Daniel Klein
Daniel Klein Bhwsoc8ih1 U Unsplash
Daniel Klein Bhwsoc8ih1 U Unsplash
Daniel Klein Bhwsoc8ih1 U Unsplash
Daniel Klein Bhwsoc8ih1 U Unsplash
Daniel Klein Bhwsoc8ih1 U Unsplash

Augmented Reality Helps US Navy See Clearer

Sept. 17, 2020
US Navy awards contract to AVATAR Partners for AR-based technology.

For many augmented reality (AR) technology remains little more than a futuristic looking toy often demonstrated at trade shows. However, for those who have found applications for the maturing technology, its benefits are very real.  Count the US Navy in that group.

AVATAR Partners, an innovator in virtual, augmented and mixed reality (extended reality or XR, collectively) software solutions for heavy-duty industry and defense, has received a contract to provide its Simplified, Intelligent AR Quality Assurance (SIA-QA) solution for the US Navy. The SIA-QA solution will focus on supporting aircraft wiring maintenance for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Boeing V-22 Osprey aircraft. This AR-based, automatic QA system combines instruction and AI-based performance assessment in a single solution to help inspectors rapidly observe "as-is" versus "should be" conditions to speed installation and increase accuracy.

Michael Davis, technical director, AVATAR Partners, tells IndustryWeek, the dynamic and highly variable nature of the inspection environment brings challenges to implementing object and photo recognition to determine discrepancies in aircraft harness installation. “These variances in the environment could include different lighting conditions, personnel and support equipment movement and multiple aircraft configurations,” says Davis. “Understanding the expected boundaries of the environment within the AR experience will allow the solution to capture and adjust through the use of machine learning.” 

Maintainer errors can be highly expensive or life threatening. Moreover, time-to-maintain is often insufficient to support aircraft readiness. The AVATAR Partners SIA-QA solution includes refresher training for aircraft maintenance technicians who have completed tours of duty away from the system for which they were trained. "We are pleased to have the opportunity of helping to improve aircraft readiness through on-demand technician training that provides knowledge at the point of need," said AVATAR Partners CEO and Founder Marlo Brooke. "Applying military-grade augmented reality provides the resources needed to establish critical training regimens that support a risk-managed framework for preparation and deployment."

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Optimize Demand Planning to Improve Scheduling, Supply Chain Management

March 8, 2024
Learn how modern tools can streamline demand planning, saving time and increasing efficiency. Experts will guide you through strategies for accurate forecasting, optimizing inventory...

Preventive Maintenance: Improve Productivity on Production Floors

June 28, 2023
Everything needs to run smoothly in manufacturing. For processes to run smoothly, they need continuous improvement in every part of the chain. One area is operator maintenance...

HCM and Digital Scheduling Technology: An Underutilized Solution for One of Manufacturing’s Biggest Challenges

April 2, 2023
Digital scheduling tools available via advanced Human Capital Management solutions offer compelling ways to improve production-line workforce retention, engagement, and productivity...

The Supply Chain of Tomorrow

May 22, 2023
A control tower enables proactively managing complex supply chains in real time and achieving new efficiencies through connected visibility, continual improvement, and predictive...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!