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I had the opportunity to attend PTC’s LiveWorx 2016 conference in Boston, an event promoting IoT across industries and disciplines. Heavily endorsed throughout the conference was the application of augmented reality to leverage IoT technology, especially in the field service industry. A perfect example was the Tuesday morning keynote, which opened with a live demonstration of PTC's Vuforia AR Platform used to “service” a Caterpillar electric power generator. I was initially skeptical of the utility of AR in this application, but eventually recognized the value beyond what was demonstrated on stage.
Using QR-code-like “Vumarks” as unique identifiers placed on the generator, the Vuforia app overlaid virtual statistics, real-time data, and 3D models of components onto the equipment as viewed through an iPad and broadcasted to the audience. The display then indicated a failure linked to an air filter. In response to a hand gesture, a 3D animation appeared showing the step by step process for removing and replacing the damaged part. Again, this was all presented via augmented reality, rendered on top of the live video feed.
Aside from being genuinely impressed with the technology, I noted a few key takeaways from the demonstration. First is the Vumark identification system. The identifier is the bridge between the equipment and data being collected by the various sensors on it. The identifier also communicates the equipment model to the Vuforia software, which sets the framework for any augmented reality displays. In short, it closes the loop between the thing and the IoT.
Once the link between equipment and data is made, the augmented reality experience connects both to the user. The ability to overlay important data onto specific locations of the equipment is, in my opinion, a more valuable tool than you might expect. Providing immediate context to diagnostic information like pressure, temperature, and voltage will help to identify and resolve problems faster, resulting in less equipment downtime and happier customers.
The demonstration culminates with a basic part replacement procedure rendered in 3D augmented reality - a simple solution with enormous implications. Prominent in my mind is the potential for all known maintenance processes to be precisely documented and instantly available in an intuitive format. With a combination of diagnostic data and technician know-how, a failure root cause can be identified quickly and the necessary maintenance can be performed exactly as intended by engineering. This will reduce the frequency of false diagnosis and issues caused by improper maintenance procedures.
A final benefit, not touched on during the demonstration, is the resulting ease of documenting and maintaining maintenance records. Besides the obvious benefit of facilitating future service, well documented records of equipment in the field will be tremendously valuable for quality engineers working with manufacturing and suppliers to proactively solve issues.
Using QR-code-like “Vumarks” as unique identifiers placed on the generator, the Vuforia app overlaid virtual statistics, real-time data, and 3D models of components onto the equipment as viewed through an iPad and broadcasted to the audience. The display then indicated a failure linked to an air filter. In response to a hand gesture, a 3D animation appeared showing the step by step process for removing and replacing the damaged part. Again, this was all presented via augmented reality, rendered on top of the live video feed.
Aside from being genuinely impressed with the technology, I noted a few key takeaways from the demonstration. First is the Vumark identification system. The identifier is the bridge between the equipment and data being collected by the various sensors on it. The identifier also communicates the equipment model to the Vuforia software, which sets the framework for any augmented reality displays. In short, it closes the loop between the thing and the IoT.
Once the link between equipment and data is made, the augmented reality experience connects both to the user. The ability to overlay important data onto specific locations of the equipment is, in my opinion, a more valuable tool than you might expect. Providing immediate context to diagnostic information like pressure, temperature, and voltage will help to identify and resolve problems faster, resulting in less equipment downtime and happier customers.
The demonstration culminates with a basic part replacement procedure rendered in 3D augmented reality - a simple solution with enormous implications. Prominent in my mind is the potential for all known maintenance processes to be precisely documented and instantly available in an intuitive format. With a combination of diagnostic data and technician know-how, a failure root cause can be identified quickly and the necessary maintenance can be performed exactly as intended by engineering. This will reduce the frequency of false diagnosis and issues caused by improper maintenance procedures.
A final benefit, not touched on during the demonstration, is the resulting ease of documenting and maintaining maintenance records. Besides the obvious benefit of facilitating future service, well documented records of equipment in the field will be tremendously valuable for quality engineers working with manufacturing and suppliers to proactively solve issues.