The company is also innovating in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, using computer vision to identify common components and issues with operating and troubleshooting networking devices, smart home products, home appliances and more. TechSee’s AI platform will soon be able to identify parts such as ports, LED indicators and more to detect issues and suggest fixes for customers, contact agents and field technicians.

“There has been a significant increase in demand for contactless customer service technologies propelled by COVID-19 social distancing requirements and the acceleration of digital transformation projects,” said Eitan Cohen, chief executive of TechSee. “Our visual automation technology is at the heart of it, and now that momentum is growing exponentially as businesses seek to reduce costs. Our vision is to get rid of the user manual and replace it with dynamic AR assistants.”

Cohen argues that the need for more remote solutions has become palpable in the post-COVID-19 pandemic enterprise culture for customer needs. Dispatching field service technicians and allowing them to enter customers’ homes has become less viable. As a result, more enterprise outlets are turning to remote solutions.

TechSee recently announced a commercial partnership with Verizon to address this issue by bringing visual assistance to customers. The tool uses the same technology as mentioned above.

“This new tool gives us the ability to provide the excellent service our customers deserve while minimizing the need for in-person interaction in these unprecedented times,” said Kevin Service, senior vice president of operations for Verizon. “We know how critical communication is, especially now as more and more people are working from home, engaging in distance learning and moving their family and friend interactions online.”

Additional partnerships include Vodafone Group Plc, Orange SA, Liberty Global, Accenture, Hitachi, Lavazza and others.

With AR technology, customers can be empowered to fix their own problems in ways that could have taken much longer with mere phone calls before, or even required a technician to enter the home. Although many companies have attempted to simplify their devices with manuals and proper user interfaces, it’s hard to beat having a soothing voice and a visual guide.

“Remote Visual Assistance is becoming an imperative technology for any customer-centric enterprise operating at scale,” said Alex Kayyal, partner and head of International at Salesforce Ventures. “The potential upside for the business and the customer is difficult to ignore.”

This $30 million in funding, led by OurCrowd, Salesforce Ventures and TELUS Ventures with participation from Scale Venture Partners and Planven Entrepreneur Ventures, brings the amount TechSee has raised to date to $54 million.

The startup intends to continue researching remote AR assistance technology and continue to develop its AI component detection technology and enhance its capability to automate troubleshooting for customers and technicians globally.

The Qualcomm XEP is designed to accelerate the adoption of virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR), collectively known as extended reality (XR), in industries including architecture, engineering and construction, aerospace, automotive, education, energy, entertainment, food & beverage, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail, transportation and travel. The program offers members access to a global community of resources, promotional and co-marketing opportunities, business development and visibility into upcoming Qualcomm Technologies’ hardware and software roadmap and product features, among other benefits.

Qualcomm stated that in its inaugural year, several Qualcomm XEP members have benefitted from the program including:

• Mitchell International, which recently introduced Mitchell Intelligent Vision, a standalone XR hands-free solution integrated into the collision repair workflow. Leveraging Mitchell’s patent-pending technology and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile XR Platform, the solution came to fruition in part through Qualcomm Technologies’ longstanding relationship with RealWear;
• Spatial, the collaboration platform that connects remote teams in 3D workspaces, will bring collaborative AR experiences to the mass market via global operators with the launch of XR Viewers in 2021. Through Qualcomm Technologies’ introductions, Germany’s Deutsche Telekom, Japan’s KDDI and South Korea’s LG Uplus will carry Nreal XR Viewers that tether to a 5G-enabled smartphone powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or 865 Mobile Platforms, with Spatial software integrated;
• XRHealth, a telemedicine VR solutions provider,  was connected through the Qualcomm XEP initiative to Pico Interactive and now XRHealth pre-installs its VR therapy platform on Pico’s VR devices powered by Snapdragon, meeting an increased need for telehealth and socially distant healthcare solutions amid the pandemic;
• VictoryXR, a provider of educational XR content, unveiled its Pico-VictoryXR affordable package for 1:1 classroom headset called ‘VR in a Box’. The solution features the company’s ‘VictoryXR Academy’ content platform that includes 54 titles and 240 unique VR experiences, as a result of the Qualcomm XEP connection to Qualcomm Technologies’ ODM partners.

“We are all in on our commitment to driving the XR industry forward on a global scale, while simultaneously advancing XR technology for the enterprise,” said Brian Vogelsang, senior director of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are incredibly proud of what our Qualcomm XEP members have accomplished in the first year and are confident this collection of innovators will be a key component in meeting the increased demands in enterprise for collaboration and remote work, skills training, education and learning, data visualization, and health and wellness solutions.”

One of the newest members of Qualcomm XEP is industrial internet of things and digital transformation provider, PTC, which builds upon the program’s commitment to delivering multi-dimensional experiences that help optimize performance and productivity to transform the way people work across various industries.

“Technologies such as IoT and AR are imperative for the industrial sector to transform and operate at the highest level of efficiency,” said Mike Campbell, GM of the Vuforia Business division at PTC. “Collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies and connecting with other Qualcomm XEP ecosystem members will help drive the adoption of cost-effective, purpose-built augmented reality solutions for our customers in the industrial enterprise.”

The Qualcomm XEP initiative is a branch of the Qualcomm Advantage Network. Qualified members gain access to Qualcomm Technologies-supported benefits and the Qualcomm XR Enterprise Program badge as a mark of industry excellence and innovation. For more information and to apply for the program, click here. For a complete list all Qualcomm XEP members, click here.

When considering the deployment and use of any construction technology (ConTech), the main concerns of any Innovation Officer, Operations Director, or Senior Project Manager revolve around jobsite safety and the ability to scale across the entire organization.

You’re likely familiar with the impact AR is having on increasing quality and efficiency throughout the entire project lifecycle, but you may still be wondering how scalable it is, and how safely it can be used on a jobsite. After all, every emerging technology carries a certain degree of risk, and smart industry leaders are looking to ensure their organizations avoid any safety hazards associated with the new tech. 

The following sections are discussed in detail on the original article which can be viewed here.

1. Building Continuous Improvement Teams

2. Jobsite Safety and OSHA-10 Certification

3. Developing Your Personalized Go-to-Site Plan

4. Competitive edge

Ravindra Puranik, oil and gas analyst at GlobalData, commented, “The growing use of wearable devices, smartphones and tablets in the oil and gas industry is making it conducive for the adoption of AR applications in the industry. Combining AR with technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), big data and artificial intelligence (AI) will help in the creation of more holistic solutions for O&G applications, including real-time detection and repair of equipment breakdown.

Chevron, a leading O&G company has equipped its field technicians with the Microsoft’s Hololens for undertaking routine maintenance tasks. The Hololens enables the technicians to receive remote technical assistance while performing challenging tasks, thereby improving efficiency. Chevron conducted several trails with Hololens and is now set to increase the deployment of these kits at its operations worldwide. This could encourage other operators to follow suit and thus increase the penetration of AR technology in O&G in the near future.

O&G companies are collaborating with tech companies, such as Microsoft and Google to develop industry-specific AR solutions. Tech start-ups are also joining in the effort to develop customised AR solutions for the specific needs of the O&G companies.

Puranik noted, “AR startups, such as Fieldbit has developed solutions for aiding O&G operations by delivering real-time information to field technicians. BP successfully tested these solutions in 2017 and then went for mass adoption in its US operations.”

AR can be used to facilitate field technicians to maintain a digital checklist of regular tasks, offering notifications and reminders on pending tasks.

Puranik added, “The ability to deliver remote technical assistance via AR devices is helping companies save transportation costs and eliminate delays in attending to equipment breakdown. It speeds up maintenance activities while also safeguarding personnel by preventing them from making technical errors.”

Rupantar Guha, thematic analyst at GlobalData, commented, “Enterprises are starting to recognise the benefits of AR in training, remote assistance, maintenance and repair, and customer support. COVID-19 is fueling the adoption of AR devices such as smart glasses across several industrial applications, and it will continue in the coming years. Despite this, GlobalData believes large-scale enterprise adoption of AR is still some way away. The technology’s high cost and relative immaturity, combined with significant privacy concerns, will prevent widespread enterprise adoption of AR for at least the next three years. Large enterprises will be the prime adopters of AR during this period, while small and medium-sized businesses across all industries will wait to see evidence of long-term benefits before investing.”

Currently, the global MRO sector is significantly changing; manufacturing and economic growth is fuelling the demand for repair and maintenance. These activities are being accelerated via Augmented Reality solutions to attain MRO efficiency in global, independent, private, and public enterprises. Industry standards are still in the development phase, but AR for the MRO market is expanding and providing opportunities for industry players.

Key points mentioned from the report include:

• AR for MRO market was worth $403.3 million in 2018, and is estimated to reach $3319 million by 2024
• The Western Europe AR market has the largest presence, with the US driving the market
• AR-based innovation has gained traction in the past 3 years
• AR software solutions have a broad scope of use in MRO
• Example use case: AR solutions provide businesses with the ability to monitor and examine engine parts, allow for a motion preview of a running engine, and analyse airline maintenance operations
• AR applications enable greater efficiency and accuracy
• Technologies such as machine learning, cognitive computing, and cloud computing are allowing for the growth of AR for MRO

The global AR market is analysed by applications, regions, components, and industry verticals. The applications are: system surveys and audits, risk identification and management, performance modelling and benchmarking, and preventive and corrective maintenance. Regions covered include: North American, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. The components are separated into AR hardware and AR software. Industry verticals focused on in the report are: manufacturing, automotive, utilities, oil and gas, and aerospace.

Key vendors, identified based on geographical presence, marketing and distribution, portfolio, significant events, and revenue generation, mentioned in the report include:

• AREA Member PTC Inc.
• AREA Member Atheer, Inc.
• AREA Member Upskill
• Microsoft Corporation
• Google LLC
• Apple Inc.
• Blippar.com Ltd.

Taiwan is well-known for its high-tech industry with electronic manufacturing companies forming a large part of it. Digital transformation is having the same effects on the Taiwanese industry as it’s having all over the world, changing the ways enterprises operate. To capture the full benefit of digitalization and to compete in the future markets, Taiwanese companies are advancing their digital strategies at a growing speed. Data and how well companies are able to use it are vital success factors in this. We are proud to work together with IISI to make sure AR as a key technology to make data visual and usable, is part of these strategies.

Starting with a large-scale SmartPanel deployment

The Augumenta and IISI cooperation gets a speedy start with a project that brings the Augumenta SmartPanel technology into one of IISI ‘s client’s production facilities in Hsinchu Science Park, the top semiconductor manufacturing hub globally. Virtual control panels and the Augumenta marker technology will be integrated into the client’s systems to monitor and control the production lines with the help of smartglasses and 5G connectivity. Easy access to data saves time and lets people on the factory shop floor react faster helping to optimize the uptime of the production lines.

In this project, we have reached a new milestone in deploying the technology; a well over a hundred panels are placed into the facilities which make it the largest number of panels used in a single project so far. The key value-adds of virtual UIs could not be clearer: the flexibility and cost-efficiency of adding this many control points to a production line virtually are on a completely different level compared to building the same amount of traditional hardware-based ones.

Combining experience and innovativeness

IISI group has an impressive track record on large-scale projects for IT system planning, deployment, maintenance, and operation. The company has provided large systems for customers, such as the public sector, banks, smart city, health care, manufacturing, and has a strong position in working with the semiconductor industry. Augumenta, having a development hub also in Taiwan, is the forerunner in industrial augmented reality development and focusing on helping companies improve productivity with Industry 4.0 technologies. Together, the two companies are extremely well-positioned to advance enterprise AR in the area.

As a result of the cooperation agreement, Augumenta licenses core AR technologies to IISI. The solutions include all of our key apps, such as the virtual control panel solutions, SmartAlert and Guide as well as our latest marker technology. IISI tailors the solutions to fit the needs of their clients and takes care of integrating them into customer IT systems. IISI will also provide the needed technical support for the end-users. The companies work in close cooperation in developing the core assets. IISI will have full visibility and access to Augumenta’s latest innovations and in turn, promotes the solutions to their clients.

“In the age of boundless connectivity and intelligent automation of the 5G era, we believe that the application of AR technology will bring a considerable amount of business opportunities, especially in the semiconductor industry.“ says Andy Lee, Director of Technology Services Business Division of IISI Group.

Tero Aaltonen, Augumenta CEO, summarizes: “Working together with IISI has been incredibly straightforward because both companies have a similar vision of the future of manufacturing and the role of AR in it. With IISI’s strong presence in Taiwanese markets, they are a perfect partner for us, and their experienced engineering teams adopted our AR technology in record time. We are looking forward to bringing the benefits of AR to Taiwan’s already-strong high-tech industry together.”

Read about Augumenta on their AREA member profile.

Michael Hasselberg, Associate Director of the University of Rochester Medical Health Lab, is quoted to have said that AR’s seamlessness makes it easy to use in training, and that the technology is currently used predominantly in training medical students. He claims that Vuzix is “innovative” and has made the M400 Smart Glasses comfortable to wear for long periods of time in addition to being user-friendly.

President and Chief Executive Officer at Vuzix, Paul Travers, has further stated that the company is focused on providing “all day” enterprise wearables, and they are satisfied to have contributed to “potentially life saving” medical training at the University of Rochester Medical Centre. Vuzix’s Smart Glasses applications in the healthcare industry are steadily expanding both in the US and globally, in certain European and East Asian countries.

Read the PR Newswire article here.

Canon’s MREAL Display MD-20 was announced earlier this year, however the MREAL S1 is more of a Virtual Reality headset with a passthrough AR feature. VR displays combines with stereoscopic camera sensors provide a ‘Mixed Reality’ view. Two additional optical sensors offer positional tracking. The device requires a PC tether, however, it can work with mobile workstations.

Advantages of the MREAL S1 mentioned in the article include:

• The “smallest and lightest video see-through MR device in the history of MREAL”, according to Canon’s Japanese website
• Portable due to the lack of light-blocking blinders
• Cheaper than its predecessors
• Handheld style for ease of use
• Designed for industrial applications
• Convertibility
• Smaller in size than predecessors – size of a regular smartphone
• No ungainly giant handles from previous models

The article concludes by noting that the MREAL S1 is likely to be a Japan-only enterprise device.

Jack Kilbride, Vice President of Systems and Automation at Zeppelin Systems USA, is quoted to have said that AR and VR will help to bridge the gap between automated systems and the maintenance capabilities of plant personnel. He believes the technologies will become “limitless” as development, deployment, and familiarity increases.

The following use cases for AR and VR in the bakery industry are mentioned:

• Allows for remote training and troubleshooting for companies allowing limited personnel on site (safer during the pandemic)
• Pinpoints real production issues
• Risk-free training for using potentially dangerous machinery
• Speeds up the training process and reduces downtime on production floor
• Customer’s daily production undisturbed by training
• Fast and mobile
• Eliminates language barriers when working with international bakers
• Saves on training costs
• Faster learning where trainees can safely make mistakes without wasting product
• Eliminates distractions

Rademaker USA has greatly benefitted from using AR in its 24/7 service; Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Nick Magistrelli, mentions some of the above advantages in the article. Claire Auffrédou, Marketing and Communications Director at VMI, also expresses how the technology can improve the bakery industry, giving the example of operators using AR to gain spatial awareness and respect safety measures in an automated mixing system during bowl transport.

The business benefits of AR are discussed within the article, in the context of various business procedures. The following AR use cases are included:

• Education: AR applications could be used to bring historical events to life, enabling teachers to cover nuances of the subject that are challenging to explain verbally. In science class, AR could help to visualise complex human anatomy or a 3D galaxy on smartphone screens. This will increase engagement and interest, enhancing the learning experience.
• Business collaboration: AR allows professionals to remotely work together, and avoid hazardous working circumstances. Experts can view the final product and provide guidance to field technicians via remote support, enriching the working environment and even transcending time zones.
• Healthcare: Surgery, diagnosis, training, and practise can all be improved via AR. The technology avoids any patient bias in diagnosis, and allows doctors to locate the correct nerves for injections efficiently. Real-time holographs of human anatomy can be created using AR, increasing visualisation during surgery.
• Real estate: Bypassing disengaging text descriptions of properties, AR allows for a more interactive, 3D style of marketing. This enables potential tenants to view the property in greater detail, and can reduce selection time without compromising any of the features.
• Marketing: Surprising and delighting potential customers, AR gives companies the edge over competitors by providing a unique personalisation and interactive element.

The article concludes by stating that we are experiencing an exponential growth of Augmented Reality in enterprises. Rather than just gaming and entertainment, the technology offers expansive advantages in the sectors mentioned above.