Augmented Reality for Maintenance and Repair

As part of our exploration into the potential benefits of using AR for maintenance and repair, we designed, implemented, and user tested a prototype augmented reality application to support military mechanics conducting routine maintenance tasks inside an armored vehicle turret. Our prototype uses a tracked head-worn display to augment a mechanics natural view with text, labels, arrows, and animated sequences designed to facilitate task comprehension, location, and execution. A within-subject controlled user study examined professional military mechanics using our system to complete 18 common tasks under field conditions. These tasks included installing and removing fasteners and indicator lights, and connecting cables, all within the cramped interior of an armored personnel carrier turret. An augmented reality condition was tested against two baseline conditions: an untracked head-worn display with text and graphics and a fixed flat panel display representing an improved version of the laptop-based documentation currently employed in practice. The augmented reality condition allowed mechanics to locate tasks more quickly than when using either baseline, and in some instances, resulted in less overall head movement. A qualitative survey showed mechanics found the augmented reality condition intuitive and satisfying for the tested sequence of tasks.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• augmented
• reality
• maintenance
• repair
• AR

[bin952]

@motters2001 I believe the cost for this technology will be way too high for automechanics or other common applications. Maybe when they convert to a smart phone ap, then they can approach the much broader market.

[twdarkflame]

@motters2001 Not just mechanics either. Almost any physical job where the problems identified and its within your physical range to preform.

[twdarkflame]

To me this is probably where the most potential for AR lies. Guiding people though tasks that would overwise require a lot of knowledge.With AR all you need is a little dexterity and you can almost do anything

I think it would be even better when this sort of guide can be combined with user generated content.Think Instructables. Or even something like Aardvark...where a remote user can guide you though the process and your arms are just a proxi for theirs.

Anyway, good job! Our futures exciting.

[stevekukla]

Heh, I applaud your fine work. Very cool and definitely a big step ahead compared to the interactive videodisc-based maintenance aiding systems we designed at Westinghouse Defense in early 1980's for F16 and AWACS repairs, leveraging graphics-overlays over video and wireless transmission to touch screen handhelds on the flightline.

[gl15col]

This is genius, they should also include a display showing where replacement parts are stored to speed up repairs even more. In the field, they could have this available for anything that can be repaired locally, so even if you had never seen the item before, it could be repaired quickly and accurately. This really needs to be developed quickly to be used by anyone who wants to buy it.

[HawkLMT]

Cool Stuff. And I gave you a hard time for always wanting to goof around with that computer when we were kids.

[roidroid]

it's wonderful that the technology is developing to this stage.

very intuitive.

[ChrisgNYC]

@motters2001 - Yes, and nice to have the U.S. Marines subsidizing the development cost of the technology. Kudos to Columbia University.

[motters2001]

Nice. But the market for this in more ordinary areas of mechanics, such as repairing your car, will be far bigger.