Digital Reality Ecosystem (DRE)

Objective

To improve field inspection efficiency and accuracy at industrial facilities by using real-time localization, seamless data integration, and augmented reality (AR) overlays within a modular, scalable ecosystem.

Value

Accelerated localization (from 5–10 minutes to under 30 seconds)
Enhanced spatial awareness for inspectors
Reduced manual data entry and fewer platform switches
Minimization of environmental impact through digital-first operations

AR Role

AR enables real-time visual overlays for inspection points, asset identification, and spatial navigation. The AR interface allows inspectors to visualize asset metadata, capture context-rich information (including photos), and navigate complex sites with guided wayfinding — even offline.

AR Case Study Showcase

Problem

Field inspectors at industrial sites lacked:

Accurate real-time localization
Intuitive tools for data input and retrieval
Offline capability in remote or low-connectivity areas
Visual guidance for navigation and inspection tasks
Interoperability across platforms and systems

Solution

ExxonMobil’s DRE team developed and piloted a Visual Positioning System (VPS) with key features:

High-accuracy localization using panoramic images and point clouds
AR overlays for inspection points and asset guidance
Offline functionality with sync-on-connect
Modular architecture with API and standards-based interoperability
UI improvements to support user-defined naming and better waypoint management
Enhanced wayfinding with dynamic route updates

Outcomes

VPS localization now occurs in under 30 seconds, even with large datasets
Elevation accuracy in Points of Interest significantly improved
Users can attach photos to inspection points, enhancing documentation
Expanded wayfinding with detailed directional commands
UI and backend improvements to support scalability and collaboration