# Six-Gear Roadmap towards the Smart Factory
## 5 The Six-Gear Roadmap
### Gear 6: Scale
#### 5.6.2 Other Advanced Technologies for Smart Manufacturing  
Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience with the real world that enables the user to incorporate things (visual, haptic, auditory, etc.) that reside in the digital world into the real world to enhance its overall experience. It is deployed based upon a collection of technologies enriched by computer-generated text, 2D/3D virtual digital content. AR applications in manufacturing are used to improve methods to guide workers in maintenance and training applications [109, 110]. AR technology enables workers to get relevant visual information around the process or the physical thing in real-time by overlaying text, image, video, etc. onto a view of the physical world through camera enabled devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, AR/VR headset). AR applications can be more powerful when integrated with other Industry 4.0 technologies such as IIoT and digital twin applications to enable real-time monitoring and efficient planning of the operation and process [44]. Current AR applications focus on sharing simple statistical data of machine/product operation, but in the future, it is expected to be extended to combine advanced analytics and AI- based modules to share additional insights about various products and recommended services [109].  
Robotics with advanced AI-based intelligence and automation control enable CPS applications in manufacturing. Collaborative Robots (Cobots) are a new generation of advanced robots that are being rapidly embraced in manufacturing. Cobots are integrated with AI, connectivity and automation control features that allows collaboration with humans in a safe, autonomous and reliable environment. Cobots enable new capabilities in smart manufacturing that improves quality, maximize productivity and reduces operational costs [111].  
Additive Manufacturing is a technology that builds digital objects into physical objects using a layer-by-layer building process with the aid of 3D printer machines and advanced materials. It is a flexible production model that bridges the gap between the digital and the physical world without the need of specialized tools. Additive manufacturing is currently used in high end and high value manufacturing when quickly prototyping affordable parts and in the production of tooling such as making jigs and fixtures to reduce the tooling costs and to allow for more flexibility, especially in the aerospace industry [112].  
5G is a fifth-generation wireless communication technology that supports reliable, high speed and high coverage communication. It is a technology that enables advanced connectivity and increased data availability that can be used in industrial environments to further enable and support current and future data-driven smart manufacturing applications. It supports and enhances the adoption of IIoT, CPS, digital twins, edge computing and the implementation of AI and AR in Industry 4.0 applications to achieve their full potential [61]. A use case of 5G in aerospace manufacturing is the collection of high-speed data for real-time monitoring in different operational conditions to update digital twin systems to subsequently improve the jet engine manufacturing process [113].