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AR is the Future of Technical Documentation: Juergen Lumera Explains Why Bosch Automotive is Getting into Augmented Reality

| 5th June 2014

Press Release: Augmented Reality applications specifically provide computer-assisted, additional information. For example, three-dimensional objects, explanatory texts, pictures or videos are overlaid onto the real environment on the user’s tablet or smart phone as soon as the user focuses the device’s camera on an area for which Augmented Reality information is available. A good example for this augmented presentation of reality is shown during the broadcast of a football game when the offside line is blended in as if it were part of the field.

Use of Augmented Reality Facilitates Tasks in Workshops

Bosch will use this modern technology in the future to support vehicle workshops in repair and maintenance works. Augmented Reality solutions provide the mechatronics technician with three-dimensional work instructions, required tools or even training videos. As soon as the camera of the tablet scans a motor component, the contextual information is superimposed onto the physical object – exactly where it is needed. The mechatronics technician can control superimposed objects via the touchscreen and call up further information. The time-consuming consultation of service manuals is thus omitted. Also, components that are hidden behind panelings or the cabling below the dashboard can be depicted to scale with Augmented Reality. This clarifies the next work steps and unnecessary assembly works are omitted. Thus, Augmented Reality facilitates the repair process, improves the quality of the work results and minimizes the effort. Besides, the new technology allows even less experienced employees to carry out repair works that are more complex.

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Broad range of application for Augmented Reality

Bosch uses a modern software platform that creates the applications using construction drawings, 3D data and animations for the creation of complex Augmented Reality solutions. Bosch sees the application possibilities of Augmented Reality in the support of diagnostic, maintenance and repair tasks, as well as in technical training and service information.

The Automotive Aftermarket division (AA) provides aftermarket and repair shops worldwide with a complete range of diagnostic and repair shop equipment and a wide range of spare parts – from new and exchange parts to repair solutions – for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Its product portfolio includes products made as Bosch original equipment, as well as aftermarket products and services developed and manufactured in-house. More than 18,000 associates in 150 countries, as well as a global logistics network, ensure that some 650,000 different spare parts reach customers quickly and on time. In its “Automotive Service Solutions” operations, AA supplies testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic software, service training, and information services. In addition, the division is responsible for the “Bosch Service” repair-shop franchise, one of the world’s largest independent chains of repair shops, with some 16,500 franchises. In addition, AA is responsible for more than 800 “AutoCrew” partners.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch-automotive.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In 2013, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros. (NB: Due to a change in accounting policies, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, the Bosch Group invested some 4.5 billion euros in research and development and applied for some 5,000 patents. This is an average of 20 patents per day. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.”

Further information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com and twitter.com/BoschPresse.

 



Logistics 2.0 – Augmented Reality Transforms Logistics Processes

| 5th June 2014
Bonn, Germany: DHL has issued a new study on Augmented Reality in logistics, focusing on possible applications of this emerging trend in the different stages of the supply chain. The trend report illustrates how operations in warehouses, during transportation and last-mile delivery as well as value-added services could be enhanced by computer-generated sensory input such as videos or graphics. The trend report has been developed by DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation’s Trend Research team as part of an on-going research project into Augmented Reality in logistics. DHL is planning to test some of the derived use cases in proof of concept studies.

“Recent headlines such as heads-up displays on windshields or use of Augmented Reality for vehicle repairs from the automotive sector shows how rapidly this technology is developing and finding its way into industries outside of the IT sector. We believe that the technology also offers high potential for the logistics industry, and are currently selecting use cases for further research”, explained Dr. Markus Kückelhaus, Director Trend Research, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.

The trend report explains briefly the emerging trend and innovation in Augmented Reality technology and hardware and how it can be implemented in logistics. It also provides an overview on best practices from various industries. “Augmented Reality in Logistics” presents 11 different possible applications for the industry, among them improved picking in warehouses, for example, by equipping staff with head mounted displays, they could find the right route and the right item more efficiently. The surplus in information would also reduce picking errors.

The report also sketches how transportation could be perfected, for instance, by equipping delivery vehicles with augmented windshields that can display real time traffic data as well as other valuable information such as cargo temperature and alerts, minimizing driver distraction. Moreover, drivers and staff at the parcel hub could be equipped with wearable devices to gain critical information on each parcel such as contents, weight and destination. This would improve loading processes and reduce handling damages. Finally, Augmented Reality could improve maintenance and repair services offered by logistics providers, if workers are equipped with smart glasses that blend in step-by-step instructions.

DHL is open to collaboration with partners to further research Augmented Reality applications in everyday operations. Furthermore, in order to make the technology more tangible for customers, DHL is currently developing an interactive augmented reality exhibit at the Deutsche Post DHL Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany.

The trend report “Augmented Reality in Logistics” has been created on the basis of the overarching Logistics Trend Radar, which DHL uses to identify and leverage trends and technologies relevant for the logistics industry. The report is available online at www.dhl.com/augmentedreality.



Seabery’s SOLDAMATIC Training System Receives 2014 Auggie Award for Best Enterprise Solution

| 5th June 2014

Seabery’s SOLDAMATIC, the Augmented Reality-assisted training technology (SATT) system for welders, has been recognized for its innovation and ability to deliver results. The Auggie Award for Best Enterprise Solution was awarded on June 2, 2014, during the Augmented World Expo. To learn more about the SOLDAMATIC system, visit the company’s web site, watch the video or read the technical specifications.



Augview: AR Mobile Asset Management Application

| 5th June 2014

Augview connects directly to one or more GIS servers using a secure internet connection. The web server then supplies geographic asset data and displays them on mobile devices in the form of 3D visualization, as text or as a map. The field staff can then edit and update the assets in real time without any extra administrative overhead. To learn more, visit the company’s web site.



EasyJet to Deploy Augmented Reality for Maintenance

| 5th June 2014

EasyJet is planning to implement Augmented and Virtual Reality technology using Epson and Vuzix glasses to enable collaboration between technicians and remote engineering teams. Remote teams will be able to see what the device wearer sees to provide real time assistance during maintenance checks and interventions.

The technology will be especially useful at the more distant airports that EasyJet serves, where aircraft experts are not readily available. The technology will enhance maintenance workflows in which technicians currently use e-mail to send images and call the EasyJet Operation Control Centre to resolve issues. In addition to implementing AR-assisted collaboration use cases for maintenance, the company is also working with a number of technology providers to use drones for assessing aircraft for safety between flights, among other new technology initiatives.



Metaio Releases SDK with Support for See-through Displays

| 5th June 2014

MUNICH AND SAN FRANCISCO: The world leader in Augmented Reality software and solutions, Metaio, today announced the first ever “see-through” wearable AR capabilities through the newest Beta version of the Metaio SDK, now optimized for wearable computing devices like the brand-new Epson Moverio BT-200. Instead of utilizing a camera view, Metaio’s technology allows the user to perceive reality itself with digital and virtual content directly overlaid onto their surroundings.

Wearable computing is on the rise, with devices like Google Glass and Oculus Rift in the public eye more and more. But in order to perform Augmented Reality experiences, even transparent displays like Google Glass rely on a camera video feed that duplicates reality rather than using the reality itself, potentially creating a disconnect for the user between the augmented content and the real world.

“We strive for seamless wearable AR,” said Metaio CTO Peter Meier. “We want to go beyond the limitations of form factors to deliver truly ground-breaking experiences.”

The Metaio Augmented Reality SDK, now serving 80,000 developers, is today equipped with optical, truly transparent Augmented Reality rendering, allowing users to view AR content as if it were in front of their eyes. Service technicians can now visualize digital maintenance information attached to systems as if it were there in real life; consumers can visualize product information in-store or at home; game developers can create immersive games that merge virtual and physical worlds.

“Working closely with premier partners such as Metaio led us to incorporate new Augmented Reality capabilities in the Moverio BT-200 smart glasses,” said Eric Mizufuka, product manager, New Markets for Epson America. “The Metaio SDK gives developers the opportunity to more easily bring their exciting AR application ideas to life on the Moverio platform.”

In addition to true see-through AR, the newest version of the Metaio SDK will feature high-definition rendering for iOS devices along with brand new in-Beta Face Detection algorithms.

To learn more about the release of the Epson Moverio BT-200s, visit: http://epson.com/moverioBT200.

To download the free Metaio Augmented Reality SDK , please visit: http://metaio.com/products/SDK.

For more information on Metaio’s partnership with Epson Moverio, check out this interview with Trak Lord, Metaio Head of US marketing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw8gPFaczaM.

About Metaio

The worldwide leader in Augmented Reality (AR) research and technology, Metaio develops software products for visually interactive solutions between the real and the virtual world. Based on the Metaio Augmented Reality platform, digital and 3D content can be integrated seamlessly into the real world through the user’s camera view. Serving over 100,000 developers and powering over 1,000 apps for enterprise, marketing, retail, publishing and industrial cases, over 30 million consumers use Metaio’s AR software. Learn more at www.metaio.com.



Epson Moverio BT-200 Advanced Augmented Reality Smart Glasses Shipping Commercially

| 5th June 2014

LONG BEACH, CA – Epson® today announced the commercial availability of its award-winning second-generation Moverio™ BT-200 smart glasses, delivering an advanced, full-featured augmented reality platform for enterprise, Android app developers and early adopters. With an MSRP of $699.99, the Epson Moverio BT-200 smart glasses are currently available through Epson.com and prelaunch.com.

Leveraging Epson’s patented core technologies, the Moverio BT-200 offers an unparalleled binocular smart glasses experience optimized for augmented reality applications. Micro projectors located on each side of the eyeglasses project transparent overlays of digital content directly in the user’s field of view over the real-world environment. In addition, the Moverio BT-200 glasses contain sensors such as a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetic compass for head-motion tracking and hands-free navigation. A front-facing camera for video and image capture also detects real-world markers for augmented reality (AR) applications.

AR smart glasses can improve worker efficiency in vertical markets such as healthcare, logistics, field service, energy, manufacturing, education, retail and more. Developers such as APX Labs and Metaio are already working with Epson and enterprises to incorporate the Moverio BT-200 smart glasses’ “see-through” augmented reality technology to allow for use cases such as retail and wholesale supply chain tracking, surgical training for doctors in the operating room, and remote field service support for complex repair assistance.

“Moverio BT-200 is Epson’s second-generation smart glasses and incorporates much of the feedback provided by both the AR developer and end-user communities,” said Anna Jen, director, New Ventures/New Products for Epson America. “With these improvements, Moverio BT-200 is poised to deliver an AR experience that will revolutionize workflow, training and repair in the enterprise environment.”

“Wearable technologies present a very compelling opportunity for those organizations that want to push the boundaries of innovative design and technology applications,” said Andrew Vaz, chief innovation officer, Deloitte Consulting LLP. “It’s crucial for organizations to build a baseline understanding of how wearables will impact the strategic drivers of their market, and find ways to use wearables in their businesses to gain competitive advantage.”

APX Labs built Skylight, the enterprise software platform for smart glasses which takes full advantage of the Moverio BT-200 capabilities. Skylight uses the front-facing camera to stream real-time video feeds, enabling workers to get instant expert help; it uses the powerful motion sensors to enable completely hands-free user interaction; and it uses the rich overlay display to provide data right where work is getting done.

“The Epson Moverio BT-200 is practical, affordable, and powerful enough to handle a wide range of important use cases,” said Ed English, chief product officer at APX Labs.

For complete Moverio BT-200 specifications and additional information, please visit www.epson.com/Moverio.

About Epson

Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and 3LCD projectors to sensors and other micro-devices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 94 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: www.epson.com.

Connect with Epson America on Facebook (www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/moverio).

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice. EPSON is a registered trademark and Moverio is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.



Augmented Reality Using Wearable Displays in the Workplace

| 5th June 2014

In this Deloitte report on wearable technologies, Brian Ballard, CEO of APX Labs defines two broad categories of wearables: heads-up displays (HUDs) and true Augmented Reality glasses—both of which act as new tools to solve old problems. Other types of wearable technologies can be used in conjunction with displays to increase functionality and productivity of processes and people making decisions on the basis of real time data.