Robot programming, repairs, and servicing demand direct access to devices, a clear understanding of their condition, and the ability to perform specific manual tasks. Effective training also requires identifying key elements within a device or system and guiding trainees to replicate operations independently. Traditionally, this has needed experts to be physically present at the customer’s site, which limits their availability and significantly increases service costs. Augmented reality platforms like Nsflow, particularly through AR glasses, are revolutionizing this process by enabling remote auditing, remote servicing and robot programming more efficiently and cost-effectively.
The Shift to Remote Servicing
Replacing on-site consultations with remote consultations is a significant improvement that increases the availability of experts, shortens the response time when receiving a notification, and reduces the cost of support. However, tools like phone calls, laptops, and mobile devices are inadequate because they lack visual clarity, are cumbersome, occupy the hands, and do not allow experts to guide technicians effectively.
Systems like Nsflow based on Augmented Reality (AR) technology are a promising solution for remote industrial services, thanks to the abilities of industrial-grade AR glasses. These devices operate hands-free, overlay real-time information and guidance directly onto the user’s field of view. AR glasses, together with the , streamline the work of both remote and on-site workers in many ways. Here are some of the best:
Remote Audio-Video Consultations In Real Time
Using AR glasses, on-site technicians can communicate freely with remote experts by transmitting audio and video from a head-worn device. This immediate connection facilitates quick troubleshooting and decision-making, reducing downtime and enhancing machine servicing and repair efficiency. The expert can guide the technician through complex procedures without needing to be physically present, which is particularly useful for remote or hard-to-reach locations.
First-Person Perspective
Experts can observe the situation on the side of the user of AR glasses from a first-person perspective, providing a more accurate and immersive understanding of the technician’s environment. This perspective allows the expert to see exactly what the technician sees, making it easier to diagnose issues, provide precise instructions, and ensure that the correct procedures are followed, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of repairs and maintenance.
Voice And Visual Instructions
By analyzing the image transmitted from the AR device, the expert can instruct the employee by providing voice instructions and using various visual forms. This combination of audio and visual cues helps technicians understand complex instructions more clearly and reduces the risk of miscommunication. Operating AR glasses is hands-free, and using AR software is done via voice commands. Nsflow, for example, offers 19 languages, including Polish and Korean.
Spacial Annotations
The software allows you to place spatial annotations on elements visible in the image sent from AR devices, enabling experts to highlight specific parts or areas that require attention. These annotations appear directly in the technician’s view, ensuring that they focus on the correct components and follow the precise steps needed for repair or maintenance. This feature is particularly valuable for intricate or detailed tasks where precision is critical.
High-Resolution Photos
The AR software allows industrial companies to take high-resolution photos during the call, which can be used for documentation, further analysis, or to provide visual evidence of the issue to other experts. High-resolution images ensure that even the smallest details are captured, crucial for diagnosing complex problems, verifying the quality of repairs, or maintaining records for future reference.
Documenting The Remote Support Session
Technicians gain the ability to document the progress of a remote support session, creating a detailed record of the steps taken, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented. This documentation can be invaluable for training, future reference, or as a part of the machine’s maintenance history. It also provides a clear audit trail that can be reviewed by management or quality assurance teams.
File Sending
This feature means that documents, diagrams, photos, videos, and text messages can be sent directly by a remote expert to the technician in the field. The ability to share files in real-time allows technicians to access detailed manuals, schematics, or instructional videos exactly when they need them, ensuring that they have all the necessary resources at their fingertips to complete the task efficiently.
Screen Sharing
The expert can share their computer screen and present helpful content in real-time, such as diagrams, software interfaces, or programming scripts. This allows the technician to see exactly what the expert is seeing and follow along step-by-step, which is particularly useful for complex tasks such as machine programming or troubleshooting software issues on factory robots.
Remote Support Sessions Via Mobile Devices
The AR platform allows you to join a remote support session using a phone or tablet and use these devices as additional cameras or displays. This flexibility ensures that technicians can use the most convenient device, whether AR glasses, phone, or tablet, to capture different angles or perspectives, enhancing the support experience and ensuring that all aspects of the problem are covered. In addition, modern glasses like RealWear Navigator 520 have a high-capacity battery that can be used for several hours. These glasses’ hot-swap battery exchange technology lets you switch a dead battery without halting the gadget.
Easy User Connection
The software is designed to allow multiple technicians and multiple experts to join a single remote support session, facilitating collaborative problem-solving. This multi-user capability ensures that complex issues can be addressed by bringing together various experts with different specializations, while multiple technicians can work together in different parts of the facility, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response.
Automatic Connection Quality Adjustment
The platform automatically adjusts the image and sound quality of the call to the network conditions to enable remote collaboration, even in the case of poor internet connection quality. This feature ensures that support sessions remain functional and effective even in environments with less-than-ideal connectivity, minimizing disruptions and ensuring continuous assistance.
Compatibility with Various AR Glasses And Mobile Devices
Comprehensive AR platforms, such as Nsflow, are compatible with various models of AR glasses and mobile devices from different manufacturers. This gives manufacturing companies flexibility in choosing hardware and allows them to adapt the type and amount of AR equipment to specific places and machines. For example, Microsoft HoloLens 2 improves manufacturing operations with real-time holographic metrics to improve decision-making and reduce downtime. Meanwhile, the RealWear Navigator 500 is ideal for hands-free tasks, guiding maintenance with step-by-step instructions.
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Nsflow in action
Access Via Web Browser
Users can access the expert application via a web browser, simplifying access to remote support sessions without requiring specialized software installations. This ease of access ensures that technicians and experts can quickly connect to the support platform from virtually any device with internet access, making it easier to initiate and participate in support sessions from anywhere.
Nsflow Remote Servicing Solution
The Nsflow platform and Remote Support module enable AR-enabled remote collaboration. The Nsflow software works with numerous devices, including the RealWear Navigator 520. In addition to the Remote Support module, the Nsflow platform features an AR Instruction module that lets employees use AR glasses to view interactive service instructions, practical training, and digital fault elimination methods. Nsflow system, by permitting remote expert consultations, will yield immediate and long-term advantages.
