A central machine needs maintenance or breaks down and the problem cannot be solved straight away. This means: production stops, associated high costs and the time-consuming journey of an expert.
With the help of smart service solutions such as bitnamic CONNECT, downtimes can be reduced and travel costs saved - especially in combination with augmented reality, or AR for short. In contrast to VR (virtual reality), AR retains the real sensory stimulation. This means that reality is not replaced by a virtual world, but merely enhanced with virtual elements.
Augmented reality can be used with the help of AR glasses, for example. Special data glasses for industry, also known as smart glasses, are ideal for service and maintenance processes.
Based on our experience, we recommend the following models: Microsoft HoloLens 2, RealWear Navigator 520 and Vuzix M400.
The following article explains the advantages of using data glasses for industry, the differences between individual models and which AR glasses are suitable for which environment.
Data glasses in practical use - book a demo now!
Carrying out maintenance and service processes efficiently regardless of location - digitalization in the form of remote maintenance makes it possible. Software solutions such as Visual Support (Remote Maintenance), the main component of bitnamic CONNECT, connect an employee on site with a remote expert in an interactive video conference.
Simply started via an app, solutions can be communicated quickly and easily in this way. Useful functions such as data exchange, laser pointer or the integrated whiteboard, which can be used to create screenshots and make annotations, also speed up troubleshooting.
The combined use of remote maintenance and AR glasses enables even better traceability and easier work on machines: data glasses display context-relevant information directly in the user's field of vision via an integrated camera - the expert sees the same environment as the employee on site.
Smartphones, tablets or laptops are no longer required. This means that the employee has both hands free and can follow the expert's instructions step by step.
Augmented reality offers new opportunities for companies, especially in maintenance and repair processes. Practical use is efficient and intuitive - with the right data glasses.
You can find more information on AR and the models described below in our bitnamic CONNECT data glasses guide for augmented reality maintenance. All three smart glasses are compatible with Remote Maintenance. For a live demonstration, simply make an appointment with our sales team.
The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a pair of mixed-reality data glasses that augment reality with virtual three-dimensional elements by integrating them into the wearer's field of vision. The objects can be placed anywhere and always remain in their original position thanks to spatial anchoring, even if the user changes their position.
The camera of the head-mounted display (HMD) is located directly in the center, so the expert's view is almost identical to that of the employee on site. The data glasses are controlled by voice command, leaving both hands free to work on the machine at all times. The data glasses can also be controlled using gestures.
In contrast to Microsoft's AR glasses, the Android-based RealWear Navigator 520 data glasses do not directly superimpose reality - they are referred to as "AR light". The model has a camera attached to the side of the head and a 2D assistance screen located in the peripheral field of vision. The data glasses are controlled by voice, and there is also an action, forward and back button. However, these are hardly needed due to the excellent voice control.
Information can be exchanged via the glasses' screen using Remote Maintenance. This allows the wearer to transmit their field of vision to the expert. At the same time, data such as videos, 3D models, documents, application windows etc. can be received from the helpdesk via screen sharing. The integrated microphone also enables verbal communication.
The Android-based Vuzix M400 also has no direct reality overlay. The data glasses also have a 2D display in front of the left or right eye, but the camera on this model is located directly in front of the display.
The M400 can be operated by touchpad, head movement or voice. As with the HoloLens 2 and the Navigator 520, videos, images, documents, 3D models etc. can be exchanged between the expert and the wearer of the smart glasses via remote maintenance.
Basically, the Navigator 520 and the M400 have more in common, while Microsoft's glasses clearly stand out visually, technically and in terms of price.
The HoloLens 2 display is equipped with transparent holographic lenses and is positioned directly in front of the wearer's eyes in the form of a visor. The centrally positioned camera directly above it ensures that the perspective of the employee and expert is virtually congruent.
The camera and display of the Navigator 520 and M400 are positioned to the side, but the viewing angle can be easily adjusted. In terms of camera quality, the Navigator 520 is superbly equipped: The HyperDisplay has an HD resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels, features high-contrast color reproduction and a 24° field of view.
The HoloLens 2 weighs 566 grams and is the heaviest of the other two data glasses. Thanks to the ergonomic design and the ability to fold up the display, it is nevertheless very comfortable to wear.
At 274 grams, the Navigator 520 is significantly lighter, while the M400 weighs just 190 grams, making it one of the lightest data glasses on the market.
There are clear differences here: the HoloLens 2 can be actively used for around two to three hours. The Navigator 520, on the other hand, has a battery life of six to eight hours.
The M400 is roughly in between: Depending on the choice of external battery, its battery lasts for two to twelve hours.
In terms of robustness, the Navigator 520 ranks first: the data glasses are insensitive to dust, dirt and falls from a height of up to two meters onto concrete. Fully functional in extreme cold or heat (from -20°C to +50 °C) and protected against water jets with an IP rating of 66, these data glasses are particularly suitable for outdoor use.
Photo: realwear.at
The M400 is also drop-proof, dust-proof and protected against temporary immersion in water with an IP rating of 67. It is somewhat more fragile than the Navigator 520, but is also designed for wet, dusty environments.
Due to their (structural) properties, both data glasses models are increasingly being used on construction sites, in production, logistics and in the oil, gas and automotive industries.
The Microsoft HoloLens 2, especially its display, is more sensitive and therefore ideal for indoor use. It is increasingly being used in the healthcare sector, as well as in the production of intricate products.
| Microsoft HoloLens 2 | RealWear Navigator 520 | VUZIX M400 | |
| display | Head-Mounted Display, Mixed Reality | Side-mounted 2D assistance screen | Side-mounted 2D assistance screen |
| Controls | Voice and gestures | Voice control | Touchpad, voice and head movement |
| Weight | 566 g | 274 g | 190 g |
| Battery life | 2-3 hours | 6-8 hours | 2-12 hours |
| Price | 3,849.00 EUR | 2.999,00 EUR | On request |
| Fields of application | Indoor use | Outdoor and indoor use | Outdoors and indoors |
With the rapid expansion of digitalization in the industrial sector, the range of smart technology on offer is also growing. This also applies to smart glasses, but many models are not suitable as smart glasses for industry.
Google's data glasses, for example the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 model, are particularly lightweight at just 80 grams and can therefore be worn comfortably for long periods of time. However, they are not designed for extreme weather conditions, contact with water, dust or dirt - i.e. for outdoor use or "rough" indoor areas. Google stopped selling the Google Glass Enterprise in March 2023. However, the company already appears to be working on the prototype of a new data glasses model.
The Magic Leap 2 is also small and lightweight, but is less suitable for use in (heavy) industry than in the fields of medicine or education.
The better-known smart glasses also include models from Oculus such as the Meta Quest 2, but these can be classified as VR glasses, meaning that the user is completely immersed in a virtual world. In the context of maintenance, repair and service, it is much more advisable to augment reality and therefore use augmented reality or mixed reality. VR glasses such as the Oculus Quest 2 or the HTC Vive are therefore primarily found in the gaming sector.
Remote maintenance in combination with smart glasses is the next step towards Industry 4.0. It ensures shorter production downtimes, lower costs and a better carbon footprint, as time-consuming travel can be avoided. Especially in these challenging times, more and more companies are increasingly focusing on the digitalization of their work processes.
Bitnamic GmbH specializes in making companies fit for this digital transformation. You too can make your maintenance and service processes simpler and more efficient and strengthen customer loyalty by resolving problems quickly.
Simply arrange a non-binding demo appointment in which our Sales Manager Christopher Poelker will introduce you to bitnamic CONNECT.
If you are interested, we will also be happy to advise you on the topics of data glasses and augmented reality - together we will find out which model is the right solution specifically for your company.
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