The topics included in this interview are:

1. About Aggreko
2. Current role at Aggreko
3. AR pilot
4. Pre-pandemic challenges to adopting AR
5. Change management
6. Creating digital content
7. How COVID-19 impacted Aggreko’s operations
8. XR replacing what needs to get certified
9. The role AR played in Aggreko’s going remote during the pandemic
10. How AR enabled certain remote tasks and activities

You can access the full interview here. 

Both machine operators and John Deere executive team members are smiling, as the wearable hands-free devices are poised to save the company a great deal of time and money in the long-term.

How Vuzix M400 Smart Glasses improve life for John Deere machine operators:

Hands-free communication

Construction sites aren’t ideal for talking on smartphones. Hands-free and voice-controlled, Smart Glasses allow users to conduct video calls without distraction. Conversation partners are displayed in the corner of a team member’s field-of-view meaning they can still monitor their surroundings while reporting to supervisors. This innovation will save lives.

Real-time reporting

Instead of describing mechanical problems to off-site colleagues, operators can broadcast their first-person view directly to supervisors. They can also report on the status of machinery in real-time with a simple tap of the device’s touchpad. Talk about making the entire process more seamless…

Next gen training

New operators will benefit from the ability to broadcast whatever they’re looking at to off-site supervisors. The next best thing to having an instructor over your shoulder, this development has proven a gamechanger for many Vuzix partners throughout the global pandemic.

Read the full article here.

As the world continues to adjust to more virtual ways of working, industrial organizations are turning to digital technologies to stay connected, productive, and resilient. With out-of-the box solutions that deliver rapid ROI, industrial augmented reality (AR) overcomes thorny workforce challenges, speeds up on-the-job learning, and creates opportunities for employees to collaborate—even at a distance.

This eBook gathers actionable tips from five experts who are using industrial AR to drive innovation and improve how frontline workforces get things done in today’s new normal. Each of these experts was asked to respond to the same question: In today’s climate, what is the most important consideration for somebody ready to empower their employees with Augmented Reality?

With expert opinions from

• Shawn Metivier, General Manager Reliability, BID Group
• AndrewE. Chrostowski, Chairman and CEO, RealWear
• Chrsitian Radillo, Global technical Consultant for extended reality, Rockwell Azutomation
• Matt Kwiatkowski, Global Learning Strategy & Technology Program Leader,, GE Healthcare

You can view all the advice and opinions from the experts on Industrial AR and XR in the PTC ebook.

Critical infrastructures (CRITIS) such as the chemical storage terminal of Attilio Carmagnani are of central importance to our modern society. Very high demands are placed on their operational security as failures or impairments of CRITIS can have serious consequences. For example, terrorist or drone attacks on assets of the chemical sector could pose severe risks to public health and safety.

However, maintaining the operational safety of these infrastructures presents a challenge. Due to cyber-physical threats critical infrastructures are exposed to an increasing potential of danger and keeping up with security issues has become more difficult in the last years.

About EU Horizon 2020: InfraStress

The Horizon 2020 project InfraStress has taken on this challenge and aims to create protection in the form of innovative technology. A consortium of 27 partners from 11 countries started to work on developed methods to improve the cyber-physical security and developed an open testbed stress-testing system. Augmented reality training is one part of InfraStress’ set of measures.

“By using augmented reality and smart glasses, we work on a better assessment of these critical and industrial environments. Via AR operators and workers can be trained, how to clamp down on cyber-physical threats and hazards,” states Alexander Werlberger, CTO at Holo-Light. “The collaboration with our partners Attilio Carmagnani and STAM was very enriching: we learned a lot from each other and created a very customized solution for industrial requirements.”

Emergency Training with Augmented Reality

Situational awareness is crucial in case of emergency. Every action must be right. With AR personnel can be trained through real-time simulations. It prepares team members to make critical decisions on the spot and to have realistic experiences without endangering anyone.

Irene Bonetti, Terminal Director of Attilio Carmagnani affirms: “During training we have to imagine fire or liquids. With the AR training solution on HoloLens 2 we can really see it and understand how the chemicals will behave. Also, the fact that AR trainings can be executed one-by-one multiple times helps us to prepare in a better way.”

Conclusion

As governments and enterprises see the potential of improving disaster response skills with augmented reality, analysts expect a rise of AR training solutions in the public sector. Also, the increased roll-out of 5G networks will have a positive influence on its further spread. Ultra-high bandwidths and low latency as well as the increasing deployment and acceptance of cloud and edge computing will power digital transformation through XR (an umbrella term for all immersive technologies).

New vendors have entered the market with many of the established companies offering their platforms and solutions at a reduced cost or for free. The increase in vendors has been especially focused in Remote Expert (See-What-I-See) video sharing capabilities for onsite equipment failure and maintenance issue resolution support.

This article talks through the Key drivers for the use of AR include and how the AEC industry is rapidly adopting digital transformation technologies, such as AR.

Digital Construction Works (DCW) is implementing solutions such as Bentley Systems Synchro XR Hololens applications to forge a path in immersive 4D simulations for on-site for construction planning and virtualized inspections of pre-scanned 3D photogrammetry models of telecommunication towers or bridges for safe maintenance reviews.

But how can the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry and their clients further embrace the promise of AR technologies particularly during the construction and commissioning phases to leverage their investments as part of an asset lifecycle digital twin strategy?

The article goes on to look at the status quote including remote experts and guided workflow as well as offering a case study example.

The full article can be read here.

Immersive training, including AR-enabled over-the-shoulder coaching and virtual simulations, was one of the top enterprise XR use cases before COVID. When the pandemic put a halt to travel and in-person classroom learning, the benefits of AR/VR for training only shone brighter.

Going forward, these benefits – reduced travel (ability to deliver training directly to employees), greater flexibility (ability to simulate any scenario), etc. – guarantee XR will be an onboarding and upskilling standard across industry. Revisit this panel from EWTS 2020 featuring experts from Walmart, AtlasCopco, Bridgestone, Solvay, and Re’flekt to hear more.

The market is expected to reach US$  303,934.14 thousand by 2028 from US$ 145,287.76 thousand in 2020

It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2020 to 2028

The report highlights the trends prevailing in the market, along with market drivers and deterrents.

Surgical smart glasses provide a smarter way to perform surgeries across the globe. Surgeons wear these glasses while performing a surgery and expert professionals from outside can view the surgery through these smart glasses and give advice regarding the surgery.

Surgeon in Operation Theater can communicate with another surgeon with the help of microphones of the glasses and share the surgical view with the wide lens camera on the surgical smart glass.

A few prominent players operating in the surgical smart glasses market are

• MEDITHINQ CO., LTD
• Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology
• IRISTICK (AREA member)
• DTU Srl
• Vuzix Corporation (AREA member)
• Pixee Medical
• RODS AND CONES
• AMA XpertEye
• ImmersiveTouch, Inc
• Microsoft Corporation (AREA member)

Market players are launching new and innovative products and services to sustain their position in the surgical smart glasses market. For instance, in Jun 2020, MediThinQ commercially launched wireless smart glasses GV-200C. These wireless smart glasses solutions provide surgical site vision to front of eyes regardless of surgeon’s position and orientation.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having the significant positive impact on the surgical smart glasses market. COVID-19 vaccine has been developed by several pharmaceutical companies and is vaccination has been started. Thus, the surgical smart glasses market is growing due to the increasing awareness about remote clinical support as an option for surgeons, which is also anticipated to have a positive impact on the other segments of the market in the coming months. On the other side, disruptions in the supply chain caused due to the halt in global operations are hindering the market growth.

Increasing Number of Surgical Procedures Contribute Significantly to Market Growth

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stroke, and kidney diseases is expected to have a positive impact on the number of surgical procedures across the globe.

As per the WHO, CVDs are the leading cause of mortality, and they result in the deaths of ~17.9 million people every year across the world. Moreover, as per the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas Ninth edition 2019, about 463 million adults (aged 20–79 years) had diabetes in 2019, and the number is expected to reach 700 million by 2045.

Such high prevalence of chronic conditions is expected to drive the number of surgical procedures, which will ultimately boost the growth of the surgical smart glasses market. For instance, according to the data published by the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India in 2020, the number of bariatric surgeries in India increased by around 86.7% during 2014–2018 in India.

This development is gaining traction as Vuzix hosts its first-ever demonstration in Mandarin – expanding its reach in the Asia-Pacific.

In partnership with SoftFoundry International and Porsche China, Vuzix brings its M-Series line to one of the world’s largest markets.

Why the demonstration is so monumental:

Remote Expertise

Available on the Vuzix M400 and M4000, the FacePro Xpert System ushers in the next-generation of remote support. Businesses can use the technology to train employees, giving instructors access to their student’s point-of-view. Equipped with 4K video, the technology has the potential to significantly reduce corporate expenses. Mass adoption could eliminate “traveling for work.”

Porsche-formance

The premium automaker already benefits from the technology – connecting US-based team members with colleagues in China. This has reduced operating costs for the Vuzix customer, as technical experts can walk trainees through even the most complex procedures. This is performed hands-free from over 7,000 miles away.

Innovative Heartland

China’s steadily-growing economy has an innovative reputation. From electric cars to contactless payment tech, the marketplace of over 1 billion doesn’t shy away from advanced devices that improve the average quality of life. Businesses are expected to embrace Smart Glasses first…but consumers shouldn’t be far behind.

A hands-free world

Supporting 14 different languages, FacePro on Vuzix Smart Glasses is primed to be used across the globe.

The software is making a name for itself in several industries, including healthcare, manufacturing and telecom.

Vuzix is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of augmented reality wearable display and computing devices. These display devices are worn like eyeglasses and typically include cameras, sensors, and a computer that enable the user to view, record and interact with video and digital content, allowing their wearers to interact and perform work hands-free. The key growth areas for the Company and its products currently are in the enterprise, medical, consumer electronics, OEM, defense and security markets where we help our customers increase productivity; eliminate travel costs; lower carbon footprint; improves worker safety and protect worker health. With the industry’s broadest product line of smart glasses, Vuzix is now working on it next generation products which include its see-through waveguide optics while implementing the latest micro-LED display technology, as pictured below.

Annual Russell indexes reconstitution captures the 4,000 largest US stocks as of May 7, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000® Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000® Index or small-cap Russell 2000® Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes.

“We are pleased to see our shares added to the Russell Indexes, one of the leading market performance benchmarks in North America,” said Paul Travers, Vuzix Chief Executive Officer. “We view this as an important milestone and one that demonstrates Vuzix’ growing market leadership and enterprise value.  At the same time, we feel this should help raise awareness and the appeal of Vuzix within the institutional investment community.”

Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. Approximately $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against Russell’s US indexes. Russell indexes are part of FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider.

For more information on the Russell 3000® Index and the Russell indexes reconstitution, go to the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.

FirstNet, built with AT&T, is a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for first responders and the public safety agencies and extended community that could be called on to support them.

The ThirdEye X2 MR Glasses and RespondEye software support access to the physically separate and dedicated FirstNet network core, which enables First Priority® capabilities on FirstNet – always-on priority and, for first responders, preemption – and the FirstNet Band 14 spectrum. FirstNet eligible customers can feel confident the X2 MR Glasses combined with FirstNet services will provide the necessary critical connectivity in a reliable, highly secure and cost-effective manner.

As part of the agreement through the FirstNet Embedded IoT Program – a program that allows for industry leading FirstNet eligible devices to be combined with FirstNet to create a bundled, end-to-end solution for a single monthly fee for first responders, public safety agencies and extended community – the ThirdEye solution will include FirstNet connectivity.

This collaboration comes after ThirdEye successfully launched its pilot programs with the Marcus Hook and Upper Merion Fire Departments in Pennsylvania. ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses with the RespondEye software help prevent first responders from coming in contact with potential COVID-19 patients using the attachable FLIR (forward-looking infrared) thermal sensor to detect elevated body temperatures – one of the symptoms of the disease. By using the smart glasses, medics can be hands-free and receive digital information displayed live in their field of view.

“Our telehealth software assists first responders with their everyday tasks while also equipping them with the technology to help protect them from COVID-19,” said Nick Cherukuri, CEO and founder of ThirdEye. “FirstNet provides first responders access to the high-speed and reliable connectivity when facing emergencies. We continue to update the RespondEye’s features upon requests from the EMS teams as we work toward making the implementation of AR in healthcare the new norm.”

By wearing the smart glasses, a paramedic in the field can directly contact a doctor for assistance. The doctor can then stream live video from the scene to be displayed on a computer, tablet or smartphone at the hospital via the RespondEye platform. This allows the doctor to assess a patient and make treatment recommendations without having face-to-face contact. The RespondEye software is cross-compatible and runs on ThirdEye X2 MR Glasses as well as iOS/Android phones, tablets and web browsers. The software is currently free to first responders with tiered pricing for data usage being released soon.

“We’re pleased to welcome ThirdEye as a member of our FirstNet IoT Embedded Program,” said Scott Agnew, assistant vice president, product marketing, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “This allows us to further our mission to deploy, operate, maintain, and enhance the only nationwide wireless platform dedicated to public safety and the extended community that support public safety response.”

At just 300 grams, ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses are the lightest mixed reality glasses on the market and are suited for comfortable, extensive wear in all conditions. The glasses run on Android 9.0 and are powered by a Snapdragon xR1 Qualcomm processor chip. ThirdEye also developed custom augmented reality first responder software via its RespondEye software platform suite, which connects to the EMS backend systems. This software combined with ThirdEye’s HIPAA certification enables first responders to access all of their data on demand and safely via the X2 MR Glasses.

ThirdEye achieved HIPAA certification for its X2 MR Glasses and RespondEye Platform, HIPAA compliance is a requirement for vendors that handle any patient medical data to ensure the security of the patient’s information as well as confidentiality.