Kola MMC uses augmented reality in production

2023: Testing the concept of "Remote Expert" on augmented reality glasses

Kola MMC tested the concept of "Remote Expert" on augmented reality glasses (AR glasses). This was announced on December 5, 2023 by Inline Group (Inline Group).

The solution is based on the domestic software platform "IKSAR" in combination with AR glasses of industrial execution of various manufacturers.

The digital solution allows you to connect geographically distributed participants in the production process. Highly qualified experts, sitting at the computer, on a large monitor in real time, help employees who are near the equipment.

source = Konyahina Christina

In augmented reality, employees in AR glasses receive instructions and instructions about the necessary manipulations on the equipment.

A remote expert actually sees from the first person all technological operations performed in real time. If necessary, it is possible to freeze the image at certain areas of work, giving experts the opportunity to examine the desired fragment in more detail, and save the employee from having to stand for a long time in front of a certain node or unit.

In group video conferencing mode, all interested parties are connected to such sessions.

Remote experts can download additional diagrams, drawings, demonstrate the screen of their computer to the employee on the AR glasses screen, which makes remote interaction effective and contributes to the high-quality and fast solution of various production tasks.

One experienced expert can accompany technological processes in different areas in real time due to the ability to connect several employees in AR glasses.

All video sessions are recorded in reference to equipment, participants, time intervals and other characteristics, which forms the company's technological knowledge base on various types of work on equipment. Subsequently, this information is stored in a structured digital format in ICSAR and can be used to train new employees, or to analyze how to solve new problems from previous experience.

Industrial AR glasses with built-in active noise cancellation provide excellent audibility and unmistakable voice control.

Kola MMC is testing the capabilities of both monocular and binocular AR glasses, since ICSAR is compatible with leading models of various manufacturers of such equipment.

source = Konyahina Christina

Kola MMC notes a high level of technological readiness of the domestic IKSAR software. Preparation for testing a new digital solution already at the production site in the city of Monchegorsk, Murmansk Region, took no more than 3 weeks, training in software did not cause difficulties for production personnel.

According to the results of testing, experts were able to note the potential for reducing the timing of repairs and increasing the speed of response to emerging incidents. At the same time, the solution can improve the quality of work performed, as well as gradually increase the expertise of employees by obtaining specialized knowledge from more experienced employees. As a development of the use of augmented reality technologies and devices, Kola MMC is considering the possibility of using the Digital Operations module in ICSAR to build a system of bypasses, inspections, quality control, and special services. technology, as well as expanding the range of scenarios for remote interaction between various employees of the company.

The "Digital Operations" module will allow employees to receive step-by-step graphic instructions in online and offline mode in accordance with the technological process regulations and read labels, fill out check lists, enter measurement parameters, carry out photo and video recording of both operations and incidents.

In fact, this makes it possible to form a full-fledged objective digital trail of production operations, which helps an employee and company to increase transparency, and most importantly, the reliability of equipment and equipment, while reducing the likelihood of forced downtime.

In 2024, Kola MMC plans to study in detail the capabilities of IKSAR in the field of machine vision and artificial intelligence for recognizing objects, defects and other tasks that can be solved on AR glasses.