Not being there: How augmented reality is changing the oil industry
A design engineer at Chevron’s sprawling El Segundo refinery in California used to travel from her office to the plant as many as five times a day to assess operations. Each time, she would bike to where she was needed, suit up with safety gear, assess the problem and bike back to the office, spending considerable time and energy in the process.
Not anymore. Plant workers outfitted with high-tech goggles equipped with a camera and connected to the internet now beam her in with a video call, allowing her to assess the problem on her computer screen and make the necessary recommendations. The goggles serve as holographic computers for the workers, allowing them to view a video call screen projected within their field of vision.
Chevron, which last year signed a separate, seven-year partnership with Microsoft to use its cloud platform, has deployed the HoloLens technology in the United States as well as Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Experts in Houston and elsewhere have remotely monitored pipeline tests, inspections, oil well completions, equipment building and other activities that often require in-person assessments.
Right now, the technology doesn’t come cheap: Each set costs about $5,000. But the company estimates that international travel to its facilities costs between $5,000 and $12,000 a trip, and perhaps thousands of dollars more if the destination is particularly difficult to reach.
See the full story here: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Not-being-there-How-augmented-reality-is-13300885.php