Digitalisation and new technologies are transforming the marine industry, as they increase efficiency and flexibility. One of these technologies, augmented reality, can be used for many different tasks, speeding up troubleshooting and simplifying inspections.
This technology can revolutionise marine maintenance services, as augmented reality simplifies troubleshooting and speeds up the service and repair works. It also makes tasks like inspections, alignment measurements, on-site machining, shaft straightening and newbuilding commissioning much simpler and faster than before.
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However, augmented reality can also be used in training. Namely, a new maritime research Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety (CEMS) will be set up by Singapore Maritime Institute and Singapore Polytechnic to enhance navigational safety.
The CEMS will focus on research and innovations that enhance navigational safety. It will contribute to the training and development of future-ready seafarers, through the use of emerging digital technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality.
Two of the main reasons that augmented reality can provide valuable solutions, are the following:
- Training becomes visual: the learning process becomes more appealing than in the traditional way. Real-life experiences taken in to the digital world.
- Learning is safer: Workers can gain familiarization with complex situations and risky environmentas and they can practice in real life scenarios until they are near perfect.
In fact, cost-effective software and hardware solutions have already helped maritime industry to adapt its options and bring them to beneficial use. For example, Kongsberg Digital is providing Virtual Reality solutions for enhanced training experiences with the use of mixed reality, virtual reality, augmented reality and augmented virtual reality.
What is more, recently Wärtsilä Seals & Bearings introduced augmented reality and smart glasses in stern tube seals & bearings services, to improve repair and maintenance operations.
With these glasses, the person on site can send and receive visual images, listen to the specialist’s advice, and receive written instructions right in front of his eyes on see-through-displays.
It is apparent that such a technology can be proven very useful. Augmented reality can stimulate employees’ brains, making them learning interactive and easier. In addition, organizations can increase productivity and lower cost by making operations safer and more efficient.