Introduction to Augmented Reality Maintenance Systems
The U.S. Navy has taken a major step towards advancing its maintenance capabilities with the installation of Augmented Reality Maintenance Systems (ARMS) on five of its ships. This progressive technology enables technicians to remotely troubleshoot problems from a sailor’s standpoint, revolutionizing the way in which maintenance is performed.
How ARMS Works
The ARMS use mixed reality technology, corresponding to smart glasses, to permit sailors to point out subject material experts shipboard system issues in real-time. At the identical time, sailors can access manuals, blueprints, 3D models, and other tools while experts provide distant guidance. This approach circumvents the necessity for subject material experts to physically travel to ships, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Benefits of ARMS
The introduction of ARMS has several advantages, including enabling sailor self-sufficiency and keeping warships operational. As Capt. Tony Holmes, Commanding Officer of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, noted, "The biggest win on this case is that the sailor fixed the issue, not the external SME." This approach empowers sailors to take ownership of maintenance tasks, reducing reliance on external experts.
Installation and Operational Use
The ARMS were installed on the aircraft carrier Nimitz and the guided missile destroyers Curtis Wilbur, Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, Gridley, and Fitzgerald inside a remarkably short period of lower than every week. This milestone marks the primary time the systems have been installed for operational use, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to embracing progressive technologies.
Broader Implications for the Navy
The introduction of ARMS is an element of a broader effort by the Pentagon to chop spending and integrate digital systems into the Navy. The Navy has also been testing other advanced technologies, corresponding to unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles. This month, the Navy tested a missile launch from an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a planned Future Unmanned Vehicle Industry Day goals to encourage private industry’s involvement in developing recent unmanned surface vehicle technology.
Conclusion
The installation of Augmented Reality Maintenance Systems on U.S. Navy ships represents a major step forward in maintenance capabilities. By enabling distant troubleshooting and empowering sailors to take ownership of maintenance tasks, ARMS has the potential to extend efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall operational effectiveness. As the Navy continues to embrace progressive technologies, it is probably going that we are going to see further advancements in using augmented reality and other digital systems to support its operations.
