Augmented reality in the Oil and Gas sector has huge potential, with countless applications and opportunities for AR technologies in this sector. There are new scenarios possible thanks to the integration of AR and IoT, with connected devices and sensors that help to capitalise on AR in the oil and gas sector.

AR solutions allow for the creation of dynamic and immersive digital contexts that perfectly integrate real and digital elements. We explore the main applications of AR in the Oil & Gas sector, the best technologies and the advantages for companies that operate in this industry.

AR in Oil and Gas

AR technologies can solve a lot of issues in this sector, with a range of applications in different fields. There are a lot of complex issues in the Oil and Gas industry when it comes to safety, staff training and working in challenging environments, such as performing maintenance on equipment and machines in risky situations.

Companies in the sector also face a different scenario than they did in the past, with a greater need to keep costs down, speed up operations and manage processes with fewer employees. Modern AR solutions can help companies to improve various aspects of their business, taking advantage of these advanced technologies to optimise costs, improve safety and increase efficiency.

The advantages of augmented reality in Oil and Gas

Augmented reality offers several advantages in this sector:

• Improves the efficiency of field operations;
• Increases safety standards;
• Prevents risks through predictive systems;
• Facilitates remote support;
• Reduces business costs;
• Enables remote training;
• Facilitates systems integration;
• Strengthens employees’ skills;
• Increases productivity.

For example, Kiber’s AR technologies ensure perfect integration with apps/software/business systems, like SCADA, RTU and DCS monitoring systems. This allows for the analysis of data resources available in any part of the world in compliance with all the cyber security standards, one of the biggest systems integration concerns for companies in the sector.

• In terms of safety, AR systems allow companies to reduce the number of employees in the field, for example limiting the number of operators in offshore plants during inspections, because experts can participate remotely and help technicians in the field from a distance. Also, not having to send several members of staff to sites brings significant operational savings, as well as reducing CO2 emissions from staff travel and increasing environmental sustainability.

AR use cases in the Oil and Gas industry

Augmented reality has various applications in this field:

• Remote training using augmented reality;
• Operations in the field using AR technologies;
• Safety risk prevention.

Augmented reality allows companies to manage remote training more efficiently and safely. Instructors can train employees remotely, while simultaneously managing teams located in various parts of the world. Employees can wear special AR helmets to which instructors upload information for more realistic and dynamic learning, in a completely safe and risk-free environment.

With AR helmets, field operations can be performed more efficiently. Technicians can work in complex contexts more safely, loading the information they need and benefiting from remote support from experts in real time. The wearable augmented reality devices can also help to prepare for work to be carried out safely, for example, inspection and maintenance work on turbines, offshore sites and power plants to turn primary energy into electricity, speeding up operations in the field and reducing technicians’ exposure to risks.

Augmented reality can also be used for predictive risk analytics. Wearable devices like AR helmets protect the employee safety through preventive action. For example, it’s possible to collect data in real time to detect possible risk conditions and develop predictive models to improve safety standards. It’s also possible to communicate with operators in the field in real-time, offering immediate support in the event of questions or problems.

Kiber 3: the AR solution for Oil & Gas

Kiber 3 is a simple, smart and flexible solution ideal for the Oil & Gas sector, improving the efficiency of the workforce in industrial operations that require remote collaboration and immediate expertise. It is an all-in-one solution with integrated hardware and software, consisting of a state-of-the-art AR helmet, a web platform and a mobile app compatible with Android smartphones that connect the workforce.

The web platform enables real-time note-taking, the recording of training sessions or field operations and the sharing of screens remotely. While the Kiber 3 Field app offers a mobile AR solution for remote support. The Kiber K3S AR/XR helmet is a versatile solution to improve operations in the field in terms of training, managing emergencies, maintenance, inspection, support and new onshore and offshore installations.

Kiber 3K, on the other hand, gives you an ATEX-certified solution that is essential to operate on systems with a risk of explosion, like chemical and petrochemical systems, storage tanks and offshore platforms. It is hard to find this certification in the field of augmented reality solutions and Kiber 3K is one of only a handful on the market that conforms to this standard.

Overall, Kiber 3 is a complete solution to improve productivity, safety and efficiency in Oil & Gas sector activities – it’s an easy-to-use, scalable technology suitable for almost all contexts and needs.