Siemens Energy Enhances Quality Inspection With AR
Siemens Energy is integrating SuPAR, an augmented reality (AR)-based inspection solution, into selected visual inspection and quality control processes as part of its digital transformation in quality assurance. The system allows physical components to be compared directly with their corresponding 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models in real time on the shop floor.
The technology is designed to make inspections faster and more practical while making them easier to document. It also supports earlier identification of potential issues during the inspection process. By bringing 3D CAD data into the physical inspection environment, SuPAR provides inspectors with direct visual guidance on the component being assessed.
The capabilities were demonstrated in a recent technical presentation by Malte Galeazzi, Supply Quality Engineer and SuPAR Product Owner at Siemens Energy. The presentation showed how SuPAR overlays 3D CAD data directly onto physical components, allowing inspectors to make an immediate visual comparison between the digital model and the actual component.
This approach lessens reliance on interpreting traditional 2D technical drawings and on transferring data into separate 3D inspection workflows. Inspectors can instead use the 3D model directly in the production environment where the component is being checked.
Siemens Energy has reported more than 50% time savings in completeness checks for steel structures using SuPAR. The result applies to that specific inspection activity and represents the clearest reported time-saving measure associated with the technology in the supplied material.
SuPAR also allows inspectors to compare physical components directly with their corresponding 3D CAD models during production. This makes target-versus-actual checks clearer and more practical by placing the digital reference alongside the physical component during inspection.
The AR overlay can help teams identify potential missing, misplaced or non-conforming elements earlier in the process. Earlier detection enables faster corrective action, allowing potential issues to be identified during inspection rather than left until a later stage of the quality process.
The system also provides digital documentation and reporting capabilities. Inspection findings can be recorded using photographs and structured reports. This supports transparency and traceability throughout the inspection process while providing a digital record of inspection results.
SuPAR uses a mobile workflow that allows 3D information to be used directly where components are produced and inspected. This supports practical use by quality teams in the production environment and provides access to the relevant CAD information at the point of inspection.
The technology is intended to complement, rather than replace, Siemens Energy’s existing quality assurance methodologies. It supports a range of tasks, including visual quality inspection, completeness checks, assembly verification, digital reporting and audit trails, and in-process quality control.
By making high-resolution 3D CAD data available directly at the point of inspection, the system allows quality engineers to select and execute the most effective method for each specific quality task. This places the digital reference within the existing inspection environment rather than requiring the information to be handled separately from the physical component.
The use of SuPAR also links digital CAD design data with physical production environments. According to the supplied material, this reduces manual interpretation errors and increases the accuracy of inspection documentation. It also supports faster, data-informed decision-making across Siemens Energy’s manufacturing operations.
The adoption of the technology provides a more transparent, streamlined and field-ready approach to visual quality control. Its use combines direct comparison of physical components with their 3D CAD models, digital documentation and earlier identification of potential quality issues within selected inspection processes.
SuPAR therefore forms part of Siemens Energy’s approach to digitalising selected visual inspection and quality control activities. The system brings 3D CAD information directly into the inspection environment while retaining established quality assurance methods and supporting the documentation and traceability of inspection work.
