The augmented reality software is an application that facilitates the visualisation of information from the physical system to which it is associated, enabling real-time interaction by combining elements of the real and virtual world. The purpose of the augmented reality application is to optimise the experience in SMC International Training's industry 4.0 systems.

The operability of this software application is based on the implementation of strategically placed markers at each station of the physical equipment, which act as links to additional information for users.  To access detailed data on each station, showing real-time data, a scan of the corresponding marker is required via a mobile application. Upon identification of the station, an information panel with data concerning the station is displayed, thus superimposing virtual elements on the real physical environment.

This software application is composed of two fundamental elements:

• - The server component, whose function is to collect data via the APIs of the MES software or the PLCs of the hardware stations. This service is hosted on the same compact computer as the MES software. It is then responsible for converting this information with the appropriate visual layout for the screen.
• - The mobile application, which is responsible for collecting the screen layout and transforming it in order to enable its visualisation.

The markers are located on the user interfaces (HMI) of the physical stations. Pressing the button with the logo of the augmented reality application on the main screen of the HMI redirects to a screen showing the corresponding marker. 

What information can be displayed with augmented reality?

General screen of each station
	For each station, a screen with general information is presented:   - The status of the station. The possible status are: Ready (green), Busy (yellow), alarm (red), initializing (grey). - The mode of operation. Possible modes are: Manual or Integrated - Air panel with air pressure information. Stations with an additional flow sensor also display this air consumption information.
Station inventory screen
	For stations equipped with an inventory, the data relating to their supply is displayed. Each station has a different inventory screen. The following information is an example of the data displayed on the inventory screen for the M&I-408 station:   - Warehouse locations that are occupied - The image of the type of product that occupies it - The disabled and reserved locations. Disabled locations are shown in grey and reserved locations are shown in yellow.   The display of this warehouse mirrors what it is displayed in the inventory tab of the MES software.   The stations that provide inventory display are:   - M&I-401: Container feeding, checking and rejecting station - M&I-402: iProduct feeding station - M&I-403: Filling feeding station - M&I-404: Lid sorting and feeding station - M&I-405: Disturbance station - M&I-407: Assisted manual interaction station - M&I-408: Pneumatic warehouse station - M&I-409: Robotic warehouse station - M&I-411: Dispatching station
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