Augmented field services

Augmented Reality (AR), like many recent advancements, has revolutionized various genres of technology. The power of computational devices at the palm of one’s hand has paved the way for numerous applications that enhance productivity while simplifying usability. Consider Google Tango and Daydream. These two initiatives unleashed the power of smartphones by augmenting real-world elements with virtual workspaces, allowing engineers, developers, and designers to tailor their offerings in tandem with real-world physics.

Field service applications witnessed a similar trend in the recent years—mobile apps have enabled technicians to obtain on-site information from remote locations through a smartphone camera. A consumer or a user reporting a problem can log into a proprietary application loaded with AR functionalities and use the viewfinder to allow technicians to remotely identify issues in, say, a refrigerator. Depending on the severity of the problem, the technician can remotely troubleshoot issues or travel to the site and resolve the problem. Additionally, AR allows users to virtually visualize tools and operations, assisted by technicians or otherwise, and obtain hands-on insights to take immediate measures during emergency situations. A person reporting a fire incident can remotely trigger emergency protocols to take immediate evacuation measures and provide firefighters with real-time information about the event. Such strides not only serve as an immediate impromptu measure in the face of emergency but also allow technicians and field service personnel to gain real-time insights from the site. Along the same lines, owing to its interoperability, AR is set to take on field services and offer a smooth sail for users, technicians and system administrators alike.