The Record - Issue 19: Winter 2020

70 www. t e c h n o l o g y r e c o r d . c om P RODUC T FOCU S : M I C ROSOF T HOLOL ENS Valiant TMS worked with Theorem Software’s XR tools to develop a merged reality and industrial internet of things concept Visualising automation solutions As vehicles become ever more complex, HoloLens can help provide technicians with the support they need to diagnose and repair issues Training for new technology Intelligent automation solution provider Valiant TMS had already been using Theorem CAD conversion solutions for around 10 years when they began looking for a partner to help them develop a merged reality and industrial internet of things concept. It soon identified the direction Theorem had taken with its XR visualisation tools using the Microsoft HoloLens as a close match to its own ideas. “After comprehensive research, we selected Microsoft HoloLens as our hardware platform and Theorem-XR as our software solution because of how well it worked with our existing 3D CAD data and aligned with our ideas and concepts,” said Suresh Rama, director of business intelligence and innovation for Valiant TMS. Theorem’s XR software suite for HoloLens was used to verify clearances and detect interferences at a customers’ production plant in an upgrade to a windshield installation robotic cell. Using HoloLens, scans were processed four hours more quickly and data was made available immediately instead of after a two-day wait. “Today, we have made significant progress,” said Rama. “Many of our teams have adopted this technology and use it every day – they rely on it to perform at a higher level.” Turn to page 76 to learn more about Theorem’s mixed reality solutions “Automotive technicians must learn to deal with new technology on a daily basis in their quest to ‘fix it right the first time,’ because it is the key to customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. HoloLens supports this mission in two critical ways. First, OEM field engineers see through the technician’s eyes to guide a difficult repair – without travel – using Microsoft Remote Assist. Second, to empower technicians to handle complex repairs on their own, the Microsoft Guides application enables self-paced skills training on the same HoloLens device. Together, both applications reduce travel expense and time- to-competency, while improving on the job performance – a very powerful combination.” James Heideman is Senior Strategist of Instructional Design at CraneMorley