Construction helmets with AR, thermal vision unveiled in US
Augmented reality firm Daqri unveils ‘smart’ helmet in Las Vegas
A ‘smart’ helmet for use in the construction industry has been unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) by the Los Angeles-based augmented reality firm Daqri.
The Daqri smart helmet, powered by an Intel processor and Intel RealSense technology, superimposes work instructions over a worker’s field of view to improve recall, and offer instructions on repair and remote assistance in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, oil and gas, and construction.
The helmet inserts real-time information – including augmented reality work instructions, safety information, mapping and more – to maximise safety, productivity and well-being for workers in a variety of industrial applications, such as on construction sites.
VIDEO: Smart construction helmet with thermal vision, AR
Daqri founder and chief executive Brian Mullins gave show attendees a first look at the newest helmet with an on-stage demonstration during Intel CEO Brian Krzanich’s CES keynote in Las Vegas. During the demonstration, an employee wearing a smart helmet performed field service and equipment inspections.
The helmet, which was able to recognise the equipment the employee was working with, detected a potentially dangerous pressure problem and then used augmented reality to give the worker step-by-step instructions to fix it.
“We have already demonstrated how the use of augmented reality hardware and software solves problems for our partners and, with the addition of Intel technology, we are supercharging Daqri smart helmet so that we can continue to drive the future of work,” Mullins said.
The smart helmet has been in the pilot phase with partners across industries including aerospace, construction, and oil and gas. It will be available for purchase from the first quarter of this year.
The product will combine Intel technologies with Daqri’s hardware and software platform. Its core features will include: Daqri Intellitrack computer vision and navigation technology; an industrial-grade 360-degree sensor array with high-definition video; and thermal vision sensors for predictive maintenance and enhanced worker safety.
VIDEO: Smart construction helmet with thermal vision, AR
Designed for all-day wearability, the helmet also offers 4D augmented reality displays and live equipment data visualisation. In addition, it can also be integrated with Daqri’s 4D Studio augmented work instruction platform.
“The future of smart and connected devices includes augmented reality,” said Bridget Karlin, managing director of Intel’s IoT Strategy Office and CTA board member. “The Daqri smart helmet is a great example of integrating advanced human-machine interface into existing devices to make something smart and solve a potential problem.”
