Most interesting AR (augmented reality) devices
The market of augmented reality is now on the rise. The sphere of application ar technologies is quite a lot, from education to oil production, which makes this industry attractive from the point of view of investment and application possibilities. So far, the companies producing the devices of the augmented reality are few, but nevertheless the variety of products is quite good. So, let’s start reviewing the most interesting ar devices available today.
1. Microsoft Hololens Augmented Reality Glasses
Price: from $3000
Probably the most popular and used ar-device. Glasses were issued in 2016, the main target audience is business. Unlike most other devices of virtual, augmented or mixed reality, HoloLens are autonomous and do not require connection to a PC, smartphone or game console.
Consider the main technical characteristics of Microsoft Hololens:
Display: See-through holographic lenses (waveguides)
2x HD 16:9 light engines
Automatic pupillary distance calibration
2.3M total light points holographic resolution, 2.5k light points per radian
Sensors: Inertial Measurement Unit, 4x environment understanding cameras, mixed reality capture, 4x microphones, ambient light sensor
Processor: Custom Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit HPU 1.0, Intel 32-bit architecture
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 64GB
Weight: 579g (1.2lbs)
Camera: 2MP photos, HD video
Audio: External speakers, 3.5mm audio jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 LE, Micro-USB 2.0
Power: 2–3 hour active use battery life, 2 weeks standby, passive cooling
OS: Windows 10 with Windows Store
Human Understanding: spatial sound, gaze tracking, gesture input, voice support
This device is actively used in many spheres of life. Here are a couple of examples where Hololens glasses have found their application:
ThyssenKrupp Elevators, who employ 24,000 elevator technicians, is using HoloLens to identify problems that need to be dealt with ahead of a job and to communicate with colleagues off-site to relay information in real-time.
Using Microsoft’s HoloLens headset, Cambridge Consultants has developed a highly intuitive AR surgical system that equips surgeons with ‘X-ray vision’ — making it possible to see inside a patient in real time, while operating through minimally invasive openings.
Scientists and engineers at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory use HoloLens and OnSight to explore the surface of Mars using images gathered by the Mars Rover.
Software developer for architecture firms Trimble uses HoloLens to help visualise buildings in 3D. In a test, WIRED was able to visualise and adjust buildings, in 3D in model size and in full-scale — a view which shows how the building would look from the street. Air-tapping a section of the building allows the person wearing HoloLens to adjust parts of the model, or add notes if an issue is noticed in the office,that a person on-site also wearing HoloLens can see in real-time. The technology additionally allows someone wearing the headset to be working on a model on a computer, drag the mouse across into what’s known as holographic space and work on the same virtual model in 3D.
Microsoft has partnered with Case Western University to allow students studying medicine to examine a full-scale human body without the need for a cadaver.
Volvo is using HoloLens to change the experience of buying a car. Having the holographic technology allows customers to visualise features, beyond colour and fabric, as 3D holograms rather than flat computer images.
2. Epson Moverio PRO BT-2000
Price: $2999
In 2016, Epson unveiled the Epson Moverio Pro BT-2000 augmented reality binoculars. This device supports wireless connection for control devices and information input. Fixation of user actions and changes in the surrounding situation occurs thanks to built-in high-sensitivity sensors (camera, GPS, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer).
As for other important technical characteristics.
Various production solutions do not go without the participation of Epson. Epson glasses are used in partner’s projects such as Librestream and VitalEnterprises. We will talk more about these and other solutions for productions in the following posts.
3. RealWear HMT-1
Price: $2000
The company Real Wear introduced the device HMT-1 in 2017. The developers themself call it “the world’s first industrial tablet with Android, worn on the head.”
To the merits of RealWear HMT-1 the manufacturer refers a simple and intuitive interface that allows you not to be distracted from work and does not require any action by hands. The device allows you to organize communication, including with video, provides access to documentation and instructions, helps you navigate, visualizing IoT data. “Tablet” is suitable for use in a polluted and noisy industrial environment. It is compatible with helmets and goggles.
Technical specifications:
At the moment, HMT-1 is used widely enough.
For example, the company Volkswagen is testing HMT-1 for car maintenance, thanks to the device technical employees of the concern in the UK will be able to contact the main office to obtain the necessary information or documents online.
Real Wear glasses are also used in the energy sector. Here, they are used to assess the possible damage in case of hurricanes and other natural disasters. For example, with the help of the device, workers can simulate a hurricane and assess the possible damage, while data on the necessary materials, required for recovery after a storm, are sent to the warehouse online, which saves considerable time for the work.
So, I disassembled the most popular and in-demand devices of augmented reality. Next time I will review the production solutions for these devices.
