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ATS - Augmented Training & Support

Augmented Reality in Industry​

What is augmented reality? (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory, and olfactory. AR can be defined as a system that incorporates three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. The overlaid sensory information can be constructive (i.e. additive to the natural environment), or destructive (i.e. masking of the natural environment). This experience is seamlessly interwoven with the physical world such that it is perceived as an immersive aspect of the real environment. In this way, augmented reality alters one’s ongoing perception of a real-world environment, whereas virtual reality completely replaces the user’s real-world environment with a simulated one. Augmented reality is related to two largely synonymous terms: mixed reality and computer-mediated reality. 

Source: ~Wikipedia

What does it do?​​

Augmented reality is used to blend the natural environment with the virtual world and data. It’s been
advocated and depicted in the works of sci-fi for decades, with prominent examples being The
Terminator, Robocop, or Ironman, where the vision of the robotic character or human in a hi-tech
the suit was enhanced by computer data regarding the objects observed.

In the industrial environment, AR is (or will be used) mainly to support field personnel increasing
effectiveness, reaction time, and safety by reducing human error factor, as well as for interactive
hands-on training.

Problem​

Currently, we are in process of research and development of a proper solution for augmented reality for hazardous, industrial environments we are working with.

Augmented reality perfectly fits different markets like home planning or training in low/no-risk surroundings. But what if it has a failure or malfunctions during the work on industrial plant or any other strategic, industrial facilities?

There are three main issues with using AR:

  1. Personnel getting used to constant help during the work. Malfunctions of hardware can leave workers without necessary data to continue tasks. If this happens during an emergency event, it brings a great risk of an accident for a person who depends on AR.
  2. Trust in the transferred data to AR headset. Each user must be 100% assured that the information displayed is up to date and correct to analyzed surroidungs.
  3. Cyber attacks on the internal network inside of the company can directly impact the safety of all production processes. It is especially dangerous in a strategic, highly dangerous industrial environment.

We can add the fourth issue with ATEX certification, but this is strictly on hardware side and will be solved by AR glasses manufacturers.

Of course, the issues have lower or greater risks depending on the use of AR technology. Low risk for example we can expect by displaying only manual information with or without detection of an object in surroundings.

The high risk we can expect by providing up-to-date information directly from operator/DCS systems about the condition of machinery/plants.

Our aim with AR technology​​

AppsBow is aiming to provide full support for field operators in industrial facilities, which means:

  • Recognition of surroundings and objects with 100% accuracy.
  • Provide assured, up-to-date information about each object from the operator/DCS system with a one-way, safe connection. 
  • Proper technology must come with proven safety for cyber attacks. With testing new AR devices on the market we are looking for an assured connection between the local network and end-device to prevent the possibility of unauthorized access or device imitation.

Solution​

AR technology is grounding on the market for a few years right now but still requires a lot of testing on unknown and demanding industrial grounds.

To reach the goal AppsBow with industrial partners is running trials on different facilities and machines to collect necessary data about AR technology and the possibility of connecting external devices to the local network in a secure way with proven connection stability.

If you want to join the test please contact us. We will be happy to show you the AR technology and extend the research to new grounds.

Join AppsBow's AR research program