Introduction to Augmented Reality
The concept of bringing the cloud closer to where data is required most has been a spotlight for corporations like Cisco, particularly through Fog and Edge Analytics. However, a brand new frontier has emerged that takes this concept a step further: bringing the cloud on to the purpose of origin, where data is most dear. This is where the Internet of Things (IoT) intersects with analytics and proactive interaction, making a latest paradigm often known as Augmented Reality.
The Evolution of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) systems have been around for over a decade but have yet to achieve widespread acceptance beyond specific applications in robotics control for military and research purposes, and to a limited extent, within the gaming world. Despite advancements, akin to the Oculus Rift, the technology has not yet reached its full potential as a result of the shortage of immersive content and missing pieces within the VR puzzle.
The Emergence of Augmented Reality
More recently, developers have made significant strides with Augmented Reality (AR), which overlays the actual world with actionable and relevant intelligence. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, particularly those with complex field operations.
Industrial Applications
The industrial sector, especially utilities, is taking notice of AR’s potential. With a rapidly changing workforce and technology landscape, field employees face significant challenges in maintaining and repairing critical assets efficiently. The diversity of devices in a typical substation, starting from latest to very old, makes it impractical for employees to hold all needed maintenance and repair data in physical form.
AR in Action
Augmented Reality addresses this challenge by providing field employees with fast access to critical information. By wearing AR glasses, employees can access each piece of data needed to perform their tasks. In some cases, they will even connect live with distant technical service agents for guidance on complex activities.
Real-World Applications and Studies
The potential of AR is being explored in large-scale studies. For instance, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), funded by the utility industry, has initiated a study involving among the world’s largest utility corporations to explore how AR can enhance the industry’s workforce. This study, expected to last 18 months, goals to have 15 utilities participating.
Cisco’s Role in Augmented Reality
Cisco has been preparing for the arrival of AR technology. The IR 829 industrial router, introduced in 2015, is designed to enable AR in the sphere. When installed in field service trucks, it could actually sense the truck’s location via GPS and upload relevant content to the vehicle’s computer through its 4G/LTE WAN connection. The router’s 802.11 b/g/n Wifi then connects with the user’s AR system, making needed data available to finish tasks. Cisco IOx allows for real-time data feed to the employee’s field of view, all secured by Cisco’s advanced VPN technologies.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality represents a big shift in how field work is conducted, especially in utilities. By providing fast access to critical information and enabling real-time communication with technical support, AR has the potential to revolutionize efficiency and effectiveness in the sphere. As technology continues to evolve, the combination of AR into each day operations is poised to develop into a brand new standard, offering unparalleled support to employees and enhancing the general performance of industries that adopt it.
