Digitizing Semiconductor Machine Maintenance with AR Smart Work Instructions

Globetronics Technology is a leading semiconductor manufacturing company based in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. In high-precision cleanroom and semiconductor assembly environments, machine uptime, procedural precision, and rapid workforce readiness are vital to sustaining competitive manufacturing yields.

To preserve institutional knowledge, streamline complex equipment maintenance, and accelerate technical training, Globetronics initiated the AR Smart Assistant project in 2022 in partnership with THEXRA and VIRNECT.

Operational Challenges

Semiconductor manufacturing machinery involves intricate, multi-step maintenance routines. Globetronics identified key operational bottlenecks:

  • Fragmented Knowledge Silos: Traditional documentation lived in static 2D paper manuals and decentralized digital files, making real-time cross-referencing on the shop floor tedious and error-prone.
  • Complex Procedure Execution: Highly technical procedures—such as capillary-change operations—demanded high precision that 2D diagrams could not intuitively represent.
  • Protracted Onboarding Timelines: Training newly hired technicians and engineers to full operational independence required up to 30 days of direct shadowing and supervisor oversight.

Globetronics engineer during training session for no-code AR content editor - VIRNECT Make&View

THEXRA’s Solution & Implementation

Following strategic XR consultation from THEXRA’s industrial solution experts, Globetronics deployed a complete enterprise XR authoring and visualization pipeline:

1. Decentralized Knowledge Authoring with VIRNECT Make

Through a focused one-day enablement workshop, Globetronics’ frontline engineers learned how to use VIRNECT Make, a no-code XR content creation studio:

  • Rapid Procedure Conversion: Engineers directly captured machine routines and converted 2D engineering schematics into interactive 3D spatial guides.
  • Frontline Ownership: By empowering the technicians who perform daily maintenance to author digital workflows, procedures reflected practical operational realities.

2. Holographic Execution via AR Smart Glasses

On the cleanroom floor, technicians don industrial AR smart glasses to execute complex machine servicing:

  • Hands-Free Holographic Overlays: Step-by-step 3D animations and visual cues are mapped directly onto the physical machinery.
  • Standardized Precision: Engineers follow real-time visual checklists (e.g., precise capillary-change protocols) with both hands free to handle tools safely.

Globetronics engineer completed training session for no-code AR content editor - VIRNECT Make&View

Measurable Results & Impact

  • 90% Reduction in Onboarding Time: Training cycles dropped from 30 days down to just 3 days, enabling junior engineers to work independently within their first week.
  • 30% Increase in Efficiency & Productivity: Standardized holographic guidance minimized procedural delays and maintenance mistakes across onsite technical teams.
  • Centralized Digital Knowledge Repository: Standard operating procedures are now captured digitally, eliminating knowledge loss from workforce turnover.

Executive Perspective

“By digitally transforming our processes using XR, we've witnessed a 30% improvement in efficiency & productivity by onsite technicians. We're now centralizing knowledge across departments, which has positioned us ahead of competitors. We have a long term partnership with THEXRA to utilize the VIRNECT platform and to plan expansion in our project where AI introduction will be key.”

— Ms. Heng Charng Yee, CEO, Globetronics Technology