Digital Transformation in the Chemical Industry: The Potential of Augmented Reality and Digital Twin

In the era of Industry 4.0 and industrial digitization, augmented reality (AR) is a powerful technology with the potential to revolutionize numerous sectors. However, despite a proliferation of supporting tools and hardware and demonstrated benefits in effectiveness, intuitiveness, and ease of use, the practical implementation of AR within the chemical industries remains surprisingly limited. This indicates a potential shortfall in research and development initiatives aimed at fully exploiting the capabilities of AR for industrial applications. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of the existing landscape of AR within the industry, aiming to shed light on this intriguing paradox. After providing an extensive overview of the current state of AR in industry, we propose a schematic guideline as a systematic approach for introducing AR into industrial operations. The objective of this guide is to bridge the gap between AR’s evident potential and its actual application, fostering a broader adoption of this innovative technology in the industrial sector. Our work offers valuable insights and a practical roadmap for stakeholders aiming to leverage the transformative power of AR in industrial activities.