it may seem like the stuff of science fiction, augmented reality for trucking applications is very real and is here right now. In fact, augmented reality (AR) can be used to help technicians learn how to repair and even diagnose truck problems. One company has already started a pilot program to allow trucking fleets and other transportation-related organizations to evaluate how well AR can fit into their overall maintenance operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[wp_ad_camp_2] <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AR is essentially a technology that overlays a virtual project onto a real-time image or video. And before you ask, there are some critical differences between AR and VR (virtual reality). When you put a headset on, VR closes you off from the real world and immerses you in a completely virtual one. Whether you are transported into the middle of the woods or a truck maintenance facility, VR essentially tricks your mind into believing you are actually there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
AR is different in that you are looking through a device,\nbut the real world is still part of the equation. In this situation the real\nworld is augmented by virtual objects. In this scenario, users are not\ncompletely cut off from the real world in exchange for a virtual one. Imagine\nlooking at a truck and seeing a floating hologram of a wheel bearing with\ninstructions on how to install it. Each step could be superimposed on the\nvision of the individual wearing the AR headset. Whether you are talking about\ndiagrams, files, audio or video notes, or more, it can all be included within\nthe AR experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Makes AR Stand\nOut<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The future of AR looks bright because it provides a great\nway for people to visualize complex ideas. AR adoption rates have also been\nincreasing in 2018, particularly in the manufacturing, retail, and warehousing\nspace. Statistics regarding AR headset sales show that logistics account for\n24% of all purchases, which is no small number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For technicians, AR troubleshooting applications can guide\nan individual through a comprehensive diagnostics process without them having\nto constantly refer to a heavy manual or painstakingly track individual processes\nthrough multiple methods. Learning and development managers can work with\nmaintenance managers to create AR content specific to a particular company and\nthe equipment being used. This customization makes execution flow far more\nsmoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR companies exist to help people do their jobs as\nefficiently and safely as possible. One of the main drivers of the shift to AR\nrepair and diagnosis was the Navy, who had not changed how mechanical diagnosis\nand repair was completed in over 20 years. Yet, the Navy is not the only entity\nfacing challenges in how they address intricate repair work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem lies in the massive outflow of knowledge and\non-hand talent as workers get older and retire. With no technology available to\ncapture the vast wealth of knowledge that experienced technicians of all\nstripes possess, there is no way to pass it on to new hires, of which there are\nplenty. AR can help the next generation of workers without compromising on the\nvast amount of knowledge built up over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trucking-Specific\nApplications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While AR can be used in a variety of ways, there are\nspecific applications that are beneficial to the trucking industry. AR OEMs are\nnow working with the ATA\u2019s Technology & Maintenance Council to turn the\ntire conditions section of their workbook into effective AR content. It would\nwork first by providing an AR overlay that helps technicians discover and\nassess certain kinds of tire wear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine a hologram of a tire floating just over the real\nthing. The hologram can be programmed to show a specific kind of wear and the\ntechnician can quickly look from the hologram to the tire to see if the\nwear-type matches up. With a virtual database floating over the technician\u2019s\neyesight, they can determine what specific type of wear they are looking at.\nPerhaps the entire tire does not need to be replaced, but the overlay shows a\nworn kingpin instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since there are so many different types of wear, it is\nimportant that AR headsets can properly emulate each one. AR headsets can be\nprogrammed to use either a 3-D hologram or photos or text content in a virtual\nnote or image series. The goal with these aspects is for technicians to be able\nto essentially feel like they can reach out and touch the hologram or note. <\/p>\n\n\n\n AR companies are also working with equipment suppliers to\nhelp create the programs that technicians will need to get the job done using\nan AR headset. Suppliers can provide training content or procedures that the AR\ncompany can use, perhaps stored in a cloud for anyone to download. Trucking companies\nrely heavily on engine and component suppliers for their training materials, so\nAR companies are going to them for the source material. Yet, diagnostics and\nrepairs are not the only areas in which AR can be effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How AR Is Used in\nTechnician Training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure they are staying ahead of the game, technical colleges are now adopting AR in their classes. One example, Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton Wisconsin, has begun immersing students who have never opened a toolbox in AR programs designed to help them learn the ins and outs of working on heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n [wp_ad_camp_2] <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than relying on textbooks and verbal lectures, Fox Valley Technical College is turning to AR to provide a futuristic real-world methodology for training their students. The school\u2019s Learning Innovations team created a VR-based diesel engine to use within the diesel technology program. Using a Microsoft Hololens, the program responds to voice commands and includes advanced vantage points to optimize the training experience for students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When using the program, the students can use their voice to\nessentially take apart a virtual engine, exposing everything from the\ncrankshaft to the pistons, valves and other critical engine components. While\ninitial versions of the AR program focused on a single cylinder, later versions\nwill allow students to see all six cylinders firing at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The school hopes that this new hands-on technology will help\nstudents pick up the material a lot faster than if they were using cumbersome\nmanuals. Drawing it on a board or reading it in a manual is good, but actually\nwatching it through an AR device is something else entirely. It also helps that\nmany manufacturers are using AR. When a student graduates having used a program\nlike AR, they are better able to integrate into an organization using similar\ndevices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is hoped that AR can also be used to draw more people\ninto a diesel technician training program. It is no secret that there is a\nshortage of diesel technicians in the field today. By appealing to those who\nwould be impressed by an advanced training program, the diesel technician field\ncan be made to look sexy and appealing. If a potential\nstudent feels like they are part of a cutting-edge program, they may be more\nlikely to sign up for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, AR represents a great way to visualize complex\nideas and understand difficult problems. Even more, diesel engines are\nintricate pieces of machinery that require special care and consideration. Yet,\nthe benefits of AR translate beyond trucking. Industries across the country are\nturning to AR as a solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Next Farm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AR is now being used by farmers to cultivate crops in\nrestrictive conditions. One company is attempting to create a decentralized AI\nledger for plant breeding and optimization. AR can then be used to record the\ncolor spectrums required for effective plant growth. AR can also be used for\nearly disease detection and flowering and pollination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n