44% fewer errors: These smart glasses from VPS Next are changing safety in rail transport 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 matters, but what you pay attention to. Yet this very focus – human attention – has remained invisible until now. This is precisely where the VPS Next comes in, a professional smart glass from the Vienna-based company Viewpointsystem. It combines a high-resolution camera with precise eye-tracking to transmit not only the field of vision but also the wearer's exact point of gaze in real time. While a standard helmet camera only shows the surroundings, the VPS Next makes the invisible focus visible, thus making cognitive processes measurable and trainable.

The glasses deliberately forgo a built-in display. This decision reduces distractions, keeps the weight of the glasses at a mere 38 grams, and leaves the wearer's field of vision completely unobstructed – a crucial safety factor in industry, railways, and defense. The benefits of this technology are already demonstrable: Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has seen an impressive 44% reduction in the number of unauthorized signal violations during shunting operations thanks to the use of these glasses.

This is made possible by applications such as remote assistance, where experts see through the technician's eyes live and give precise instructions, or visual coaching, where standardized "checking glances" for inspections are practiced. With robust IP54 certification and local data storage to ensure data security, VPS Next is therefore more than just smart glasses; it is a tool that bridges the gap between seeing and understanding, making a crucial contribution to greater 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 vision 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 designed for demanding industrial, railway, defense, and sports applications where remote support, training, and process optimization offer significant benefits.

Which types of deployment are most important?

Typical applications include remote maintenance and assistance, safety-critical processes in railway and industrial operations, inspections with standardized visual assessments, 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 in the stream precisely where the person is looking, 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 situational "co-view" of cognitive processes.

Hardware architecture: How is VPS Next structured?

What components belong to the system?

VPS Next consists of the lightweight glasses themselves and a separate, wired computing unit. The glasses integrate the camera, sensors, and eye-tracking; the computing unit handles processing power and connectivity. This combination reduces weight on the head, improves wearing comfort and thermal performance, and allows for extended use in mobile, industrial, or field environments.

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 separation reduces strain on the neck and temples and ensures a stable fit, which in turn improves eye-tracking accuracy during movement.

What ports and connectivity options are available?

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

How is the system operated?

The frame of the glasses features a multi-mode button that allows users to take screenshots, start video recordings, and set markers. This simple, haptic control enables operation while wearing gloves and in environments where touchscreens or voice commands are unsuitable or unreliable.

What level of protection and robustness does VPS Next offer?

The glasses are dustproof and splashproof according to IP54. This makes them suitable for factory halls, outdoor facilities or railway areas with dust, spray water and moisture, without compromising the requirements for fine 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, a changeover or charging cycle via breaks is recommended, as well as, if necessary, carrying additional power sources at the computing unit level.

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, while the video streams support high-performance real-time communication with experts.

How large is the field of view?

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

What role does live broadcasting play?

The live, first-person video feed forms the basis for remote assistance and shared situational awareness. It is transmitted to smartphones, laptops, or tablets used by experts, who simultaneously see the eye-tracking overlay and can thus precisely identify what the user is focusing on. Direct cues, verbal instructions, and graphic markers can be superimposed on the stream in real time.

Does it have a built-in display?

No. VPS Next deliberately forgoes a display. This reduces weight, complexity, distractions, and potential obstructions to vision. Instead, coaching or instructions are visualized on the experts' devices, who provide guidance via voice and visual cues. For many industrial and security contexts, this reduction is a strength 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 system updates at 120 frames per second. This sampling rate captures gaze shifts, fixations, and saccades quickly enough to provide precise information and visualize attention in real time in dynamic situations such as shunting operations, assembly, or tactical training.

Is calibration necessary?

The system calibrates itself automatically. This eliminates a manual, time-consuming calibration procedure that is often disruptive in live operations. Automatic calibration facilitates ad-hoc deployments, role changes within the team, and short training windows.

How stable is the accuracy during movement?

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

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

Challenging conditions include changing light levels, dust, humidity, rapid head movements, protective helmets, and eyeglasses. VPS Next utilizes a patented tracking system that robustly withstands these influences. Its IP54 rating and lightweight, stable frame design further enhance measurement consistency.

Software features: How does remote assistance and annotation work?

How do experts connect with the carrier?

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

What annotation options are available?

In the stream, instructions and markings can be drawn, such as arrows, outlines, or short visual markers on components, displays, or buttons. The user receives an audio explanation of these instructions but does not see them as an AR overlay in their field of vision, as there is no display. Nevertheless, the parallel verbal instructions are very effective, as experts refer precisely to the user's fixation points.

How are screenshots and recordings taken?

Screenshots and video recordings can be triggered directly via the multi-mode button. Markers can be set to indicate events or observations. These artifacts are helpful for post-analysis, quality assurance, training, and auditing purposes.

Data security and storage: How is information protected?

How is data transferred and stored?

All data is transmitted in encrypted form and stored exclusively locally. This facilitates use in regulated industries where cloud solutions are not permitted or only desired to a limited extent. 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 tightly segmented network integration, and reduce the attack surface. Business-sensitive processes, trade secrets, or security-critical procedures are not mirrored to external servers, which supports internal governance and auditability.

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

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

Comfort, configurations and ergonomics: What versions are available?

What configurations does VPS Next offer?

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

What are the advantages of EN166 safety glasses?

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

Why is a rimless and glassless model useful?

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

How does the weight affect longer deployments?

Weighing just 38 grams at the head, the VPS Next is exceptionally lightweight, reducing pressure points, slippage, and fatigue. Its low center of gravity ensures stability even during head movements. Combined with the 95-gram processing unit, this results in a system designed for all-day use with occasional charging or swapping.

Battery management and operating time: How can the runtime be practically organized?

Is 3 hours of battery life sufficient for typical use?

In many scenarios – short inspections, focused training, troubleshooting – 3 hours are sufficient. For longer shifts, a rotating battery management system is recommended: scheduled breaks for recharging, rotating multiple processing units, or mobile charging options. Since the glasses themselves are very lightweight, swapping or intermediate charging at the processing unit level is often practical.

What strategies are suitable for shift work?

A proven strategy in practice is shift planning with loading windows. Teams can group sessions, start recording sequences selectively, and avoid energy-intensive continuous recordings when they are not necessary. Furthermore, the video bitrate or duration can be tailored to the intended use to extend the net recording time.

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Practical examples: What demonstrable effects exist?

How has VPS Next performed in the railway context?

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) reports that unauthorized signal violations during shunting operations have been reduced by 44 percent. This reduction is significant in terms of safety, as signal violations can lead to irregularities, hazards, and operational disruptions. The results suggest that visual feedback, standardized attention, and situational training noticeably reduce the risk of errors.

How do the glasses support inspections?

At around 60 ÖBB locations, the "inspection technique" is being practiced during wagon inspections using special glasses. Eye-tracking makes it visible whether inspectors systematically focus on the relevant components, whether their gaze sequences are complete, and where gaps exist. Coaches can intervene live or retrospectively and establish standardized sequences, thereby improving the consistency and quality of inspections.

Which industrial applications are documented?

An international brewing group uses VPS Next for remote support during maintenance. Manufacturing companies use the system for process optimization – for example, to analyze gaze patterns in 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 named as further customers of the VPS Smart Glasses. In the defense sector, the Austrian Armed Forces, the Canadian Armed Forces, and other NATO partners are using the glasses for training. This customer mix demonstrates the suitability of the glasses for highly regulated, safety-critical, and performance-oriented environments.

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

What is the significance of EN166 for safety glasses?

EN166 is the key European standard for personal eye protection. Eye-tracking glasses with EN166 certification combine data acquisition with PPE protection. This allows safety requirements to be met without the need for additional safety glasses. In audits and safety reviews, this compliance is a key enabler for rollout.

How does quality assurance affect the quality of eye-tracking?

Stability of the seat, optical clarity, anti-reflective properties, and mechanical robustness are crucial for eye-tracking precision. VPS Next addresses these factors through its design, weight, automatic calibration, and the further development of its patented tracking technology, ensuring that data quality is maintained even during movement.

Work organization and remote workflows: How do you 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. An expert connected remotely 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 sets markers, records relevant sequences, and carries out the necessary steps. Finally, the recordings are saved locally and incorporated into the documentation.

How are training sessions structured?

Training sessions utilize standardized eye-tracking sequences, known as "test gazes," which serve as target patterns. Trainees complete tasks, coaches observe eye-tracking patterns in real time, provide feedback, and highlight gaps. Repeated trials 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 integrate VPS Next into their SOPs, audit checklists, and training pathways. Measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) such as error rates, rework rates, audit findings, and time-to-competence are compared before and after implementation. Local storage facilitates audit-proof archiving. Role-based access control manages access, ensuring sensitive content remains within the company.

Coaching and Human Factors: What are the benefits of eye-tracking feedback for learning and performance?

Why is eye-tracking data so valuable for learning?

Eye-tracking data objectifies attention. It shows whether relevant indicators were seen but ignored, whether the sequence was correct, or whether the person was distracted by trivialities. In complex systems, not seeing is often the core error. Eye-tracking makes such gaps visible and allows for targeted training.

How can decision-making processes be improved?

Visible fixations promote metacognitive learning: Understanding how you see allows you to improve your vision. Coaches teach strategies such as systematic scanning, targeted verification of critical states, and reducing tunnel vision. Repeated training develops robust routines that remain accessible under stress.

What role does real-time feedback play?

Real-time feedback enables immediate correction. Instead of guessing why a mistake occurred in a debrief, coaches can intervene in the moment. The combination of eye-tracking 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 clear field of 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 tasks or obstructing the field of vision.

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 within the expert stream. In scenarios that explicitly require visual AR overlays in the field of vision, systems with an integrated display are advantageous. However, for the intended applications focusing on safety, training, and remote assistance via audio, the display-less design is appropriate.

How can precise instructions be given despite the lack of a display?

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

Cost-effectiveness and ROI: Is the investment worthwhile?

How is VPS Next positioned in terms of price?

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 reducing the risk of errors, faster onboarding, less 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 experts traveling to the site.
• Reduced time-to-competence for new employees.
• Documentation quality for audits and follow-up.
• Process optimization through analysis of real-world viewing patterns and elimination of inefficient routines.

How can the benefits be quantified?

Before implementation, key performance indicators (KPIs) are collected (error rates, downtime, rework, travel times for experts). After implementation, the same metrics are measured over several quarters. Particularly impressive are percentage reductions in safety-related incidents or the reduction in downtime costs through faster remote diagnostics.

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

How does VPS Next differ from classic AR glasses with a display?

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

What role does eye-tracking quality play?

VPS Next's unique selling point is its high eye-tracking robustness during movement, 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 assess this approach?

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

Implementation: How can the rollout be successfully implemented within the company?

What steps are advisable for getting started?

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

What does a training plan for users look like?

An initial day for equipment training, safety, and basic operation, followed by practical sessions in the actual process. In each session, eye-tracking patterns are recorded, feedback is given, and markers are used. After two to four weeks, the key performance indicators are reviewed and the sequences are fine-tuned. This is followed by a gradual rollout to other teams or locations.

Which stakeholders need to be involved?

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

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 vision is crucial for inspections and dynamic workflows. A 112-degree field of view allows for simultaneous perception of the surroundings and the focus object. This provides the expert view on the end device with more context, resulting in more precise annotations. For confined spaces or maneuvering environments, this offers 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 intermediate states being "lost." This improves the quality of real-time analysis, prevents false assumptions about attention, and allows coaches to provide time-critical feedback before an incorrect action occurs. In scenarios involving movement or vibration, the higher sampling rate increases the robustness of gaze estimation.

Why HD+ for live TV, 4K for photos?

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

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 skills 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?

Besides encryption and local storage, segmentation is key. Streams are routed over defined, secure networks, and mobile data connections 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 paramount. Transparency, data minimization, purpose limitation, and data subject rights must be implemented. Company agreements can establish rules for training, performance measurement, and monitoring. For defense or critical infrastructure, additional requirements apply, favoring local storage and offline options.

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

Railway and shunting operations

In shunting operations, a structured visual check reduces the risk of overlooking signals. Eye-tracking makes gaps in vision visible. Real-time coaching addresses error-prone steps immediately. The documented 44 percent reduction in unauthorized signal violations indicates the effectiveness of these measures. Training at approximately 60 locations demonstrates that standardized visual sequences can be established in a scalable manner.

Manufacturing and maintenance

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

Sports and Coaching

In sports, decision-making patterns can be visualized in the context of games or training. Coaches can identify whether athletes fixate on relevant triggers early, whether they follow deceptions, or whether anticipation can be improved. The discreet, lightweight glasses disrupt movement sequences less than heavier systems. Sessions can be planned sequentially to establish 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 communicated. Local storage and IP54 ruggedness support use in diverse training environments.

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

How can best practices be replicated?

As soon as clear efficiency and safety gains become apparent in pilot areas, the corresponding eye-tracking sequences, instructions, and marker standards are documented as SOP components. New locations adopt these packages, adapt them to local conditions, and measure the effects. This creates a continuous improvement cycle.

How can learnings be sustainably anchored?

Through repeated training cycles, feedback loops, and reviews of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Video sequences and 4K photos feed into knowledge databases. Training content is transferred into learning paths 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 taken into account before purchasing?

What are the limitations of a display-less solution?

If regulations require step-by-step instructions to be displayed in the user's field of vision, a system with a built-in display is necessary. Highly complex GUI interactions at the eye are also not supported by VPS Next. The focus is on coaching, visual guidance, audio instructions, and robust eye tracking.

What risks exist within the company?

Risks arise from unclear processes, lack of training, or inadequate IT integration. Without a clear governance framework, acceptance issues can occur. Another risk is overestimating battery life; therefore, battery concepts and charging management are essential. Finally, sensitive environments require robust rights and access control.

How can these risks be mitigated?

With clear SOPs, pilot projects, stakeholder involvement, training plans, defined KPIs, and IT security checks. Early coordination with occupational safety and the works council, the definition of storage locations and rights, 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/glassless).

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

What are the effects of economies of scale?

As the number of devices increases, the cost per use case decreases because training materials, SOPs, and IT integrations are reused. Remote expertise scales better, as 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 failures. Helpdesk processes and training for key users reduce response times in case of malfunctions.

Comparison of configuration options: Which version is suitable for the use case?

When is the EN166 variant preferable?

Wherever PPE is required or where particles, splinters, and liquids may be present: factory floors, maintenance facilities, train stations, workshops. This variant combines protection and tracking without the need for two separate solutions.

When does the rimless/glassless option become convincing?

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

How do you choose the right mount?

Helmet mounting is the obvious 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 general applications. Local safety regulations, movement patterns, and interaction with other PPE are crucial factors.

IT integration and networking: How is connectivity reliably implemented?

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 over secure APNs and VPN tunnels. Latency and packet loss are key quality factors.

How are the experts' end devices connected?

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

How is audio quality ensured?

In noisy environments, headsets with noise cancellation are useful. Additionally, local guidelines are helpful: quiet zones for complex instructions, defined hand signals as a fallback, and clear command structures. The multi-mode button serves as a robust trigger when voice control is inappropriate.

Change Management: How is acceptance generated among the workforce?

What concerns frequently arise?

Concerns about surveillance, uncertainty about data access, fear of additional burdens, and skepticism towards new technology. Furthermore, there may be confusion about how eye-tracking data is interpreted and whether errors are "under a microscope.".

How do we address these concerns?

With transparency, co-determination, clear descriptions of purposes, strict adherence to purpose, training, and a culture of learning rather than punishment. Eye-tracking data serves to improve safety and quality, not individual performance monitoring without context. Company agreements build trust.

What role do quick wins play?

Rapid, visible improvements – such as less rework, faster troubleshooting, or noticeably better training – foster acceptance. Short, targeted sessions that solve real problems are more convincing than abstract arguments about benefits.

Future prospects: How could VPS Next develop further?

What technological advancements are likely?

Improved energy efficiency for longer operating times, enhanced on-device intelligence for edge analysis of gaze patterns, adaptive algorithms for changing light and motion conditions, and further miniaturization of 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 transfer 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: For whom is VPS Next particularly suitable?

Which profiles benefit the most?

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

What prerequisites should be met?

• Willingness to standardize processes and control key performance indicators.
• IT framework for encrypted transmission and local storage.
• PPE concept if required (EN166), clear assembly options and wearing comfort tests.
• Training resources for coaches who interpret eye-tracking data and provide feedback.

Procurement and price: How is the actual purchase carried out?

What is the pricing structure?

VPS Next is available from €4,320. The final price depends on the chosen hardware configuration and software package. Integration and training costs should be factored into the budget, as these significantly impact the ROI.

Which contract and service options make sense?

Maintenance contracts, on-site support during rollout phases, spare equipment pools, and fixed update cycles increase operational reliability. For critical environments, SLAs with response times and backup provisioning are advantageous. Training packages for coaches and administrators accelerate scaling.

How is the ability to deliver ensured?

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

Summary of key features: What makes VPS Next stand out?

What are the key technical features that distinguish VPS Next?

• Lightweight glasses from 38 g, robust IP54 design.
• Separate, 95g lightweight 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, robust during movement.
• Displayless architecture, operation via multi-mode button, 3-hour battery life.
• Encrypted transmission and exclusively local data storage.

What proven practical benefits should be highlighted?

• 44 percent reduction in unauthorized signal crossings in ÖBB shunting operations.
• Standardized “inspection check” at around 60 ÖBB locations for wagon inspections.
• Remote assistance in global industrial groups, 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 a shortened learning curve are paramount, and where data protection-compliant, local storage is required. The combination of robust eye tracking, 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 integrate it into their organizational structure can achieve disproportionately high levels of security and efficiency.

Why act now?

What are the reasons for a timely pilot project?

• Demonstrable effects in safety-critical environments.
• Low barriers to entry thanks to automatic calibration and easy operation.
• Privacy-enhancing architecture through encryption and local storage.
• Scalable remote expertise in times of skilled labor shortages.
• Standardizable training and inspection processes with objectively verifiable eye-tracking data.

What are the recommended next steps?

• Selection of a “high-impact” use case (e.g., inspection or shunting process).
• Definition 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, start the pilot project, and evaluate the results after four to eight weeks.

VPS Next bridges the gap between camera-documented processes 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 7348 4088 965 .

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

 

 

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

With our 360° Business Development solution, we support renowned 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 more information at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus

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

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