Augmented reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data
Yesterday, 21st January, 2015, Microsoft took this definition to another level when they introduced Microsoft Hololens. So, what is Microsoft Hololens?
Imagine you are having Google Glass with additional features which enables you to interact with three-dimensional holograms blended with your real world. As Microsoft quoted, “it’s more than a simple heads-up display, and its transparency means you never lose sight of the world around you. High-definition holograms integrated with your real world will unlock all-new ways to create, communicate, work, and play”
Check out this official video released by Microsoft Yesterday…
Future of Automotive Industry
I am working in the Automotive Industry as Specialist New Media at Koninklijke Nedschroef Holding B.V. and after watching the premier of Microsoft Hololens, I am quite optimistic that the years to come in this industry are going to be revolutionary. Here’s why…
Designed and Development Process
Well, you are right, the term “Augmented Reality” is nothing new in automotive industry. OEMs are already testing and using it via using laser projected augmented reality. Especially the designers using it during development process in order to visualize actual proportions and sizes, geometry etc. But, this required the OEM to build an initial model to project on and it requires expensive projection system.
© Volkswagen Corporate Website
But now the time has come to forget laser projected augmented reality system. With Microsoft Hololens, OEM’s can just play around with the holograms and even interact with them for just € 1,300- €1500
© Microsoft Corporate Website
Go Inside the Problem & Find the Solution
Let’s take a simple example of Door Locking Assembly System. In a door locking system, there’s a small space inside the door necessitates precise preparation and movement of locking system. It has a little lever to be engaged in the lock which makes it impossible to see the lock and the lever adequate enough from that position. Also, the poor space between inside the door which makes it difficult for the workers to work. In order to solve this problem, the workers require a good three dimensional understanding of the space. With the help of Microsoft Hololens, the worker will be able to see through the door (via holographic projection) will be able to fix assemble with ease.
Fastening With Ease
I am working at Nedschroef, where we are constantly innovating and introducing new fasteners and solutions to the OEMs. Let’s take an example, of one of the product called Nedsonic® also known as Ultrasonic Tightening Bolt. When it comes to bolt, one thing is most important: clamp load. To ensure bolts hold components together, they are tighten to generate clamp load. This tightening causes the bolts to elongate. By sending an ultrasonic wave into the bolt and recording the duration of the wave’s travel, the length of the bolt can be determined. By using Microsoft Hololens, the line feeding workers will be able to view in real-time, measure, evaluate and indicate the achieved clamp load, which will result in reliable and profound clamp load.
© Nedschroef Corporate Website
Well, that’s just a few of limitless possibilities that Microsoft Hololens can bring to automotive industry and to the other industries. It’s just the beginning and I am sure, there’s limitless opportunities which will unfold in time to come.
What do you think about this product? What else can it do revolutionize this industry? Feel free to share this article and comment.