From additive manufacturing and aerial imagery to augmented reality and custom-fit production, the pace of technological innovation is quickening. Companies can no longer afford to skip a generation of technology and expect to remain competitive or capture market share.
Some businesses are adept at using technologies available to them to create and improve products. But many others are having difficulties because they rely on technology that cannot keep up with the fast-changing environment. The difference often lies in how companies approach research & development and software development which we discussed in our previous article.
Areas of R&D expertise
As a software consulting company, Aksiio specializes in AI/ML, Computer Vision, and 3D technologies. With 12+ years of practical experience in R&D and software development, we know first-hand how to solve complex challenges in niche areas. This article highlights the most recent niche R&D project Aksiio undertook and what our team achieved as a result.
Augmented/Mixed Reality
Industry 4.0 is accelerating the welcome transition to renewable energy. Applying augmented/mixed reality (AR) to green projects enables architects, engineers, construction workers, and management to see accurate models on location. Projects can be modeled, evaluated, and adjusted to correct for errors at any point of their lifecycle, maximizing efficiency where it matters most.
Our team leveraged our experience in AR to research and develop a solution that would visualize large-scale solar power stations in reality. The fully functioning web-based application for Android and iOS phones and tablets allows users to place markers on roof corners using the AR interface. The application then uses the project’s specification to calculate the precise locations of solar panels and overlay them on the device’s screen.
As a result, anyone involved in the project can see where each solar panel is going and if any errors need to be accounted for. The same project can be demonstrated on a miniature scale on a meeting room table to discuss options or confirm details.
The next steps for R&D will enable users to pull up previously constructed solar stations and use them for reference. This feature will allow technicians to diagnose and find malfunctions on large project sites with the help of AR to reduce downtime significantly. Further developments could overlay wiring information on top of panels to optimize maintenance and repair even further.