Looking to the future – the transformative role of AR smart glasses

The march of progress

The advent of technologies such as cloud computing, 4G and portable, powerful laptops, has enabled organisations to realise unprecedented levels of workplace mobility, efficiency, and security. This consistent pace of technological and digital innovation over the last several decades shows no signs of abating. And while cloud, 4G and powerful laptops remain critical to an effective workplace, the arrival of a new wave of technologies, including AR, 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile edge computing, are transforming the landscape yet again. 

The emergence of 5G in particular has the potential to increase adoption of edge computing technology and, subsequently, AR. The next-generation cellular network possesses the enhanced speed and capacity necessary to ensure edge computing and AR work effectively, enabling greater operational efficiency and productivity. Edge computing provides the perfect platform for a swathe of AR-based devices, such as smart glasses, for in-field operatives in heavy industry, healthcare and security, to name but a few sectors – providing a safe, hands-free and uninterrupted mobile working experience.

The value of edge computing comes from its ability to deliver secure, powerful computing at the periphery of the network. This reduces the strain on operations and improves latency, because the processing of the most critical data is done at the edge – closer to its source. This will become increasingly invaluable as data proliferation snowballs. IT managers must be able to securely and efficiently scale network capabilities to mitigate the vast amounts of data generated by technology. Edge computing supports them in doing just that, while also creating radical routes to gathering, analysing and redistributing data and derived intelligence.

With such developments paving a clearer path towards wearables adoption in the enterprise, CIOs are concurrently assessing how best they can take advantage of such devices to enhance mobile productivity within their organisation. According to dynabook’s ‘Maximising Mobility’ report, 82 per cent of companies think it likely they’ll start deploying smart glasses solutions within the next three years. Nowhere is this more evident that within industries which rely heavily on frontline and field workers – such as logistics, manufacturing, warehousing and healthcare – which are leading the way in adoption of such solutions.

Consider, for example, a boiler engineer in the field conducting an annual service. The engineer could use AR smart glasses for an overlay of the schematics of the boiler, enabling a hands-free view of the servicing procedures, or to be able to identify if a part is damaged or missing. If the fault poses a barrier to repair, the engineer can use collaboration software to get advice or assistance from a remote expert, or other colleagues. Indeed, any engineer out in the field would find this solution beneficial to an expedient and thorough repair.

Time to get smart

These and similar advantages to operations are widely appreciated. 45 per cent of European IT leaders believe their workforce can benefit from the hands-free functionality provided, 42 per cent expect them to deliver improved on-site capabilities, and 40 per cent forecast better collaboration and information sharing – according to dynabook’s research. This appreciation is driving IT managers across the board to pinpoint how best to leverage AR smart glasses to enhance productivity and efficiency within their firms.

AR smart glasses can also revolutionise employee training across multiple sectors, both within and beyond heavy industry. A trainee surgeon, for example, could use AR smart glasses to provide an overlay which directs them through surgical procedures, providing tips and guidance throughout.

The potential use cases for AR smart glasses across industries is huge. These examples underline the immediate and diverse potential of these devices for frontline workers and trainees. Technology, such as 5G and mobile edge computing is enabling organisations to realise the productivity and efficiency benefits that AR smart glasses can create. Just as laptops and smartphones engendered a new dynamic in the office, so too will AR smart glasses do the same for frontline employees and trainees in a host of professions.