The benefits of virtual and augmented reality for maintenance

Virtual reality lets you train technicians before they get to customer sites, while augmented reality helps technicians execute maintenance tasks. In both cases, the initial feedback about the value of these technologies is positive.

Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are usually associated with leisure activities and entertainment — immersive video games such as Pokémon Go, or the Snapchat filters that selfie-takers love so much. It’s easy to forget about the many professional applications these technologies enable. But, from designing virtual models to telemedicine and creating work orders on logistics platforms, the possibilities are almost endless.

At the same time, the large number of virtual reality headsets now available on the consumer market from HTC, Vive, Samsung and Oculus has benefited businesses by reducing the cost of these previously very expensive technologies.

Advanced training and virtual tours

Maintenance professionals have a lot to gain by capitalizing on the benefits of virtual reality. It starts with training. With virtual reality, customer sites come to technicians instead of the other way around. Using virtual reality for maintenance training, technicians can immerse themselves in their future work environment to explore the site’s topology and become familiar with the environment in which they will be working.

Technicians can practice the activities they will need to perform, repeat them any number of times, and learn from their mistakes with no risk of customer repercussions or danger. In a virtual world, errors can’t damage equipment. This type of training is particularly useful before technicians are sent to higher-risk or remote sites, such as nuclear power plants, refineries and oil platforms.

With virtual reality in maintenance, technicians have a far better ability to understand the layout and equipment at the customer site than they do by reviewing technical manuals or PowerPoint presentations. They are immersed in a “real” environment. Virtual reality can be used to simulate any number of scenarios at the customer site, as well as specific events and weather conditions such as darkness, rain, and snowstorms.

How VR and AR Reduce Downtime in Maintenance Operations

Virtual and augmented reality in equipment maintenance has revolutionized how industries handle downtime. With VR maintenance training, technicians are empowered to tackle complex issues before reaching the actual site, significantly reducing the potential for errors and the time required to resolve problems. This empowerment instills a sense of confidence and capability in the technicians, enhancing their performance and the overall efficiency of the maintenance process.

Furthermore, AR in maintenance enables technicians to get real-time information and procedures for performing tasks using AR glasses for field service. This overlay of critical information to the real-world environment makes it easier and faster to make the necessary repairs. For instance, a technician working on a faulty machine can apply augmented reality in field service to look at the machine’s diagrams without having to check the reference books.

Another significant benefit is AR remote maintenance, which enables specialists to help field technicians perform some operations without their physical presence. This approach cuts down on travel expenses and decreases the time equipment is offline. Virtual reality maintenance and augmented tools are complementary in that their integration can minimize the time lost during maintenance and enhance the flow of operations.

Aeronautics, energy and construction are leading the way

Because virtual reality maintenance improves the efficiency and reduces costs of training activities, virtual reality plays a key role in industries where people spend hundreds of hours every year maintaining equipment.

The aeronautics industry is a key example. With the exponential growth of air traffic, executing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) tasks has become a major challenge. As a result, major manufacturers, including Airbus and engine manufacturer Safran, use immersive applications to virtually recreate aircraft. This allows mechanics and technicians to train for and practice MRO tasks without the expense of relocating physical aircraft.

Companies in the energy sector also take advantage of virtualization. For example, the French company GRTgaz uses virtual reality to train the maintenance technicians who work on the valves and posts along its natural gas pipelines. The technicians’ avatars review the most common breakdowns along the pipelines

THE BIG BANG OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)

The construction sector is also involved in the digital revolution, using building information modeling (BIM) technology to generate digital representations of the physical, technical and functional characteristics of buildings based on data.

These digital models can be shared among all stakeholders, from architects to end customers, passing through building designers, project managers and maintenance operations managers.

Virtual reality can also be used for maintenance-related tasks such as site inspection and quality control, and to educate new employees about security policies and other key topics. For example, the Manpower employment agency uses virtual reality to train temporary construction workers about what to do in case of accidents to reduce risks on job sites.

Augmented reality overlays useful information on real-world objects

Don’t confuse virtual reality with augmented reality. While virtual reality helps technicians prepare for service activities, augmented reality helps technicians during service activities by superimposing relevant information on the real world.

“Augmented” maintenance technicians can access all of the information needed to complete their tasks — plans, data sheets, instruction manuals — by simply scanning the QR code associated with the equipment they’re working on.

They can also use the technology to collect data such as pressure, temperature, and humidity readings from sensors to determine the overall state of the equipment. In the construction industry, a maintenance technician can use augmented reality to “see” the interior workings of a building, such as the electrical cables behind a suspended ceiling or the pipes hidden behind a concrete wall

TECHNICIANS HAVE HANDS-FREE ACCESS TO INFORMATION

With augmented reality in field service, information is superimposed on a tablet, a smartphone, glasses, or even directly on equipment using a projector. These systems free technicians from having to consult manuals and, in the case of augmented reality glasses, even free technicians’ hands so they can continue working on tasks while reading the information.

Technicians can use augmented reality to order spare parts and even get help from remote experts by sharing the 3D visualization with them. This is a great way to help improve first-time fix rates.

HoloLens enables mixed reality environments

When Microsoft introduced HoloLens in 2015, the company went a step further in combining virtual and real worlds. The HoloLens mixed reality headset simulates holograms in the user’s field of vision. These holograms coexist with and interact with physical objects.

Once again, technician training is an ideal application. HoloLens can be used to teach technicians the procedures to maintain a particular piece of equipment or to support them during particularly challenging service activities. French nuclear power and renewable energy company, Orano (previously Areva), uses HoloLens to help technicians working in restrictive environments. In this case, anti-radiation precautions limit technician movements and protective gloves mean they cannot use touch screens.

Other companies are also using HoloLens. Multinational oil and gas company, Total, uses the holographic tool to train its service technicians in how to replace fuel tank infill limiters. Also, Dassault Aviation relies on HoloLens for maintenance and follow-up operations on its Rafale and Falcon aircraft.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Enhancing Industrial Maintenance 

 The application of  in industrial maintenance tasks is transforming the field service industry. These technologies introduce 3D models into the real world, revolutionizing the maintenance process by providing step-by-step instructions in real-time.

For instance, consider preventive maintenance on an intricate electrical wiring system. Traditional methods might require a technician to refer to printed manuals or diagrams, a time-consuming process with a considerable margin for error. However, with AR technology, a technician can wear smart glasses or use AR glasses for field service that overlay detailed information and instructions onto the real-world view. They can view the electrical system through these glasses and see exactly what needs to be done, step-by-step, through 3D models.

Cost Savings Through Virtual and Augmented Reality in Industrial Maintenance

When maintenance training is conducted through virtual reality and augmented reality for maintenance and repair, businesses can cut costs in their operations. Through VR maintenance, the technicians can practice and develop their skills in a virtual space, preventing the need for expensive on-site training sessions and operational errors.

On the other hand, AR for maintenance brings significant cost benefits and convenience. It provides technicians quick access to crucial information that may not be easily remembered, reducing the likelihood of errors and the associated stress. AR maintenance solutions, for instance, allow workers to see the internals of equipment and perform diagnostics without the need for disassembly, saving both time and costs. This convenience and stress reduction contribute to a more relaxed and efficient work environment for technicians.

Also, the possibility of providing augmented reality for maintenance, along with AR in-field service, increases the effectiveness of maintenance teams. AR in field service helps technicians to receive live instructions from other experts, which enables them to solve problems as soon as possible. This cuts down the costs of travelling and equipment, significantly minimizing the costs incurred by businesses.

Maximize Stakeholder Engagement and Cultural Shifts for Successful VR/AR Adoption

Understanding Stakeholder Perceptions and Individual Concerns

• Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives: It is essential to comprehend the individual experiences, beliefs, and hesitations of stakeholders regarding Gaining their trust involves showing empathy towards concerns, such as the high initial costs and the steep learning curve of adopting technologies like augmented reality for equipment maintenance.
• Addressing Resistance: Some stakeholders may resist adopting AR in field service due to fears of change or perceived technical complexity. By communicating clearly and providing demonstrations of virtual reality in maintenance, these fears can be alleviated, showing how user-friendly the technology is in practice.

Data-Driven Insights and Practical Applications of VR/AR in Maintenance

• Empirical Evidence and Data: It can be persuasive to offer stakeholders empirical data from other companies that highlight success rates, reduced errors, and cost savings from using VR maintenance training and AR remote maintenance.
• Technical Demonstrations: Practical demonstrations of how augmented reality for maintenance and repair seamlessly integrates with current tasks can help stakeholders see the clear benefits. Showing the ease of use with AR glasses for field service can reduce uncertainty about the technology.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Technological Adoption

• Cultivating a Culture of Innovation: Fostering an innovation-friendly culture among stakeholders is essential for adopting augmented reality in field service and virtual reality maintenance. Highlighting past successes with technological adoptions can encourage a positive attitude toward these advancements.
• Building Relationships: Building strong communication between developers, engineers, and stakeholders helps in establishing trust. This ensures the smoother implementation of technologies like VR maintenance and augmented reality maintenance solutions.

Collaborative Engagement and Policy Support for VR/AR Implementation

• Collaborative Workshops: Hosting workshops where stakeholders can experience virtual reality for maintenance training firsthand will allow them to understand the tangible benefits. These sessions make the adoption process more engaging and inclusive.
• Policy and Economic Incentives: Clearly communicating policies and ROI projections that outline the potential gains from adopting augmented reality in field service or AR for maintenance can further persuade stakeholders.

The Benefits of AR and VR in Maintenance and Repair

The benefits of VR and augmented reality in industrial maintenance are manifold. One significant advantage is the reduction in time spent on each task. With clear, intuitive instructions readily available, technicians can complete their work more efficiently and accurately.

Furthermore, AR technology also enables remote assistance. If a technician encounters an issue on-site, an expert can view the same AR display from a different location and provide guidance, reducing downtime and improving repair quality. This is particularly beneficial in complex industrial maintenance scenarios where expertise is critical.

Ultimately, by integrating AR and VR into their field service operations, companies can optimize their maintenance and repair processes, resulting in increased productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction.