Wed, 04/26/2017 - 09:39

EXPERT, Pennsylvania -- Leybold GbmH is harnessing the newest wave of technology for training purposes. The company is currently testing the application uses of Augmented Reality (AR), which allows service technicians to harness information and graphical documentation in 3D while on a job. According to a release, the company has used AR since 2016 on its dry pumping system DRYVAC. They quickly realized the technology was scalable for other products and applications, particularly in educational training. More from Leybold's press release: Augmented Reality therefore offers its customers and technicians a wide range of possibilities to perform their service tasks - even without the specialists. Step-by-step instructions fed into the eyesight range of technicians enable a lower error rate. Moreover, the training effort for the technicians is minimized through this visual support and the insertion of interactive content with understandable instructions and checklists. For the purpose of illustration, high resolution 3D graphics are projected onto the pumps exactly where the tasks have to be carried out. The relevant photo and audio functions can easily be embedded in the respective application. If necessary, different evaluations can be generated. By using the pilot applications, the realistic presentation possibilities of AR applications on smartphones and tablets are evident. Also, the Microsoft HoloLens glasses can be used. With these Augmented Reality glasses, technicians can work and train without having to hold a device in their hands. "We see a great potential for applications in the field of Augmented Reality, especially in industrial processes, and this digital strategy is not only a strong market trend, but also meets the challenges of our customers and technicians in the field," said Eckart Roettger, President of Industrial Vacuum Service, elaborating on the value of AR processes. "Instead of taking the instructions from a manual, apprentices have the whole procedure on the object visulaized within the display. This will generate a great impact on the value and use of information," explains Eckart Roettger. Leybold is working on this project with REFLEKT ONE, a software for industrial applications from the Munich-based specialist for Augmented and Virtual Reality RE'FLEKT. "Many customers know the benefits of Augmented Reality. The problem, however, is to create tailor-made applications for a variety of products. The scalability of our platform makes it easy for the customer to do it themselves, " explains RE'FLEKT CEO Wolfgang Stelzle, on the main motivation to rely on REFLEKT ONE. One of the main advantages is sustainability: once the software is fully installed, any number of AR applications can be created for training and service scenarios of all products. This results in significant advantages for the customer in terms of downtime, response times and operating costs.