One of the key objectives of the AR for Enterprise Alliance is to reduce the hype around Augmented Reality so that those who wish to introduce it have realistic expectations and positive results are achievable. Setting expectations within reach of current technologies frequently requires “busting myths” that have developed in literature, motion picture or games.

This post on the InfinityLeap.com blog examines three myths. First, AR is not like Minority Report. Second, Augmented Reality does not replace everything. And third, Augmented Reality cuts costs. Augmented Reality is more than a new interface, it is complementary to enterprise information technology and systems and it does have a cost for acquisition and deployment, however these costs can be offset by measurable benefits.

In case readers are unfamiliar with the terminology, this feature story on the AppsTechNews.com portal begins as many others with a short definition of Augmented Reality and connects the technology to the wearables and mobility trends. The author then describes several use cases in enterprise before summarizing the benefits of having contextually-relevant data in the worker’s field of view.

The article also explains that many of the products currently proposed for AR deployment are not designed for enterprise environments. Furthermore, the user interfaces for many devices are not designed for integration with enterprise systems, which — if the user must continually change views and modes — can reduce productivity more than enhance it. Despite the obstacles, the prospects of improving enterprise operations with AR come across and should help readers grasp the concepts. In the future, perhaps there would be some products and provider companies mentioned so that the reader can take their new knowledge and curiosity to the next stage.

Combining Augmented Reality-assisted training with other forms of traditional and workplace-based training will be an important way for people to get familiar with the technology before deploying it in the field. In the learning environment, many factors can be constrained and the systems are more reliable than in the field where conditions are more variable.

This feature story on the InfinityLeap.com web site presents the use of Augmented Reality for workplace training and emphasizes the benefits while maintaining a realistic set of impacts.

This article on the Equipment World magazine portal shares the views of Paolo Fellin, vice president of construction and infrastructure industries, and John Carpenter, construction technology and solutions manager with Caterpillar. The company’s spokespeople explain that Caterpillar has recently accelerated its technology-related acquisitions and partnerships in order to improve its products with Internet of Things, Machine-to-Machine systems and higher efficiency systems.

Augmented Reality is being considered in the mix as a support component for service and maintenance for commercial vehicles and other equipment that could be out of the shop and need service while in difficult-to-reach workplaces.

In its recent press release TimberTech, a provider of high-performance decking, railing, lighting and fastening solutions to the professional and personal project construction segment, announced that it has published an Augmented Reality-assisted software application to help customers visualize projects in the real world.

Designed to run on an iPad, the solution is consumer-friendly, however, it also demonstrates the potential for such solutions to offer value to construction industry professionals.

When subscribers of Global Manufacturing magazine receive the July 2015 issue, the first thing they will see is the suggestion that Augmented Reality is a game-changing technology. The July 2015 cover story written by the magazine’s associate editor, Abigail Phillips, opens with several simple use cases of Augmented Reality reducing one of the manufacturing industry’s critical metrics: downtime. The article then shares how AR-assisted systems can improve the quality of daily reporting by streamlining the capture of any safety or production issues identified during a shift.

We look forward to this magazine publishing short articles, as well as in-depth case studies and testimonials about Augmented Reality introduction and full deployments by manufacturing industry leaders in future issues.

The US patent office has found sufficient uniqueness in the way Google proposes for a system to capture and process images to grant a new patent to the company. The patent describes, among other details, how a user placing their hands in, and then withdrawing their hands from, forms a frame around the portion of the world to be captured.

If this new patent recently granted to Google sounds familiar that’s because there’s a lot of similarity to other work. The most widely publicized of these was when in November 2009 Pranav Mistry, then an MIT Media Lab PhD candidate, presented the concept he called “Sixth Sense” in a TED talk.

After the patent was granted last week many observers have been speculating that this method will be used as part of the hands-free display interface in future versions of Google Glass.

Microsoft is compiling examples of HoloLens use in professional environments on a dedicated showcase page of its website. These examples are prepared in collaboration with thought leaders such as Trimble and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory discussing the added value of having Augmented Reality-assisted systems.

The most recently issued video, also published on YouTube, features experts at Case Western Reserve University describing how medical school students and interns can benefit from using HoloLens when learning human anatomy. Although focusing on medical concepts, the same benefits can be suggested in any learning environment which can benefit from 3D graphics over the use of flat illustrations.

Following the release of the video, many observers published posts focusing on the narrow field of view of HoloLens as depicted in the video. While the limitations of the proposed system’s field of view are clear, media and bloggers fail to credit Microsoft for showing actual output and setting customer expectations at the appropriate level rather than simulating effects that cannot be achieved with current technology. More initiatives like this should be encouraged as they will fuel wider adoption of Augmented Reality in the workplace.

General Electric’s Research Center in Brazil is developing and testing a tablet-based (iOS and Android) Augmented Reality maintenance manual for workers on offshore oil rigs. Using the tablet’s camera, the Augmented Reality-assisted manual recognizes assemblies of pipes and valves and superimposes graphics and procedures for efficiently installing and maintaining infrastructure, effectively replacing printed work instructions and checklists.

This system is also helping to train well operators, displaying virtual procedures for workers to learn while collaborating with remote instructors. In the future, GE plans to support other devices, such as hands-free head-mounted personal displays.

Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to host Augmented Reality in Leading-Edge Utilities Event

AREA teams with EPRI and IEEE Standards Association to identify opportunities for Augmented Reality in the utilities industry 

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – July 6, 2015 –The Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA), the only global member-based organization focusing on accelerating Augmented Reality (AR) adoption in enterprise, announced today that the organization is teaming with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and IEEE Standards Association to host the AR in Leading-Edge Utilities (ARLU) event.

Taking place on July 27 and 28, 2015 at the EPRI facility in Charlotte, N.C., ARLU will provide delegates with insights into the opportunities for reduced risk and improved performance through the introduction of AR-assisted workflows in the utilities industry.

Focused exclusively on addressing the unique requirements of the utilities industry, ARLU is targeted at IT professionals working in utilities, vendors serving the utilities industry, and providers of AR components, systems and services. Presentations, workshop sessions, and demonstrations provided by participating organizations will highlight best practices and practical approaches for integrating AR-enhanced information visualization components to complement processes and workflows.

“Representatives from EPRI, Atheer Labs, Augmate, DAQRI, Design Mill, IEEE and NGRAIN will share lessons learned through the practical application of these technologies to help deepen delegates’ understanding of mission-critical workflows that can benefit most from the introduction of AR-assisted systems,” says Christine Perey, AREA Executive Director.

“EPRI is bringing together experts to ferret out the obstacles facing the industry and to identify the best approaches to take advantage of this technology,” says John Simmins, EPRI Technical Executive and AREA board member. “This meeting will give attendees a better understanding of the technology gaps that exist within the industry and the utilities customer requirements.”

Additional event details can be found on the ARLU web page, while invitations can be requested by sending an email to Laura Abbott.

About the AREA

The Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA) is the only global member-based organization focusing on accelerating AR adoption through creating and expanding a vibrant technology ecosystem. The AREA’s mission is to help organizations achieve greater operational efficiencies through smooth introduction and widespread adoption of interoperable AR-enabled enterprise systems. Its members collaborate to deliver content and programs that further these goals. Sponsor members of the AREA are thought leaders 1066 Labs, AERTEC Solutions, APX Labs, Atheer Labs, Augmate, The Boeing Company, Bosch, CN2 Technology, DAQRI, Design Mill, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), IEEE Standards Association, NGRAIN, iQagent, Johnson and Johnson, Newport News Shipbuilding, Perey Research & Consulting, and Talent Swarm. More information about the AREA is available at https://thearea.org.

About EPRI

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI,) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety and the environment. EPRI’s members represent approximately 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to more than 30 countries. For more information visit http://www.epri.com.

About the IEEE Standards Association

The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 1,100 active standards and more than 500 standards under development. For more information visit http://standards.ieee.org/.  

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Direct media inquiries to:

Christine Perey, Executive Director, AR for Enterprise Alliance

Christine@theAREA.org