The goal of the 3D Thinking articles is to provide exercises, tools, technology, techniques to unlock a new dimension in your brain.

Because you’ve spent most of your life in front of 2D flat screens like computers, tablets, TV, or phones, it’s likely that your mind’s natural 3D thinning capabilities have been limited.

Today, we have 3D technologies that break 2D limitations, enabling us to create and communicate in 3D, leveraging the full spatial capabilities of our brain.

This is the second article in the series (you can read the introduction here).  In no time at all, you’ll be well on your way to creating a premium presentation and delivering results with AfterNow Prez:

The topics are:

1- Choosing an Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality Headset

2- Playing Games to Develop Your 3D Skills

3- Apply Your 3D Skills with These Fun VR Creator Tools

You can read the guide here. 

Read Afternow’s AREA member profile here. 

The digitization of processes in the logistics centers is an important factor for this. For Rexel Germany it was particularly useful to find new solutions for the regular in-house tours and maintenance. With Inspect AR from Microsoft partner Netcetera, these work processes can be made even more efficient on Microsoft HoloLens 2 in the future.

Support for employees with security checks

If you imagine a logistics center with its huge buildings and technical systems, it becomes clear how important special measures are here for fire protection and the safety of people and objects.

For this reason, employees at Rexel Germany previously had to use manually managed Excel lists to check at regular intervals whether the fire extinguishers were always in the right positions and ready for use. During such tours there is a risk that checkpoints on the list have been mixed up or left out. In addition, the employees needed time to orientate themselves in the warehouse.

With Inspect AR on HoloLens 2, employees are now guided to the right places in the logistics center by holograms. The Microsoft Azure Spatial Anchors technology locates each test point geographically in the building. At the examination points, employees also receive supporting information in the form of images, videos and texts and can confirm the points in real time on digital checklists.

In this way, the new digital solution with Inspect AR on HoloLens 2 increases the overall accuracy with which security tours are carried out. In addition, the mixed reality solution also simplifies the onboarding of new employees who do not yet know the building. You will be guided step by step through the logistics center by Inspect AR on HoloLens 2.

With HoloLens 2 and Inspect AR, everything is in the right place

Another challenge in the logistics center is to equip all workplaces with the necessary materials. For this purpose, regular tours are carried out, during which the employees check whether there are dispensers for adhesive film, printing equipment or similar materials at all workplaces.

In order for the colleagues to find their way around the desk, the materials should always be placed in the same position and functional. Various sample tables, which are compared with the workstations on checklists, serve as templates. In the previous work process, employees of Rexel Germany noted such steps with manually managed Excel lists.

Logistics employee carries HoloLens 2 in the logistics center

The new process with Inspect AR on HoloLens 2 simplifies this significantly: Employees put on HoloLens 2 and have their hands free for their tasks throughout the work process. At the same time, all the information required can be conveniently displayed in the field of vision.

In addition, there is no need to compare the printed checklists, because all information is digitally fed directly into the Inspect AR web management tool. This enables digital management of the entire process – from creating templates for work instructions and checklists, through creating and monitoring tasks, to viewing results reports.

“With Inspect AR and Mixed Reality, you can switch from paper to digital work instructions in just a few hours, instead of taking days or weeks. Our software makes the know-how of experts available virtually on the real object. This has the following advantages: Faster execution and more efficiency, clear documentation with photos, videos, text and a 100% transparent overview of all processes. ”- Elias Remele, Business Development Manager Netcetera

Thanks to the digital database of tours and maintenance with Inspect AR on HoloLens 2, Rexel Germany now quickly receives a comprehensive overview of work processes and can further optimize them based on this.

“Even greater security for our employees in the logistics center, reliable processes for our customers and a reduction in our CO2 footprint: with the introduction of mixed reality test processes in the logistics center, Rexel Germany is consistently taking the next big step towards digitization and sustainability.” – Nicole Steuer, company spokeswoman Rexel Germany.

Read Microsoft’s AREA member profile here 

Topics included are:

• What is Augmented Reality?
• The scientific classification of Augmented Reality
• How does Augmented Reality work?
• Hardware
• Software toolkit
• Software application

Immersive training, including AR-enabled over-the-shoulder coaching and virtual simulations, was one of the top enterprise XR use cases before COVID. When the pandemic put a halt to travel and in-person classroom learning, the benefits of AR/VR for training only shone brighter.

Going forward, these benefits – reduced travel (ability to deliver training directly to employees), greater flexibility (ability to simulate any scenario), etc. – guarantee XR will be an onboarding and upskilling standard across industry. Revisit this panel from EWTS 2020 featuring experts from Walmart, AtlasCopco, Bridgestone, Solvay, and Re’flekt to hear more.

The market is expected to reach US$  303,934.14 thousand by 2028 from US$ 145,287.76 thousand in 2020

It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2020 to 2028

The report highlights the trends prevailing in the market, along with market drivers and deterrents.

Surgical smart glasses provide a smarter way to perform surgeries across the globe. Surgeons wear these glasses while performing a surgery and expert professionals from outside can view the surgery through these smart glasses and give advice regarding the surgery.

Surgeon in Operation Theater can communicate with another surgeon with the help of microphones of the glasses and share the surgical view with the wide lens camera on the surgical smart glass.

A few prominent players operating in the surgical smart glasses market are

• MEDITHINQ CO., LTD
• Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology
• IRISTICK (AREA member)
• DTU Srl
• Vuzix Corporation (AREA member)
• Pixee Medical
• RODS AND CONES
• AMA XpertEye
• ImmersiveTouch, Inc
• Microsoft Corporation (AREA member)

Market players are launching new and innovative products and services to sustain their position in the surgical smart glasses market. For instance, in Jun 2020, MediThinQ commercially launched wireless smart glasses GV-200C. These wireless smart glasses solutions provide surgical site vision to front of eyes regardless of surgeon’s position and orientation.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having the significant positive impact on the surgical smart glasses market. COVID-19 vaccine has been developed by several pharmaceutical companies and is vaccination has been started. Thus, the surgical smart glasses market is growing due to the increasing awareness about remote clinical support as an option for surgeons, which is also anticipated to have a positive impact on the other segments of the market in the coming months. On the other side, disruptions in the supply chain caused due to the halt in global operations are hindering the market growth.

Increasing Number of Surgical Procedures Contribute Significantly to Market Growth

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stroke, and kidney diseases is expected to have a positive impact on the number of surgical procedures across the globe.

As per the WHO, CVDs are the leading cause of mortality, and they result in the deaths of ~17.9 million people every year across the world. Moreover, as per the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas Ninth edition 2019, about 463 million adults (aged 20–79 years) had diabetes in 2019, and the number is expected to reach 700 million by 2045.

Such high prevalence of chronic conditions is expected to drive the number of surgical procedures, which will ultimately boost the growth of the surgical smart glasses market. For instance, according to the data published by the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India in 2020, the number of bariatric surgeries in India increased by around 86.7% during 2014–2018 in India.

This development is gaining traction as Vuzix hosts its first-ever demonstration in Mandarin – expanding its reach in the Asia-Pacific.

In partnership with SoftFoundry International and Porsche China, Vuzix brings its M-Series line to one of the world’s largest markets.

Why the demonstration is so monumental:

Remote Expertise

Available on the Vuzix M400 and M4000, the FacePro Xpert System ushers in the next-generation of remote support. Businesses can use the technology to train employees, giving instructors access to their student’s point-of-view. Equipped with 4K video, the technology has the potential to significantly reduce corporate expenses. Mass adoption could eliminate “traveling for work.”

Porsche-formance

The premium automaker already benefits from the technology – connecting US-based team members with colleagues in China. This has reduced operating costs for the Vuzix customer, as technical experts can walk trainees through even the most complex procedures. This is performed hands-free from over 7,000 miles away.

Innovative Heartland

China’s steadily-growing economy has an innovative reputation. From electric cars to contactless payment tech, the marketplace of over 1 billion doesn’t shy away from advanced devices that improve the average quality of life. Businesses are expected to embrace Smart Glasses first…but consumers shouldn’t be far behind.

A hands-free world

Supporting 14 different languages, FacePro on Vuzix Smart Glasses is primed to be used across the globe.

The software is making a name for itself in several industries, including healthcare, manufacturing and telecom.

Vuzix is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of augmented reality wearable display and computing devices. These display devices are worn like eyeglasses and typically include cameras, sensors, and a computer that enable the user to view, record and interact with video and digital content, allowing their wearers to interact and perform work hands-free. The key growth areas for the Company and its products currently are in the enterprise, medical, consumer electronics, OEM, defense and security markets where we help our customers increase productivity; eliminate travel costs; lower carbon footprint; improves worker safety and protect worker health. With the industry’s broadest product line of smart glasses, Vuzix is now working on it next generation products which include its see-through waveguide optics while implementing the latest micro-LED display technology, as pictured below.

Annual Russell indexes reconstitution captures the 4,000 largest US stocks as of May 7, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000® Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000® Index or small-cap Russell 2000® Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes.

“We are pleased to see our shares added to the Russell Indexes, one of the leading market performance benchmarks in North America,” said Paul Travers, Vuzix Chief Executive Officer. “We view this as an important milestone and one that demonstrates Vuzix’ growing market leadership and enterprise value.  At the same time, we feel this should help raise awareness and the appeal of Vuzix within the institutional investment community.”

Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. Approximately $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against Russell’s US indexes. Russell indexes are part of FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider.

For more information on the Russell 3000® Index and the Russell indexes reconstitution, go to the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.

FirstNet, built with AT&T, is a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for first responders and the public safety agencies and extended community that could be called on to support them.

The ThirdEye X2 MR Glasses and RespondEye software support access to the physically separate and dedicated FirstNet network core, which enables First Priority® capabilities on FirstNet – always-on priority and, for first responders, preemption – and the FirstNet Band 14 spectrum. FirstNet eligible customers can feel confident the X2 MR Glasses combined with FirstNet services will provide the necessary critical connectivity in a reliable, highly secure and cost-effective manner.

As part of the agreement through the FirstNet Embedded IoT Program – a program that allows for industry leading FirstNet eligible devices to be combined with FirstNet to create a bundled, end-to-end solution for a single monthly fee for first responders, public safety agencies and extended community – the ThirdEye solution will include FirstNet connectivity.

This collaboration comes after ThirdEye successfully launched its pilot programs with the Marcus Hook and Upper Merion Fire Departments in Pennsylvania. ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses with the RespondEye software help prevent first responders from coming in contact with potential COVID-19 patients using the attachable FLIR (forward-looking infrared) thermal sensor to detect elevated body temperatures – one of the symptoms of the disease. By using the smart glasses, medics can be hands-free and receive digital information displayed live in their field of view.

“Our telehealth software assists first responders with their everyday tasks while also equipping them with the technology to help protect them from COVID-19,” said Nick Cherukuri, CEO and founder of ThirdEye. “FirstNet provides first responders access to the high-speed and reliable connectivity when facing emergencies. We continue to update the RespondEye’s features upon requests from the EMS teams as we work toward making the implementation of AR in healthcare the new norm.”

By wearing the smart glasses, a paramedic in the field can directly contact a doctor for assistance. The doctor can then stream live video from the scene to be displayed on a computer, tablet or smartphone at the hospital via the RespondEye platform. This allows the doctor to assess a patient and make treatment recommendations without having face-to-face contact. The RespondEye software is cross-compatible and runs on ThirdEye X2 MR Glasses as well as iOS/Android phones, tablets and web browsers. The software is currently free to first responders with tiered pricing for data usage being released soon.

“We’re pleased to welcome ThirdEye as a member of our FirstNet IoT Embedded Program,” said Scott Agnew, assistant vice president, product marketing, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “This allows us to further our mission to deploy, operate, maintain, and enhance the only nationwide wireless platform dedicated to public safety and the extended community that support public safety response.”

At just 300 grams, ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses are the lightest mixed reality glasses on the market and are suited for comfortable, extensive wear in all conditions. The glasses run on Android 9.0 and are powered by a Snapdragon xR1 Qualcomm processor chip. ThirdEye also developed custom augmented reality first responder software via its RespondEye software platform suite, which connects to the EMS backend systems. This software combined with ThirdEye’s HIPAA certification enables first responders to access all of their data on demand and safely via the X2 MR Glasses.

ThirdEye achieved HIPAA certification for its X2 MR Glasses and RespondEye Platform, HIPAA compliance is a requirement for vendors that handle any patient medical data to ensure the security of the patient’s information as well as confidentiality.

Saab announced on 7 June that it would be working with Finnish firm Varjo to integrate the company’s technology into all simulators for the Saab Gripen E/F aircraft.

Saab’s Head of Tactical Environment Simulation and Visualisation Stefan Furenbäck said in a statement, “We are finalising the basic functionalities in our own simulator so that we can use Varjo’s XR-3 headsets in all our flight simulators. We’ve previously carried out smaller, independent prototype-like projects but now we’re integrating them into our actual flight simulators.”

A key aspect of this, according to Furenbäck, is that Varjo’s technology had allowed pilots to be able to read text and see small details when using the technology, which had been a common concern with other simulator systems.

As a result, the ability to use a high-fidelity goggle-based system has reduced the need for large static and semi-static simulation cave or dome systems for pilot training, allowing for improved training and mission rehearsal to take place at disparate locations that may lack the necessary infrastructure.

Seppo Aaltonen, chief commercial officer at Varjo, told Janes in late 2020 that the company had been working to improve the technology behind its goggle systems, which include the XR-3.

“If you think about commercially available devices, you can get 20–30% of the population feeling ill after usage. We specialise in the high-end professional virtual-reality and mixed-reality market. We have a host of technologies that we have employed to enable extended use, including ergonomics. One of these is individual pupil distance adjustment where we measure each student’s pupil distance and adjust the headset accordingly, and that reduces a lot of simulator sickness.”

The article includes detail on the following:

• Fast and flexible planning of new workstations in production, thanks to VR and digitised 3D factory data
• Learning success and supervision quality with AR technologies as high as in one on one sessions
• Authoring tool developed by the BMW Group makes it possible to design training courses without any coding knowledge
• Target / actual comparison between camera image and CAD models for fast, straightforward quality checks of parts and vehicles

Read the full article here