Remote visual inspection: here’s how AR can be useful in the world of work.

In the next few lines we want to talk to you about the 3 ways in which we believe the Augmented Reality can give (and collect) more data in the field of remote visual inspection.

If there is one major circumstance that the past months have taught business and industry it is that something as small as a microscopic parasite has the potential to cripple and destroy their operations.

As a result technology is becoming more and more essential for the continuation of industrial activities and Augmented Reality (AR) is at the forefront of this.

AR technology has been around for a long time, however, it has been the devastating global restrictions that have made many CEO’s, managers and other business leaders look more closely at how AR will have a positive impact not just on the company but on their employees, specialists and experts and their customers.

Let’s now look at the 3 ways Augmented Reality industry can help collect and send more data in the field of remote visual inspection.

Inspector equipped with augmented reality technology: that’s how it can make a difference.

At one time or another we have all had that situation where something we are attempting to do is not going to plan.

The same principle applies to an inspector, out in the field, who then encounters a flaw or difficulty that they are not able to resolve themselves.

At present they have three options for calling on expert or specialist help:

• Make a telephone call and describe the problem
• Write a report, post it off and wait for a response
• Call in the expert or specialist to undertake a site visit

All three are full of potential problems including being slow and, if not described in detail may result in misinformation and incorrect solutions.

However, this is where augmented reality technology companies comes into its own. An inspector using AR can call on the specialist or expert and immediately they can see what and where the problem is.

Through the technology of See-what-I-see there is less room for error in information gathering.

The specialist can see, through the eyes of the user, all the information needed to provide the necessary steps to resolve the situation.

Your expert can be on the other side of the world and yet be providing assistance in real time thereby resolving issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Read also: How augmented reality can improve the remote inspection camera experience

What possibilities does augmented reality with remote visual inspection offer?

An inspector, out in the field, is not only in a position of being able to call on the assistance of a specialist or expert to provide help.

If, during an inspection, they require additional information of a more technical, scientific or operational nature, augmented reality can provide that through multi-featured wearable devices.

This can allow the user to access data from handbooks, instruction and user manuals or even complex and details plans.

This gives the inspector all the information they need to carry through a complete and successful inspection without the need to carry around a small library of books and drawings.

The advantage of using augmented reality with remote visual inspection is double.

Of course augmented reality works both ways and not just for finding problems or collecting information.

Because of the See-what-I-see functionality of AR it is possible to use this during inspections to provide other colleagues, team members, clients, managers etc. the perspective of situations in real-time.

For example, if your client is a developer of a large construction complex, they are able to walk, virtually, alongside the inspector during their inspection.

Your trainee inspectors are able to learn, in realtime, what is involved in inspections.

Your managers and team-leaders are able to monitor and assess inspectors. All without the need to be physically present.

Read also: Augmented reality based remote assistance: 5 tips for a better integration

In conclusion.

Augmented reality applications in industry and remote inspection are revolutionising the way site inspections are carried out.

AR is costeffective and simple to use and can only contribute to a better and more efficient way of working.