Augmented Reality Software Improves Maintenance Productivity

In Booth B-5929, Schneider Electric (Knightdale, NC) will showcase their EcoStruxure™ Augmented Operator Advisor augmented reality (AR) software that brings together physical, real-life objects with virtual objects to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve proactive maintenance. EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor combines contextual and local dynamic information for mobile users in the field through an intuitive tablet interface that superimposes real-time data and virtual objects onto cabinets or machines, giving operators immediate access to relevant machine and process information. Other benefits of Augmented Operator Advisor in the field or the plant include:

• Reduced downtime. Operators can virtually open electrical cabinet doors to troubleshoot potential issues with machine components, there is no need to shut down operations.
• Faster operation and maintenance. Operators can quickly find information, with immediate access in the field to real-time data, user manuals, instructions, diagrams and more.
• Less human error. The software locates the right equipment and guides operators step-by-step through complete maintenance procedures.

“Engineers who maintain control panels and machines often spend up to half their time searching for technical data in assorted software, databases, activity logs and even old-fashioned filing cabinets,” explained Simone Gianotti, the EcoStruxure Industry business development manager at Schneider Electric. “With this software, engineers gain instant access to the information they need, meaning they can speed up operations, improve proactive maintenance and reduce human errors commonly associated with traditional maintenance procedures.” The software’s interface gives operators access to information in the field for operations and maintenance, including machine history, variables of processes and documents, including products, installations, instructions, diagrams and more. It allows for fast diagnosis of issues without lockout or electrical qualification and provides opportunity for safe and rapid detection of abnormalities and access to key performance indicators.

EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor can be utilized and adapted for any industrial domain. The software can be customized by Schneider Electric experts who collaborate with users to identify individual requirements and develop custom augmented reality applications for their specific applications and needs. The plug-and-play architecture works on tablets (currently iOS®, with Android™ and Windows® versions in progress) and utilizes a Windows-based PC as the server platform that receives the data to share with the tablet from multiple sources, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Structured Query Language (SQL) databases and OPC Unified Architecture (UA) servers. The software is compatible with servers and components from any vendor to ensure flexible integration into any existing system.

Schneider Electric, 8001 Knightdale Boulevard, Knightdale, NC 27545-9023, 919-217-6481, www.schneider-electric.us/en.