A few days back, Microsoft introduced an augmented reality headset, HoloLens, for defense purposes. The company explained everything about it in an official blog that was posted on its Enterprise site, however, a bit later it was removes. It is commercially available now and it is not hard to make out that the software giant is planning to bring this product in market in good faith in order to reap the best profits from it. The post was written by Sergio Ortega Cruz, the Microsoft’s Solution Manger for national security, defense, and public safety. He illustrated the detailed benefits of this product and it prime usage in military aircraft.
It is not a new thing to use Augmented Reality (AR) to modify manufacturing. AR has already been used for some large scale manufacturing and training purposes. It has piqued interest of industries all over the world, the biggest proof of which is the ongoing research by BMW on AR-based assembly and maintenance documentation from last ten years.
Coming back to Microsoft HoloLens, this one permits the manufacturers working on assembly floors to locate various components instantly and also know where exactly will those be used. Complicated machinery like aircrafts have hundreds of minute components which is why HoloLens can be of great help in that department. Anything that can help in saving time and money seems priceless where manufacturing is considered. It is also an assortment of interactive features that permit different workers to formulate strategy and direct others to work according to that.
Cruz discussed the militaristic possibilities of this product in detail in the blog. As per him, the fusion of 3D holographic content with physical world, HoloLens opens up doors for most amazing possibilities that were never observed before. Those who are unaware about the concept of HoloLens should know that it is a self-contained holographic computer that accepts virtual reality along with augmented reality for creating a mixed reality. While reality takes the users in a simulated environment, augmented reality overlaps the physical world with digital information. It is capable enough of understanding the user’s ambience which is why mixed reality looks and sound much like the real world.
Cruz also counted improved efficiency and lower cost of military operations with usage of this headset. In his words, “Today, if the first level of mechanics cannot solve the problem, they typically either talk to the master mechanic to fly in to diagnose and fix the airplane – an inefficient process that keep aircraft grounded for a long time. With HoloLens, the master mechanic can develop a 3D model that overlays instructions on the top of the aircraft, showing the mechanic the exact components that need to be moved, replaced or recalibrated. No longer does the mechanic need to consult the master mechanic or page through manuals to see where the specific parts are located. Viewing digital content superimposed on the actual airplane, he or she can visualize exactly what needs to be repaired and in what order, and then quickly take action.”
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