AR remote maintenance: Splashtop AR and RealWear smart glasses: Revolutionizing remote maintenance in high-risk industries

Hands-free on-site support: RealWear smart glasses in use with Splashtop AR

In hazardous work environments such as oil refineries, industrial plants, or mines, access to remote support is often crucial to minimizing downtime and reducing safety risks. Integrating Splashtop AR with RealWear smart glasses provides an innovative remote maintenance solution that allows on-site technicians to collaborate with remote experts in real time – hands-free and efficiently.

According to Mark Lee, co-founder and CEO of Splashtop, many existing remote solutions were primarily designed for office environments. “With Splashtop AR, on-site technicians and remote specialists can collaborate as if they were physically in the same room. This technology enables organizations to gain instant access to experts in high-risk environments, dramatically improving both efficiency and security.”

Technological innovations and key functions

The combination of Splashtop AR and RealWear smart glasses offers a range of innovative features specifically designed for demanding environments:

• Live camera transmission and VoIP communication: On-site technicians can share their field of view live with remote experts. These experts can then provide instructions in real time via voice communication or visual cues.
• Interactive AR annotations: Remote experts can overlay markings, drawings, or text notes directly onto the camera image. This allows for visual support of complex steps and more precise instruction.
• Hands-free operation: RealWear glasses enable voice-controlled operation, which is essential in environments with protective equipment or explosive substances.
• Session recording: All remote support sessions are documented, providing valuable data for both security audits and training.
• Smart integration with IT systems: The solution can be seamlessly integrated into existing enterprise platforms, including ERP and maintenance management systems.

Increased safety and compliance with regulations

Compliance with occupational safety and health regulations such as those of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a key aspect of this technology. According to Splashtop, using this solution can reduce safety incidents by up to 70%. Three core areas are the focus:

1. Risk assessment: Technicians can document risks via voice command without interrupting their work or having to operate equipment manually.
2. Training and simulations: AR-supported training enables realistic danger scenarios without actually endangering people.
3. Working in confined or hazardous areas: Remote experts can use the glasses camera to monitor compliance with safety protocols in real time and intervene immediately if problems arise.

Application areas and economic impacts

The combination of Splashtop AR and RealWear is particularly relevant for industries with high hazard potential and high maintenance costs:

1. Oil and gas industry

• Reduction of downtime by up to 70% for repairs on drilling platforms and refineries.
• Instant remote access to experts, even in remote regions.
• Improving ATEX compliance for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

2. Chemical and process industries

• Specially developed ATEX-certified RealWear devices enable safe use in zones with a high risk of explosion.
• Minimizing human-to-human contact, especially during pandemics or in high-risk areas.

3. Energy supply and high-voltage systems

• Rapid identification and resolution of faults in electrical systems.
• Reduction of maintenance intervals through proactive diagnostics and remote monitoring.
• AR-supported documentation for audits and legal compliance.

4. Manufacturing and automotive industry

• Efficient remote maintenance of production facilities and machines.
• Reducing training costs through interactive AR training for new employees.
• Reduction of the need for physical on-site visits by external experts.

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• Extended Reality or Metaverse? Real-time 3D, simulation and configuration – what mechanical and plant engineering really needs here

Long-term benefits and future prospects

The implementation of Splashtop AR with RealWear significantly contributes to digital transformation in high-risk industries. The seamless integration of augmented reality, remote support, and IoT data analytics creates new opportunities to further optimize maintenance processes.

1. Cost savings and increased efficiency

Companies benefit from a significant reduction in operating costs, as fewer physical trips by experts are required. At the same time, maintenance efficiency is maximized through immediate, real-time support.

2. Increased workplace safety

Hands-free access to remote experts can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in hazardous work areas. Furthermore, the technology enables better monitoring and logging of safety regulations.

3. Improved sustainability

Fewer service technician trips also mean a reduction in a company's carbon footprint. By increasing the use of digital maintenance tools, companies can achieve their sustainability goals more effectively.

4. Scalability and future-proofing

The technology is highly scalable and can be flexibly adapted to different company sizes and requirements. Combined with AI-supported fault analysis, the future of remote maintenance will become even more precise and predictive.

A revolution for industrial maintenance

The combination of Splashtop AR and RealWear smart glasses creates a completely new dimension in remote maintenance and workplace safety. Particularly in industries with high safety requirements, the solution offers efficient, secure, and cost-effective real-time remote support. The ability to access expert knowledge without physical presence represents a paradigm shift for many industries and will, in the long term, become the standard solution for maintenance and repair processes in high-risk sectors.

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Industry 4.0 live: Real-time remote maintenance with Splashtop AR and RealWear

The integration of Splashtop AR with RealWear's rugged smart glasses represents a significant advancement in safe remote maintenance and support, particularly in demanding and potentially hazardous work environments such as oil refineries, industrial plants, mines, and power generation facilities. This innovative solution enables on-site technicians to connect with subject matter experts at remote locations in real time. The goal is to make maintenance, repair, and inspection processes not only more efficient but, above all, safer.

Traditional approaches to remote maintenance often reach their limits in such environments. Conventional remote solutions are primarily tailored to the needs of office environments and do not consider the specific challenges and risks associated with working in harsh industrial environments. Splashtop AR, on the other hand, was specifically developed to bridge this gap.

Mark Lee, co-founder and CEO of Splashtop, once emphasized the importance of this development, explaining that Splashtop AR enables field service employees and remote technicians to collaborate in real time "as if they were in the same room." Deploying Splashtop AR on RealWear is a revolutionary step for businesses operating in hazardous environments, as it provides hands-free access to remote technicians when they need it most. This solution reduces downtime, maintains productivity, and improves safety practices during risky but critical maintenance and repair work.

Effective industrial solutions: Real-time communication with Splashtop A

At the core of Splashtop AR and RealWear technology are several key features that enable seamless and effective collaboration between on-site technicians and remote experts:

Live camera sharing and VoIP communication

This feature allows on-site technicians to share their live view with remote experts in real time. This is crucial, as it enables experts to assess the situation from the technician's perspective and provide informed instructions. Integrated VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication ensures clear and immediate verbal communication, which is essential in noisy industrial environments.

Interactive AR annotations

One of the most innovative features is the ability for remote experts to overlay real-time markings, drawings, or text notes directly onto the camera image seen by the technician on site. These augmented reality (AR) annotations serve as visual aids to explain complex steps, highlight critical areas, or provide additional information. This is particularly useful for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that instructions are followed correctly.

Hands-free operation

The RealWear glasses are specifically designed for hands-free operation. This means that technicians can control the glasses and the Splashtop AR software with simple voice commands, without using their hands. This is crucial in environments where technicians must wear protective equipment or where explosives are present, as it increases safety and improves efficiency.

Meeting recording

Every remote support session is automatically recorded and documented. These recordings can be used for various purposes, such as following up on security audits, verifying compliance, for training purposes, or creating knowledge bases. The ability to record sessions also provides a valuable way to document and standardize best practices.

70% fewer accidents: How Splashtop AR meets OSHA standards

The integration of Splashtop AR and RealWear offers significant safety benefits and contributes to compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines. Splashtop states that the solution reduces safety incidents in hazardous industries by up to 70%. This reduction is achieved through the following key areas:

Risk assessment

By using voice commands, employees can document risks and potential hazards in their work environment without having to operate devices or use their hands. This feature enables the quick and efficient collection of hazard information, which can then be used to improve safety measures. Immediate documentation helps to identify and address potential problems early, before accidents occur.

Training

AR-based training can simulate realistic hazard scenarios without actually endangering people. This allows employees to learn in a safe environment how to respond to emergencies, follow safety procedures, and recognize potential dangers. The interactive and immersive nature of AR training improves employee engagement and retention, leading to better preparation for real-life situations.

Working in confined spaces

Remote experts can use the glasses camera to monitor compliance with safety protocols and procedures in confined spaces. This is particularly important because working in confined spaces often involves specific risks. Remote monitoring allows experts to identify potential problems early and ensure that employees are taking the necessary safety precautions.

Economic Impact: The versatile applications of Splashtop AR & RealWear

Splashtop AR and RealWear's technology is used in a variety of industries and has significant economic impacts:

Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas industry, immediate access to expert knowledge can reduce downtime for offshore repairs by up to 70%. This leads to significant cost savings and increased productivity. The ability to bring in remote experts in real time enables faster problem diagnosis and more efficient repair execution, thereby minimizing production disruptions.

chemical industry

In the chemical industry, where potentially explosive atmospheres exist, ATEX-certified RealWear devices can be used to ensure safety. ATEX certification guarantees that the devices meet the stringent safety standards for use in hazardous areas. The combination of Splashtop AR and ATEX-certified RealWear devices enables safe and efficient remote maintenance and support in these critical environments.

power supply

In the energy sector, AR instructions can be used to accelerate troubleshooting in high-voltage systems. Visual guidance through AR annotations helps on-site technicians perform complex repair and maintenance work safely and efficiently. This reduces downtime and contributes to the stability of the power supply.

Minimizing downtime: The future of maintenance with AR technology

The combination of Splashtop AR and RealWear creates a digital safety net effect. Expert knowledge becomes available regardless of location, while compliance processes are automatically documented. This revolutionizes maintenance processes in particular, where every minute of downtime incurs high costs. The technology enables companies to optimize their operations, improve safety, and ensure regulatory compliance.

However, the impact of this technology extends beyond the aforementioned industries. The combination of Splashtop AR and RealWear also offers significant advantages in other sectors where hazardous working conditions prevail or specialized expertise is required.

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Efficiency meets safety: Where Splashtop AR and RealWear are shaping the future

Construction

In the construction industry, remote experts can monitor construction work, conduct inspections, and provide guidance without exposing themselves to the dangers of the construction site. This is particularly useful for complex construction projects or work at heights.

Mining

In mining, remote experts can support miners underground, monitor equipment maintenance, and assist in emergencies. Improved communication and the ability to provide visual guidance contribute to miners' safety and increase mining efficiency.

Healthcare

In health care, remote specialists can support surgeons during complex operations, help radiologists to interpret pictures and advise nursing staff in the treatment of patients in remote areas. Telemedicine is lifted to a new level by combining AR and data glasses.

logistics

In logistics, remote experts can support warehouse workers with order picking, monitor conveyor belt maintenance, and assist in troubleshooting sorting systems. Improved communication and the ability to provide visual guidance contribute to the efficiency of logistics processes.

Increase efficiency, reduce costs: How AR technology is driving change

The economic impact of Splashtop AR and RealWear technology is also considerable. Companies can achieve significant cost savings by reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and preventing accidents. Furthermore, they can enhance their competitiveness by providing better customer service and implementing innovative solutions.

The technology also contributes to sustainability. By reducing travel costs and optimizing resource use, companies can decrease their environmental footprint. The ability to bring in remote experts reduces the need for physical travel, leading to a reduction in emissions.

The future of remote maintenance and support will undoubtedly be shaped by technologies like Splashtop AR and RealWear. The combination of augmented reality, smart glasses, and high-speed communication enables companies to optimize their operations, improve security, and ensure regulatory compliance. This technology will continue to evolve and open up new areas of application, further increasing efficiency and security across a wide range of industries.

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