Key Takeaways
Here are some of the most innovative augmented reality applications in the energy sector:
- Powerful AR tools assist workers in finding and identifying components, various locations and wires using their voice
- AR allows technicians to scan and identify faulty components & machinery in repairing oil rigs and provides guidance in repairing them
- AR headsets for junior workers who receive remote on-site guidance from more experienced colleagues and get the support they need in their operations
- AR glasses superimposing digital instructions enhance the speed of assembly
- AR systems solve complex challenges by collecting and analyzing vibration data to detect and identify problems with a machine’s operation
The implementation of Augmented Reality solutions in the energy industry has significantly benefited employee safety and asset protection. Moreover, the sector represents 17% of shipments of AR smart glasses in 2018 alone, with its market size growing to US$18 billion by 2022.
The technology is truly impactful when it comes to digging or developing gas fields through the visualization of underground infrastructure and networks. AR also allows for earlier detection of potential leakages and reduction of accidents.
At the same time, augmented reality presents new and more efficient ways to train and prepare new field employees and meet the growing demand for workforce in the industry. We have dug deep to evaluate the technology’s potential in disrupting the energy industry by researching over 300 Augmented Reality startups working in the area.
Innovation Map: How Augmented Reality Transforms The Energy Industry
The Innovation Map below highlights some of the most promising startups and use cases of augmented reality in the energy sector:
Click to enlarge
How Augmented Reality transforms the Energy sector (c) StartUs Insights
Listed below are some of the major Augmented Reality applications in the energy sector.
Real-Time Analytics & Display Of Results
Aside from simple augmented reality instructions and information overlay, businesses use AR to create powerful analyzing machines by combining advanced image recognition technologies, computing power, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, internal databases, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with their AR devices to provide a remarkable augmentation of their operations.
As an example, they are used to constantly monitor and overlay the real-time temperature of various machines during the maintenance process, collect and analyze vibration data, detect and identify problems with the machine’s operation based on its appearance, operational sound or other aspects.
The energy industry fully takes advantage of intricate and elaborate AR solutions. Use cases are ample, including Upskills’s Skylight platform, which empowers workers to find and identify components, various locations, and wires using their voice.
Another example are Adroit’s AR tools which allow technicians to scan and identify faulty components & machinery in repairing oil rigs and provides guidance in repairing them.
Training & Learning Content
Companies operating in the energy industry can use Augmented Reality technologies to shorten the gap between the ever-growing demand and weak supply of field workers. AR headsets are provided to junior workers who receive remote on-site guidance from more experienced colleagues and get the support they need to efficiently complete operations.
Exemplary is the case of Exxon Mobil, which, in partnership with EON Reality, developed an immersive 3D AR virtual plant training environment. This environment helps take the field training to a new level while eliminating risks that are normally connected to regular practical training.
Instructions
Similarly to training and learning materials, workers in the energy industry use AR solutions to receive repair instructions for pipelines or other pieces of equipment as well as step-by-step guidance for assembly.
GE Renewable, for example, managed to enhance the speed of assembly for their field employees by 34% thanks to Augmented Reality glasses that superimpose digital instructions.
Heat Map: Augmented Reality Startups Disrupting The Energy Industry
Our Heat Map below illustrates the global distribution of startups developing augmented reality solutions for the energy industry.
Click to enlarge
Global Distribution of Augmented Reality Startups in the Energy Sector (c) StartUs Insights
AR Startups Transforming The Energy Industry:
- Gravity Jack: A US-based custom software development company offering mobile AR solutions such as Adroit AR, which is exclusive to the energy industry).
- UpSkill: An American startup developing custom wearable factory workforce solutions.
- EON Reality: A startup specializing in AR/VR knowledge transfer solutions for industrial enterprise purposes.
Conclusion
In combination with declining oil prices, Augmented Reality is not only disrupting the industry but is also a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining profitability and enhancing business models of companies in the field.
As such, AR is quickly gaining traction in the energy sector by helping field workers train more efficiently, increasing workplace safety, decreasing accidents and simplifying maintenance processes, with much more still to come.
As more and more major industry players are turning to augmented reality in their search for another competitive edge, it is important to understand the scope and depth of Augmented Reality’s potential in the energy industry to stay ahead of the competition.
