videos with customers over a secure Internet connection, as well as write feedback in real time. This gives us a clear picture of what is happening in the machine environment and makes remote troubleshooting much easier.”