With a customer base primarily comprised of heavy equipment contractors renting mobile elevating work platforms, JLG Industries needed a way of showing contractors which machines and accessories are the right fit for the job. The company’s current product portfolio consists of over 150 products with many possible configurations—rental companies may be familiar with the catalog’s full scope, but individuals renting from them are not. In addition to this challenge, JLG also needed a solution that would facilitate the transition from traditional paper manuals toward a more user-friendly and accessible option.
JLG partnered with Futurus to create a downloadable mobile app that uses augmented reality to provide machine operators, inspectors, and technicians with on-site project management tools. The app’s capabilities include Machine Visualization, Accessory Visualization, Decal Viewer, Operation Guidance, and Machine Inspection Assistance.
Machine and Accessory Visualization tools take the guesswork out of machine selection by enabling users to view 3D models of various configurations. For the first time, contractors can visualize exactly how a machine should be arranged on-site before renting or buying it. The app’s models are true to scale and size, reducing the likelihood of a customer purchasing a configuration that’s too tall or wide for their project.
These visualization tools enable users to map out three-dimensional areas within their environments. If a selected machine intersects with the user’s mapped-out box, they’ll know to adjust their order before placing it. Each 3D model includes two to three of the following states to ensure that a configuration is ideal for every stage of their project: stowed, maximum height, and maximum reach. There are currently over 100 machines and accessories supported within the visualization feature of the app.
The Decal Viewer tool imparts machine operators with the ability to determine any safety decal’s meaning. By scanning a decal with a mobile device, machine operators can view its complete description on-screen, eliminating the need to reference a paper manual.
The Operation Guidance tool allows users to receive machine guidance via an augmented reality overlay. After scanning an AR-supported machine’s control panel, an overlay of digital information appears aligned with the controls. By tapping on each control, a definition and additional information appears on the screen, laying the foundation for proper machine operation by describing the device’s control mechanisms. Users may also open a sequence of startup operations for further guidance.
The Machine Inspection Assistant tool allows users to receive machine guidance via an augmented reality overlay. After initiating a machine’s inspection, for AR-supported machines, the digital overlay guides machine inspectors with indicators, ensuring they focus on the relevant subassembly of each machine. When paired with on-screen inspection steps, the overlay allows machine inspectors to forego cumbersome paper manuals and checklists. The resulting digital inspection list can be saved as a PDF and exported to a supervisor or fleet manager for seamless digital documentation and record-keeping.
Number of languages the app is offered in
Number of supported products in app
Number of decals
Designed to assist a broad audience, the JLG AR App is available in 20 languages and is actively used in every market that JLG serves worldwide. By informing consumer purchase decisions, its tools frame the JLG brand as trustworthy. RER Magazine has recognized the app as the winner of the “Best Technology Enhancement of the Year” award in the access industry. Considering the growth and speed of technological advancements, this category is arguably the most competitive. The JLG AR App was recognized as a Fast Company‘s 2021 Innovation by Design Awards honoree for the apps and games category. Rental selected the JLG AR App for the 2022 Editor’s Choice Award.
