44% fewer errors: These smart glasses from VPS Next are changing rail safety with eye tracking

No more guesswork: These glasses show what really matters – in real time

In critical work situations, it's often not just what you see that counts, but what you pay attention to. Yet this very focus—human attention—has remained invisible until now. This is precisely where the VPS Next, a professional smart glass from the Viennese company Viewpointsystem, comes in. It combines a high-resolution camera with precise eye tracking to transmit not only the wearer's field of vision but also their exact point of view in real time. While a normal helmet camera only shows the surroundings, the VPS Next makes the invisible focus visible, making cognitive processes measurable and trainable.

A built-in display was deliberately omitted. This decision reduces distractions, keeps the glasses' weight at a mere 38 grams, and leaves the wearer's field of vision completely unobstructed – a crucial safety factor in industry, rail, and defense. The benefits of this technology are already demonstrable: At the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), the use of the glasses has reduced the number of unauthorized signal crossings during shunting operations by an impressive 44%.

This is made possible through applications such as remote assistance, where experts look through the technician's eyes live and provide precise instructions, or through visual coaching, which trains standardized "check eyes" for inspections. With robust IP54 certification and local data storage to ensure data security, VPS Next is more than just smart glasses; it's a tool that closes the gap between seeing and understanding, making a decisive contribution to increased safety, efficiency, and faster skills development.

What is the central idea behind VPS Next?

VPS Next is the third generation of professional eye-tracking glasses from the Vienna-based company Viewpointsystem. It combines a wide-angle camera with precise, robust eye tracking to transmit both the wearer's field of view and exact gaze point in real time. This makes attention and visual decision-making processes measurable and analyzable in real time – without a built-in display. The system is aimed at demanding industrial, rail, defense, and sports applications where remote support, training, and process optimization provide significant benefits.

Which forms of application are in the foreground?

Typical applications include remote maintenance and remote assistance, safety-critical processes in rail and factory operations, inspections with a standardized inspection view, training scenarios with live coaching, and tactical training in the defense sector. Sports teams and manufacturing companies use VPS Next for visual coaching, error reduction, and efficiency improvements in real-world environments.

Why is the combination of camera and eye tracking special?

A conventional body-worn or helmet camera only shows the surroundings, but not what the person is actually focusing on. Eye tracking eliminates this invisibility: It shows precisely what the person is looking at in the stream, allows attention and distraction to be quantified, and creates an objective basis for guidance, feedback, and analysis – in real time and regardless of location. This expands remote assistance to provide a situational "shared view" of cognitive processes.

Hardware architecture: How is VPS Next structured?

Which components belong to the system?

VPS Next consists of the lightweight glasses themselves and a separate, wired processing unit. The glasses integrate a camera, sensors, and eye-tracking; the processing unit handles computing power and connectivity. This coupling reduces weight in the head area, improves comfort and thermal behavior, and allows for use for hours in mobile, industrial, or field-ready scenarios.

How heavy are the glasses and the computing unit?

In its lightest configuration, the glasses weigh 38 grams. The computing unit weighs 95 grams and can be carried in a pocket or attached to a helmet, arm, or belt. This layout reduces strain on the neck and temples and supports a stable fit, which in turn promotes eye-tracking accuracy during movement.

What ports and connectivity options are available?

The computing unit provides Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth. The wired connection to the glasses ensures low latency, reliable power supply, and robust operation without wireless connection interruptions between the sensors and the computing module.

How is the system operated?

A multi-mode button is located on the frame of the glasses, allowing you to take screenshots, start video recording, and add markers. This simple, haptic control allows for operation with gloves and in environments where touch displays or voice commands are inappropriate or unreliable.

What level of protection and robustness does VPS Next offer?

The glasses are dust and splash-proof according to IP54. This makes them suitable for factory halls, outdoor facilities, or railway areas exposed to dust, spray, and moisture, without neglecting the demands of precision optics and precise sensor systems.

How long does the battery last?

The battery life is up to 3 hours. For typical shifts with longer intervals, we recommend switching or charging during breaks, as well as carrying additional power sources at the computing unit level if necessary.

Optics and camera: What image quality and field of view are available?

What video and photo resolutions are possible?

The camera delivers live video in HD+ for streaming scenarios and photos in 4K for high-resolution documentation. This allows for detailed inspection recordings and training sequences to be captured, while the video streams support high-performance real-time communication with experts.

How big is the field of view?

The field of view is 112 degrees. This wide angle covers a wide area and reduces the need for excessive head or body movement to capture contextually relevant details. At the same time, the display remains realistic and not overly distorted, which is beneficial for analysis and coaching.

What role does the live broadcast play?

The live, first-person video is the foundation for remote assistance and shared situational awareness. It is transmitted to experts' smartphones, laptops, or tablets, who simultaneously view the eye-tracking overlay and thus determine exactly what the wearer is focusing on. Direct cues, verbal instructions, and graphic markers can be overlaid on the stream in real time.

Is there a built-in display?

No. VPS Next deliberately dispenses with a display. This reduces weight, complexity, distractions, and potential visual obstructions. Instead, the coaching or instruction is visualized on the experts' devices, who provide guidance via voice and markers. This reduction is a strength for many industrial and security contexts because the wearer's line of sight remains unobstructed.

Eye tracking: How precise, fast and robust is the system?

How quickly is the viewpoint updated?

The eye tracking updates at 120 frames per second. This sampling rate captures gaze shifts, fixations, and saccades quickly enough to provide precise cues and visualize attention in real time in dynamic situations such as shunting, assembly, or tactical training.

Is calibration necessary?

The system calibrates itself automatically. This eliminates the need for manual, time-consuming calibration procedures that often disrupt live operations. Automatic calibration facilitates ad-hoc deployments, role changes within the team, and short training windows.

How stable is the accuracy when moving?

The eye-tracking solution remains precise even during movement and slight slippage. This is crucial because real-world environments are rarely static. Slight changes in position, perspiration, vibrations, or changes in light/darkness must not render gaze measurement unusable. VPS Next is designed for these conditions.

Which conditions are considered difficult – and how does VPS Next address them?

Challenging conditions include changing light conditions, dust, humidity, rapid head movements, protective helmets, and overlaying eyewear. VPS Next relies on a patented tracking system that robustly absorbs these influences. The IP54 rating and the lightweight, stable frame design further support measurement consistency.

Software features: How does remote assistance and annotation work?

How do experts connect with the carrier?

Experts join live via audio and video. They view the stream on their devices from a first-person perspective, including a gaze overlay. The connection utilizes the computing unit's connectivity (Wi-Fi, mobile data). Real-time guidance can be provided during the session.

What annotation options are there?

Instructions and markings can be drawn in the stream, such as arrows, borders, or short visual markers on components, displays, or buttons. The wearer hears these instructions explained acoustically, but doesn't see them as an AR overlay in their field of vision, as there is no display installed. Nevertheless, the parallel verbal instructions are very effective, as experts refer precisely to the fixation points.

How do I take screenshots and recordings?

Screenshots and video recordings can be triggered directly using the multi-mode button. Markers can be set to mark events or observations. These artifacts are useful for post-analysis, quality assurance, training, and audit purposes.

Data security and storage: How is information protected?

How is data transferred and stored?

All data is transmitted encrypted and stored exclusively locally. This facilitates use in regulated industries where cloud solutions are not permitted or only partially desired. Local storage strengthens control over confidential information from production, infrastructure, or defense.

What compliance benefits result from this?

Local storage and encryption simplify data protection approvals, enable strictly segmented network integration, and reduce attack surfaces. Operationally sensitive processes, trade secrets, or security-critical procedures are not mirrored to external servers, supporting internal governance and audit compliance.

How does this fit with remote maintenance and multi-site operations?

Remote assistance requires secure, stable connections between locations. Local data storage and encrypted transport allow for clearly defined on-premises user rights, firewalls, and access protocols. If necessary, companies can combine segmented networks, VPNs, and role-based access controls without relying on cloud-first architectures.

Wearing comfort, configurations and ergonomics: What versions are available?

What configurations does VPS Next offer?

VPS Next is available in three configurations: from the EN166-certified safety goggle model to the rimless, lensless model for unobstructed vision. This range addresses various safety requirements and work environments, such as factory halls, railway yards, laboratories, or training areas.

What are the advantages of EN166 safety glasses?

The EN166 certification qualifies for environments with mechanical risks such as splinters, dust, or flying sparks. Where personal protective equipment is required, the eye-tracking glasses can be integrated as a PPE-compatible solution, eliminating the need for additional safety goggles and reducing the number of wearable components.

Why does a rimless and glassless model make sense?

In areas where maximum peripheral vision and minimal visual obstruction are required, the rimless and glassless version is advantageous. This option can be used for training, coaching, or inspections without special protection requirements, keeping the field of view clear and providing an unobstructed view of the surroundings.

How does the weight affect longer missions?

At 38 grams on the head, the VPS Next is in the lightweight range, reducing pressure points, slippage, and fatigue. The center of gravity is designed to be low, ensuring the system remains stable even during head movements. Combined with the 95-gram computing unit, this results in a complete system designed for all-day use with intermediate charging or replacement cycles.

Battery management and operating time: How can the running time be organized in practice?

Is 3 hours of battery life enough for typical use?

In many scenarios—short inspections, focused training sessions, troubleshooting—three hours are sufficient. For longer shifts, rotating battery management is recommended: scheduled breaks for recharging, alternating between multiple computing units, or mobile charging options. Since the glasses themselves are very lightweight, swapping or intermediate charging at the computing unit level is often practical.

What strategies are suitable for shift work?

A proven strategy in practice is shift scheduling with loading windows. Teams can bundle sessions, start recording sequences at specific times, and avoid energy-intensive continuous recordings when they aren't necessary. Furthermore, the video bitrate or duration can be adjusted to suit the intended use to extend the net runtime.

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Practical examples: What demonstrable effects are there?

How did VPS Next work in the railway context?

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) report that they have been able to reduce the number of unauthorized signal crossings in shunting operations by 44 percent. This reduction is significant in terms of safety, as signal crossings can lead to irregularities, hazards, and service interruptions. The effect suggests that visual feedback, standardized attention, and situational training noticeably reduce the risk of errors.

How does the glasses support inspections?

At around 60 ÖBB locations, the glasses are used to practice the "inspection gaze" during wagon inspections. Eye tracking makes it visible whether inspectors are systematically focusing on the relevant components, whether gaze sequences are complete, and where gaps exist. Coaches can intervene live or retrospectively and establish standardized sequences that improve the consistency and quality of inspections.

Which industrial applications are documented?

An international brewery group uses VPS Next for remote maintenance support. Manufacturing companies use the system for process optimization—for example, to analyze gaze patterns during assembly, setup, quality assurance, or training phases. At the same time, sports teams use the glasses for visual coaching to train attention, anticipation, and decision-making patterns.

Which companies are among the customer base?

Toyota, Denso, and Deutsche Bahn are also named as other customers of VPS Smart Glasses. In the defense sector, the Austrian Armed Forces, the Canadian Armed Forces, and other NATO partners train with the glasses. This customer mix demonstrates their suitability for highly regulated, safety-critical, and performance-oriented domains.

Safety, quality and compliance: What do IP54 and EN166 mean in everyday life?

What does IP54 stand for and why is it relevant?

IP54 means protection against harmful dust levels (dust protection) and protection against splash water from all directions. This is a practical protection level for factory floors, outdoor maintenance areas, and railway areas. It reduces downtime due to environmental influences and ensures reliable operation regardless of weather or process conditions involving spray mist.

What does EN166 mean for safety goggles?

EN166 is the central European standard for personal eye protection. Eye-tracking glasses with EN166 certification combine data capture with PPE protection. This allows safety requirements to be met without the need for stacking additional safety glasses. This conformity is a key enabler for rollout during audits and safety reviews.

How does quality assurance affect eye tracking quality?

Seat stability, optical clarity, anti-reflection, and mechanical robustness are crucial for eye-tracking precision. VPS Next addresses these issues through design, weight, automatic calibration, and the further development of the patented tracking technology, ensuring data quality is maintained even during movement.

Work organization and remote workflows: How to integrate VPS Next into existing processes?

What does a typical remote assistance workflow look like?

A technician on-site puts on the glasses and starts the live stream. A connected expert follows the first-person perspective, including the viewpoint. Any questions that arise are clarified via audio, and the expert marks critical points with annotations. The technician places markers, records relevant sequences, and performs the work steps. Finally, the recordings are saved locally and transferred to the documentation.

How are training sessions structured?

Training uses standardized gaze sequences, so-called "test gazes," that serve as target patterns. Trainees complete tasks, while coaches observe gaze patterns in real time, provide feedback, and highlight gaps. Repeated runs with targeted coaching lead to consistent fixations and a lower error rate. Recordings are used for debriefing and certification.

How do you integrate VPS Next into safety management and quality processes?

Companies embed VPS Next in SOPs, audit checklists, and training paths. Measurable metrics such as error rates, rework rates, audit findings, and time to competency are compared before and after implementation. Local storage facilitates audit-compliant filing. Role and permissions concepts control access, and sensitive content remains within the company.

Coaching and human factors: What are the benefits of gaze feedback for learning and performance?

Why is gaze data so valuable for learning?

Gaze data objectifies attention. It shows whether relevant indicators were seen but ignored, whether the sequence was correct, or whether the person was distracted by irrelevant details. In complex systems, failure to see is often the core error. Eye tracking makes such gaps visible and can be specifically trained.

How can decision-making processes be improved?

Visible fixations promote metacognitive learning: Those who recognize how they see can improve their vision. Coaches teach strategies such as systematic scanning, targeted verification of critical states, and reducing "tunnel vision." With repeated training, robust routines emerge that remain accessible under stress.

What role does real-time feedback play?

Real-time feedback enables immediate correction. Instead of guessing why a mistake was made during a debrief, coaches can intervene in the moment. The combination of gaze overlay and verbal guidance is effective because it directly addresses the flow of perception. Markers and annotations further structure the learning process.

Without a display: Advantages and disadvantages of displayless architecture

What are the advantages of not having a display?

The absence of a display reduces cognitive load and visual distractions, maintains a full view, and minimizes occlusion. The device remains lighter, cooler, and more robust. In safety-critical environments, this reduces the risk of overlays distracting from essential information or obscuring fields of view.

Are there any disadvantages or limitations?

Without an on-eye display, the wearer sees no graphical cues in their field of vision. Effectiveness therefore depends on clear verbal communication, concise work instructions, and markers in the expert stream. In scenarios that explicitly require visual AR overlays in the field of vision, systems with an integrated display have an advantage. However, for the targeted application areas, which focus on safety, training, and remote assistance via audio, the display-free design is appropriate.

How can precise instructions be given despite the lack of displays?

The central bridge is the focal point. Because experts can see exactly where the wearer is looking, they can provide precise verbal instructions such as "Stay on the left valve scale" or "Now check the lower locking pin." The combination of the gaze overlay and concise vocabulary creates an almost AR-like precision—only conveyed acoustically.

Economic efficiency and ROI: Is it worth the effort?

How is VPS Next priced?

The starting price is €4,320, depending on the software package and configuration. For companies with clear security and efficiency goals, this is an investment in error risk reduction, faster onboarding, reduced downtime, and scalable remote expertise.

Which ROI drivers are crucial?

• Error reduction in safety-critical processes (e.g. fewer unauthorized signal crossings).
• Faster problem solving through remote assistance instead of having experts travel to the site.
• Shortened time to competence for new employees.
• Documentation quality for audits and tracking.
• Process optimization through analysis of real gaze patterns and elimination of inefficient routines.

How can the benefit be quantified?

Before implementation, basic metrics are collected (error rates, downtime, rework, travel time for experts). After implementation, the same metrics are measured over several quarters. Particularly impressive are percentage reductions in safety-related incidents or the reduction of downtime costs due to faster remote diagnostics.

Competition and alternative analysis: Where does VPS Next position itself in the market?

How does VPS Next differ from traditional AR glasses with displays?

AR glasses with displays offer overlays in the field of view, but are often heavier, more complex, and potentially more distracting. VPS Next focuses on eye tracking and remote assistance without visual obstructions. This approach can be superior in environments where clear vision and minimal cognitive load are paramount. Conversely, display overlays are advantageous when structured, step-by-step instructions in the field of view are essential.

What role does eye tracking quality play?

The unique selling point of VPS Next is its high eye-tracking robustness in motion, automatic calibration, and 120 Hz update rate. Many systems offer camera streams, but precise, robust eye-tracking in the field remains rare and is the basis for effective coaching and attention training.

How do safety-critical industries evaluate the approach?

Safety-critical industries prioritize visibility, robustness, documentation, data protection, and reproducibility. The elimination of cloud-based requirements, local storage, IP54 protection, and EN166 options address these requirements. The reported reduction in incidents in rail operations and use by defense organizations signal suitability for demanding processes.

Implementation: How can the rollout be successful in the company?

What steps are useful for getting started?

• Needs analysis: Define goals, processes, metrics.
• Pilot phase: Test one or two use cases (e.g. inspection and remote maintenance) at representative locations.
• Training concept: Establish review sequences, coaching protocols, and marker standards.
• IT integration: Coordinate encryption, local storage, network shares, and role permissions.
• PPE assessment: EN166 variant (if applicable), helmet mounting points, comfort tests.
• Scaling: Document demonstrable effects, integrate lessons learned into SOPs, identify training roles.

What does a training plan for users look like?

An initial day for equipment instruction, safety, and basic operation, followed by practical sessions in the actual process. In each session, gaze patterns are collected, feedback is provided, and markers are used. After two to four weeks, the key metrics are reviewed and the sequences are fine-tuned. This is followed by gradual expansion to other teams or locations.

Which stakeholders need to be involved?

Departments (e.g., production, maintenance, operations), occupational safety, quality management, IT security, works councils, and data protection. Clear communication regarding data usage, storage locations, access, and purpose limitation strengthens acceptance. Demonstrable security and efficiency gains promote scaling.

Technical details: What do 112 degrees, 120 Hz and HD+ mean in practice?

What practical difference does a 112-degree field of view make?

Peripheral perception is important for inspections and dynamic workflows. 112 degrees of field of view allow for simultaneous capture of the surroundings and the focus object. This provides more context for the expert view on the device, making annotations more precise. For tight spaces or maneuvering environments, this is a realistic compromise between wide angle and detail.

Why is 120 Hz relevant for eye tracking?

At 120 Hz, rapid fixation changes are captured without "losing" intermediate states. This increases the quality of real-time analysis, prevents false assumptions about attention, and allows coaches to provide time-critical cues before an incorrect movement occurs. In scenarios with movement or vibration, the higher sampling rate increases the robustness of gaze estimation.

Why HD+ for live, 4K for photos?

Live streaming requires low latency and sufficient sharpness – HD+ delivers both while keeping bandwidth within limits. 4K photos are useful for documentation and subsequent analysis because they preserve details for audits, maintenance reports, or training. This combination addresses both worlds: real-time effectiveness and high-resolution evidence.

Security and data protection: Which governance issues should companies address?

How is the purpose limitation of the data organized?

Companies should define clear guidelines: Training data is used for competency development, inspection data for quality assurance and audits. Access is role-based, retention periods are defined, and export paths are logged. This governance ensures acceptance among employees and the works council.

How can sensitive content be protected?

In addition to encryption and local storage, segmentation is key. Streams are routed over defined, secure networks, mobile data connections are run via VPN. Recordings are stored in access silos, and approval processes regulate which data is shared internally or made available for external audits.

What legal aspects need to be considered?

In Europe, GDPR principles are decisive. Transparency, data minimization, purpose limitation, and data subject rights must be implemented. Works agreements can establish rules for training, performance measurement, and monitoring. For defense or critical infrastructures, additional requirements are added that favor local storage and offline options.

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Industry use cases in detail: What does the added value look like in concrete terms?

Railway and shunting operations

In shunting operations, a structured inspection view reduces the risk of missing signals. Eye tracking identifies gaps in the line of sight. Real-time coaching immediately addresses error-prone steps. The documented 44 percent reduction in unauthorized signal crossings indicates the effectiveness of these measures. Training at around 60 locations demonstrates that standardized eye-tracking sequences can be established on a scalable basis.

Manufacturing and maintenance

In manufacturing, standardized viewing patterns shorten training times, reduce errors, and ensure follow-up processes. During maintenance calls, remote assistance allows for faster initial diagnosis. Experts can focus on critical points without having to travel. 4K photos document before and after, and markers structure follow-up.

Sports and Coaching

In sports, decision-making patterns can be visualized in a game or training context. Coaches can see whether athletes are focusing on relevant triggers early, whether they are following deceptions, or whether anticipation can be improved. The discreet, lightweight glasses disrupt movement sequences less than heavy systems. Sessions can be planned sequentially to embed visual routines.

Defense and tactical training

Tactical scenarios benefit from the combination of first-person perspective and gaze data. Instructors can see whether the environment is being systematically scanned, whether hazards are being prioritized, and whether team agreements are being visually implemented. Local storage and IP54 robustness support use in a wide variety of training environments.

Operational Excellence: How does VPS Next support standardization and scaling?

How can best practices be multiplied?

Once clear efficiency and safety gains are evident in pilot areas, the associated gaze sequences, instructions, and marker standards are documented as SOP modules. New locations adopt these packages, adapt them to local characteristics, and measure the effects. This creates a continuous improvement cycle.

How are learnings sustainably anchored?

With repeated training cycles, feedback loops, and reviews of key performance indicators (KPIs). Video sequences and 4K photos feed knowledge databases. Training content is converted into learning paths that are differentiated by role (beginner, advanced, expert). Roles for "visual coaches" or "remote leads" ensure that skills remain within the company.

Limitations, risks and considerations: What should be considered before purchasing?

What are the limitations of a displayless solution?

If regulatory requirements require step-by-step instructions to be displayed in the field of vision, a system with a built-in display is necessary. VPS Next also doesn't allow for highly complex GUI interactions at the eye. The focus is on coaching, vision, audio guidance, and robust eye tracking.

What risks exist in the company?

Risks arise from unclear processes, lack of training, or inadequate IT integration. Acceptance problems can arise without a clear governance framework. Another risk is overestimating runtime; therefore, battery concepts and charging management are essential. Finally, sensitive environments require sound rights and access control.

How can these risks be mitigated?

With clear SOPs, pilot projects, stakeholder engagement, training plans, defined KPIs, and IT security checks, early coordination with occupational safety and the works council, the definition of storage locations and permissions, and the evaluation of network connectivity minimize later friction.

Procurement and TCO: What total costs can be expected?

What factors influence the total costs?

Hardware configuration (EN166 safety glasses vs. rimless/lensless).

• Software packages, licenses, support.
• Integration costs (network, rights, training).
• Accessories (attachment to helmet/arm/belt, transport, spare parts).
• Operating models (maintenance, replacement devices, charging infrastructure).

What are the effects of economies of scale?

As the number of devices grows, the cost per use case decreases because training materials, SOPs, and IT integrations are reused. Remote expertise scales better because one expert can support more locations. Documentation and audit processes become more efficient through the reuse of templates.

What role does support and maintenance play?

Regular firmware and software updates, spare parts management, and calibration checks ensure long-term data quality. A defined maintenance plan prevents downtime. Helpdesk processes and training for key users shorten response times in the event of malfunctions.

Comparison of configuration variants: Which version is suitable for the application?

When is the EN166 variant preferable?

Wherever PPE is required or where particles, splinters, and liquids may be present: factory halls, plant maintenance, train stations, and workshops. This variant combines protection and tracking without having to wear two separate solutions.

When is the rimless/glassless option convincing?

For training, coaching, sports, or inspections without special protection requirements. It offers maximum visibility and minimal visual barriers – useful when the user needs a clear periphery and immediate situational awareness.

How do you choose the right mount?

Helmet mounting is a natural choice in construction, rail, energy, and defense. Arm mounting can be useful in environments where cable management and freedom of movement are important. Belt clips are suitable for generic applications. Local safety regulations, movement profiles, and interaction with other PPE are crucial.

IT integration and network: How is connectivity implemented reliably?

What are the network requirements?

Stable Wi-Fi coverage in relevant work areas or reliable mobile data. For critical infrastructures, a prioritized SSID concept, QoS rules, and isolated VLANs are recommended. Mobile data should run via secure APNs and VPN tunnels. Latency and packet loss are key quality factors.

How are the experts’ devices connected?

Experts use laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Depending on security requirements, hardened devices, container apps, or VDI access are used. Access is controlled based on roles, sessions are logged, and export paths are mapped to shared storage locations.

How is audio quality ensured?

In noisy environments, noise-canceling headsets are useful. Local guidelines also help: quiet zones for complex instructions, defined hand signals as fallbacks, and clear command structures. The multi-mode button serves as a robust trigger when voice commands are inappropriate.

Change Management: How is acceptance generated among the workforce?

What concerns arise frequently?

Concern about surveillance, uncertainty about data access, fear of additional burden, and skepticism about new technology. Furthermore, there may be confusion about how gaze data is interpreted and whether errors are "under the microscope."

How do you address these concerns?

With transparency, co-determination, clear purpose definitions, strict earmarking, training, and a culture of learning instead of sanctions. Gaze data serves to improve safety and quality, not to monitor individual performance without context. Works agreements build trust.

What role do quick wins play?

Quick, visible improvements—such as less rework, faster troubleshooting, or noticeably better training—promote acceptance. Short, targeted sessions that solve real problems are more convincing than abstract benefit arguments.

Future prospects: How could VPS Next evolve?

What technological steps are likely?

Improved energy efficiency for longer runtimes, expanded on-device intelligence for edge analysis of gaze patterns, adaptive algorithms for changing light and motion situations, and further reduced form factors. On the software side, richer annotation tools, automated event markers, and deeper integrations with maintenance and quality platforms are expected.

How could eye tracking interact with other sensors?

Combinations with head and body tracking, environmental telemetry, or digital twins open up new training and diagnostic scenarios. Gaze data could trigger contextual cues without necessarily requiring a display, for example, via audio cues or tactile feedback.

What role does standardization play?

Standardized Blick workflows, data formats, and interfaces facilitate interoperability, audits, and training portability between locations. Companies benefit when Blick data flows into existing MES/QMS/EAM systems and can be analyzed there without creating isolated solutions.

Decision-making aid: Who is VPS Next particularly suitable for?

Which profiles benefit the most?

• Railway operations and shunting logistics that prioritize visibility, safety and standardization.
• Manufacturing and maintenance areas with a high demand for remote assistance and rapid onboarding.
• Sports and training organizations that specifically train cognitive performance and anticipation.
• Defense organizations that refine tactical awareness, team coordination, and robust training runs.
• Companies with strict data protection and compliance requirements that prefer local storage.

What requirements should be met?

• Willingness to standardize processes and manage key performance indicators.
• IT framework for encrypted transmission and local storage.
• PPE concept where required (EN166), clear fitting options and wearer comfort tests.
• Training resources for coaches interpreting gaze data and providing feedback.

Procurement and price: How is the actual purchase made?

What is the pricing?

VPS Next is available starting at €4,320. The final price depends on the selected hardware configuration and software package. Integration and training costs should be considered when budgeting, as these significantly impact ROI.

Which contract and service options make sense?

Maintenance contracts, on-site support during rollout waves, spare device pools, and fixed update cycles increase operational reliability. SLAs with response times and replacement provision are advantageous for critical environments. Training packages for coaches and administrators accelerate scaling.

How is delivery capability ensured?

Early pilot orders and staggered rollouts reduce the risk of bottlenecks. Close coordination with the manufacturer regarding variants (EN166, fasteners) and accessories accelerates delivery and prevents delays in the implementation plan.

Summary of core features: What makes VPS Next special?

What are the key technical features of VPS Next?

• Lightweight glasses starting at 38 g, robust IP54 rating.
• Separate, 95g computing unit with Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth.
• Camera with HD+ live video, 4K photos, 112° field of view.
• Patented 120 Hz eye tracking, automatic calibration, and robust motion performance.
• Displayless architecture, multi-mode button operation, 3-hour battery life.
• Encrypted transmission and exclusively local data storage.

Which proven practical benefits should be highlighted?

• 44 percent reduction in unauthorized signal crossings in ÖBB shunting operations.
• Standardized “inspection view” at around 60 ÖBB locations for wagon inspections.
• Remote assistance in global industrial corporations, process optimization in manufacturing, visual coaching in sports.
• Deployment at Toyota, Denso, Deutsche Bahn as well as training with the Austrian and Canadian military and other NATO partners.

What strategic recommendation can be derived?

VPS Next is particularly useful where security, standardization, and shortening the learning curve are paramount, and where data protection-compliant, local storage is required. The combination of robust gaze measurement, a lightweight design, clear visibility, and remote annotation enables measurable improvements without the potential distractions of a display. Companies that understand eye tracking as a coaching tool and embed it organizationally can achieve disproportionate effects in security and efficiency.

Why act now?

What are the reasons for a timely pilot?

• Proven effects in safety-critical environments.
• Low barriers to entry thanks to automatic calibration and easy operation.
• Data protection-strong architecture through encryption and local storage.
• Scalable remote expertise in times of skilled labor shortages.
• Standardizable training and inspection processes with objective gaze data.

What next steps are recommended?

• Selection of a high-impact use case (e.g. inspection or shunting process).
• Determination of key performance indicators and target values.
• Procurement of a suitable configuration (EN166 vs. rimless/glassless) and mounting accessories.
• Building a small coaching team with clear roles.
• Clarify IT approvals and network connectivity, launch pilot, and evaluate results after four to eight weeks.

VPS Next closes the gap between camera-documented action sequences and the invisible factor of attention. By making the point of view visible and trainable, the quality of perception takes center stage – a crucial lever when safety, precision, and speed are not optional but mandatory.

☑️ SME support in strategy, consulting, planning and implementation

☑️ Creation or realignment of the AI ​​strategy

☑️ Pioneer Business Development

 

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

 

 

Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.

With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.

Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.

You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus

Industry focus: B2B, digitalization (from AI to XR), mechanical engineering, logistics, renewable energies and industry

More about it here:

• Xpert Business Hub

A topic hub with insights and expertise:

• Knowledge platform on the global and regional economy, innovation and industry-specific trends
• Collection of analyses, impulses and background information from our focus areas
• A place for expertise and information on current developments in business and technology
• Topic hub for companies that want to learn about markets, digitalization and industry innovations