Wärtsilä is exercising the power of using smart glasses in its stern tube seals and bearings services to offer remote maintenance via augmented reality.
Remote access
The Finnish company is currently using the technology for installations in remote parts of the world where access is restricted, or onboard ships when there is no GSM signal. In one case, an on-site worker used smart glasses to record pictures and videos of a situation, which were then sent to Wärtsilä’s Expertise Centre via satellite connection or GSM signal. Wärtsila’s experts then suggested a repair and maintenance procedure, without having to be on site. This reportedly reduced downtime and improved operational performance.
Immediate access to services
By deploying augmented reality technology, a field service engineer, a member of a ship’s crew or shipyard personnel will gain immediate access to Wärtsilä Seals & Bearings expert services and advice centre, regardless of location. The person on site can send and receive visual images, listen to the specialist’s advice, and receive written instructions on see-through-displays. The expert situated at Wärtsilä’s Expertise Centre will guide the person on site through the actions he or she needs to perform to solve the problem.
AR simplifies service
According to Wärtsilä, augmented reality technology simplifies troubleshooting and speeds up the service and repair of stern tube equipment. It also makes tasks like inspections, alignment measurements, on-site machining, shaft straightening and new building commissioning simpler and faster than before.
Thomas Pauly, product manager, Seals & Bearings Future Technologies said: “Augmented reality can be used to solve complex problems that would otherwise require considerable time to resolve. Smart glasses – equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, camera and microphone – enable real-time communication with a remotely located Wärtsilä expert who can see and hear exactly what happens on board, in dry dock or in a workshop, no matter how far the customer’s installation is.”
He further added, “The expert, located far, far away from the vessel can demonstrate how to make the repairs using images, manuals and even video footage. All while the engineer on site can continue to work. It’s like having a Wärtsilä service engineer by your side 24/7, with the bonus that this “virtual” service engineer has real-time access to the vast wealth of information and expertise that Wärtsilä has accumulated over the years”.
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Source: Wartsila
