There are several applications for augmented reality technology. Entertainment obviously, because playing games with AR on a smartphone can be a lot of fun. However, the most potential lies in professional use, with smartglasses for remote assistance being just one example. What devices are currently available and how do they stand out from the rest? On this page we will list the most popular devices and how they stack up against the competition. From operating system to weight and battery life, what are the best AR headsets on the market?

What is AR remote assistance?

When devices and tasks are checked, controlled and guided from an external location we speak of remote assistance. This could be a helpdesk operator telling you to switch the computer off and on again, it can also involve sophisticated software. AR remote assistance is an advanced form of decentralised collaboration, where the communication between professionals and audiovisual information is the key to success. Contact the experts for custom advice and tailor made solutions.

Starting with AR and Remote assistance

It would not be fair to say that AR glasses are a dime a dozen, but there are a considerable amount of options. In emerging markets such as these, there will be successes and failures, and the winners are not always obvious from the start. ODG (Osterhout Design Group) was a major player in augmented reality products, long before the current crop of brands and devices. As an experienced company with clients such as the US army in their portfolio they sure had the required expertise. The first few devices were sleek in design and promising in specifications. However, in 2019 ODG was no longer ‘reality’ and went bankrupt. It was heavily speculated whether Microsoft would ever release a new HoloLens mixed reality headset, which they actually did. It will not be a cash cow, however it will help grow the industry.

The same applies to Google Glass, the infamous failure as a consumer product has received a second life in an Enterprise Edition. Speaking of failures, the last entry on the list below has not been able to deliver on their promises. The Magic Leap 1 sold about 6000 units instead of 100.000 planned units. That’s not a great look for this hyped 4+ billion dollar company. Meanwhile, established brands like Toshiba release impressive products without much fanfare. This means it’s important for professionals to examine all the available options, and separate the best ‘wear’ from the vaporware. So without further ado here’s our list of the best AR headsets and AR smartglasses for AR remote assistance … and some lesser candidates.

1. Realwear HMT-1

This compact AR headset features a monocular LCD screen with a 20 degree Field of View. The device runs on the Android platform. This device weighs

380 grams with a battery life of 5 up to 12 hours. It’s possible to use the HMT-1 with regular glasses, and in combination with safety glasses and helmets. The adjustable band allows for continuous use without strain on the head. The speech recognition is especially solid, which makes this device very suitable for the workfloor. It’s possible to install Android APK files for customization.

2. Vuzix Blade

If you’re looking for a device that resembles a regular pair of glasses the Vuzix Blade comes pretty close. With merely 85 grams in weight and a more traditional frame, this device is comfortable to wear for a prolonged time. Therefore it’s unfortunate that the battery life of the Blade is 2 to 8 hours max. There had to be sacrifices made and the battery is clearly a weaker point of this sleek looking product. The 8MP camera with 720p video mode is fine however, and the 8GB internal memory is expandable. Keep in mind the Vuzix Blade is tethered to a smartphone, so it’s not a standalone device. This does make app management a bit easier compared to some other options on this list.

3. Vuzix M300XL

Unlike the previous entry this Vuzix product is a fully standalone device, which is quite an accomplishment considering the 150 grams weight. The design does push a bit hard on the ears though, which can lead to some discomfort during a longer session. The operating time ranges from 4 to 12 hours, which is pretty good. The Android based operating system can be navigated with both a touchpad in the frame and by voice-control. The last option does not work very well though, so for a true hands free operation the M300XL should not be your first pick. The Vuzix store is first in class though, and the device is very convenient to use.

4. Vuzix M400

This is the most expensive Vuzix product listed here, with a battery life of 6 to 12 hours and a dedicated remote control unit the higher price tag seems to be warranted. Also the 12 MP camera, high quality autofocus and built-in flash are premium features that will certainly increase productivity. The added controller makes operating this system particularly intuitive, and it compliments the accessible app store very well. The Achilles heel is again the poor implementation of voice control, that isn’t nearly as intuitive as it should be. With 190 grams it’s a bit heavier compared to the M300XL model.

5. Daqri

This item is in a league of its own, which translates to a considerably higher purchase price compared to most entries on this list. With 335 grams of weight and a battery duration of merely 4 hours this is not an augmented reality headset that is designed for all-day wear. This product shines in use, the gaze based system is intuitive and offers a true hands free operation. The binocular design offers a stereoscopic 3D image with perceived depth, and the glasses come with a seperate processing unit which adds considerable computing power to this device. The Linux based Daqri VOS operating system is proprietary, which means standard apps can not be used.

6. Toshiba DynaEdge

We can safely say this device is an engineering marvel, with 50 grams of weight and a 6 hour average battery life. This device runs on the Windows 10 operating system, which could be beneficial for software development. The diminutive weight creates a comfortable experience, however a supplied computing unit is required for operation. The built-in touchpad is responsive, but the navigation buttons do not work in all available apps. Apart from the high quality screen the camera is also very capable. This pair of AR glasses is suitable for remote assistance and can handle copious amounts of data.

7. Epson Moverio bt-300

The number is not the only similarity with the Vuzix M300XL, the form factor and technical specifications also remind us of that other AR headset. With 238 grams this is not the lightest but also not the heaviest option, the most outstanding feature is the standard controller which makes navigation easy and comfortable. The way the lenses are designed can lead to reflections which in some situations can lead to discomfort. The Moverio apps are well done which makes for a good user experience. The camera is well suited for photos, there is 16 GB memory on-board.

8. Google Glass Enterprise Edition

The front-runner of augmented reality glasses is back with an all-new edition geared at hands free operation and remote assistance. The battery life is not optimal with 2 to 8 hours, the design however is very close to an actual pair of spectacles. It should come as no surprise that Google Glass Enterprise Edition features the most advanced Android system on this list. Android Oreo in fact, which makes it easy to use APK files on this device. In terms of hardware specifications this version of Glass does lag behind the competition, it could do with an upgrade in this regard.

9. Microsoft HoloLens

Although this product is quite a bit different from the others on this list, it does warrant a spot in this top ten. Perhaps in particular for the remote assistance options. Skype is a Microsoft product and the HoloLens runs on the Windows 10 operating system. Just like the Daqri we mentioned before, and the Magic Leap 1 below, this dual lens design creates a stereoscopic 3D image. In terms of processing power this headset is certainly among the most impressive, it’s also the largest product by far. Do note there is a second edition HoloLens available now, the successor to the first mixed reality headset on the market.

10. Magic Leap 1

Just like the HoloLens the Magic Leap 1 offers a superior image fidelity, which makes it more suitable for creative use than industry applications or logistics. This is the long awaited first product from the multi-billion startup Magic Leap, as a brand they are still relatively unknown. Technologically this device is impressive, the major problem is a lack of useful applications. In order to maintain a lightweight device the 1 is sold with an additional processing unit. With about 3.5 hours of use it’s not an all-day device, but within certain fields it could prove to be a worthwhile addition. The proprietary Lumin OS requires specific knowledge to code for.

So, what are the best AR headsets for remote assistance?

As you can tell, there’s no clear winner here. Some headsets are incredibly lightweight, others are very powerful. The prices range from below 1000 euros but run up to 5000 euros. Some devices work completely standalone while others require a separate processing unit. Even though the Magic Leap 1 can be considered a flop so far, the mere ambition elevates this particular mixed reality headset to a special device. In fact, there’s no best option, just better products for particular applications. Therefore it’s important to ask for advice and decide in which way augmented reality technology will benefit your organisation.

You have to see it to believe it. This old adage certainly applies to augmented reality. Until a person actually wears and uses an AR device, the potential just doesn’t register. For instance, the impact AR has on remote expertise and assistance is often not appreciated fully. Unfortunately we can not transform the screen you are using right now to an augmented reality wearable. So in order to provide some more insight into the advantages of AR assistance we will show you five great use cases.

1. Collaboration AR Remote assistance

One person can never know everything. Teaching course after course to the same employees is just not very efficient. You will end up with a workforce consisting of “Jack of All Trades, Master of None” personnel. It’s usually more effective to teach the staff collaboration skills, so they can work together on projects using their own unique skills. With augmented reality the threshold for collaboration is greatly reduced, just rely on AR remote expertise and call in an expert that can assist you. This does require a database of employees and unique skills for the staff to pull from, this way an expert in a certain field can be contacted immediately. For some reason many organisations organize staff meetings, roundtable discussions and presentations for the upper level positions, meanwhile other employees are left to their own devices. By implementing AR within the company for remote assistance, collaboration will be enhanced throughout the organisation.

2. Repairs with Augmented reality

When a machine breaks down it’s always at an inconvenient time. Repairs can take a long time, especially if a certain skill or person is required to fix the problem. There are two ways of speeding up the process; either hire more skilled employees and have them wait until something breaks down, or make use of remote expertise and let a specialist take a look without actually being present. This is possible by using AR technology. An employee with the basic skills to repair a machine can use digital manuals and such to look up information, at the same time an expert in a different location can help the colleague step by step. The expert can see and hear thanks to a camera and microphone, it’s like this person is looking over the shoulder of the employee on site.

3. Customer service with AR Remote assistance

The level of customer service has been greatly improved in the last couple of decades, in no small part due to the increased usage of internet technology. Instead of driving to a service center, customers can now contact a customer service representative online. By chat, voice assistance or in a video call, whatever is required. For some businesses the stakes are very high, and the consequences can be enormous. However, it’s not always feasible to support your clients at every single moment. With AR technology it’s possible to place a customer service employee right there in the room without actually being there. The necessary equipment can either be purchased by the client, rented or supplied within the standard contract agreement. If a client needs assistance they can use an AR wearable device for personal assistance right away. And that is the next step in customer service.

4. Quality control with Augmented Reality

There are many reasons to invest in quality control. If you are a manufacturer it’s important that the yield is optimized, defective products will cut into the profits. There are several methods to assure the quality of both the output as the complete workflow. Remote expertise allows for a more hands on, or perhaps eyes on approach. For instance, a specialist can look through the eyes of an employee while working. Not literally of course, but the eye of the camera on the wearable AR device. This allows the organization to examine every step in the proces, from the very start up to the final product. Using remote expertise the best in the field can analyse the situation in order to improve the quality of the process and the output. Instead of random visits QA can be embedded as a standard method within the organisation.

5. Education with AR Remote

Learning doesn’t stop at the moment a diploma is handed out by a school. Education is a lifelong process, either by practice, learning on the job or courses within a company or organization. Augmented reality remote expertise is a new and effective method of teaching new skills, that can be implemented in many ways. For instance, an assembly line worker can be coached in real time using AR prompts on screen, with live commentary by a coach. The employee does not have the stress of a trainer looking at their hands, even though someone is actually following every move through the AR wearable device. A practical application is in medical fields. A medical professional can communicate with a patient, while wearing an augmented reality device. The communication with the patient remains personal, at the same time a remote coach can provide the professional with added information and expertise.

These are just five practical examples of AR remote expertise. For every field and sector there are many advantages waiting to be discovered.

To stay competitive a company needs to innovate. Either by optimizing internal processes, integrating new technologies from outside sources or both. Virtual and augmented reality are new tools that help industries optimize their processes without directly replacing them. In other words, they provide new building blocks instead of tearing down what already works. Take AR remote instructions for instance, this a very practical application of augmented reality in an industrial environment. Although the technology is cutting edge, it doesn’t (necessarily) replace manual labor and human expertise, but it enhances the way operations are executed in a more subtle manner. This allows companies to build upon a solid foundation and ‘augment’ business operations. How can you benefit from AR remote instructions within your company?

How does augmented reality work?

There are three complementary technologies that have some overlap but also offer some significant differences:

1. Virtual reality creates a virtual environment for both individuals as in collaborative use. When a person wears a VR headset they visually leave the room they are located in, and enter a digital space. Although the physical presence does not change, the illusion of a new location is created. This can be useful for various applications including panoramic 360 video, or collaborative decentralized work environments.
2. Augmented reality adds a visible layer to the real environment, for instance a picture-in-picture with a manual or turn-by-turn directions on a navigation system. Wearable AR devices project an image for the user without completely obscuring their regular vision. This can be achieved with smartphones or tablets, with augmented reality glasses the user can still use both hands to perform various operations. This technology is often used for remote instructions.
3. Mixed reality is in simple terms an enhanced version of augmented reality. In this case the digital additions are integrated within the environment as if they were physically present. Take a hammer for instance. With AR you could show a picture of a hammer. When moving your head the picture will remain fixed within your field of vision. With MR the device can project a hammer onto the table. Even if the user moves his/her head the hammer will remain in the same place on the table.

In this article we will focus on AR remote instructions, with some MR applications. VR technology is significantly different and can be implemented in other ways.

Helping others without being present thanks to AR Remote instructions

It’s a common occurrence within most industries; an employee requires some assistance or information about the task at hand. This might involve calling a person, leaving the working space in order to find a colleague, and several physical movements by multiple participants. Now let’s take a look at the very same scenario but this time using AR glasses. The employee has a question about the operation of a machine. This person calls a specialist, either by choosing from a menu by hand or by voice. Just like a Skype or Messenger call a direct connection is made with a specialist who can assess the situation in both audio and video. This expert provides the employee with instructions on location, without either person leaving their actual physical position. The second scenario might seem complex at first, in practice it’s actually much easier.

Three advantages of AR remote instructions:

1. Time: Instead of finding the right person to assist, the expert is just a tap or a voice command removed from the location. Just like with a customer service helpdesk, the colleague can be located within the same building, or at the other side of the world.

1. Safety: In the first scenario we described above the worker had to move from the work space, and invite another person onto the work floor. This means more employee movement, which will always pose safety risks. There’s a reason many industries use safety clothing and hard hats, unnecessary movements increase risk.

1. Efficiency: Remote instructions save time and costs, increase productivity and enhance safety. This automatically leads to a higher level of efficiency, which is of course very important for every industrial organization.

These are just three advantages, there are many more. Ask your AR specialist about all the options for your company.

Low threshold approach with AR remote instructions

While working on advancements within the industrial sector, there are several routes to take with various goals to accomplish. Although augmented reality can be classified as ‘disruptive technology’, the implementation within an organization should not disrupt the regular workflow. Because AR and MR are both additive technologies, this means roll-out can be executed in a non-disruptive manner. This means the current output of the company will not be adversely affected, the enhancements will not cause temporary interruptions in the workflow. This does require meticulous planning beforehand, although this process is involved it can be executed within a limited timeframe. Employee training is minimal if the hardware and software is prepared beforehand, with tangible goals in mind.

Augmented reality based remote instructions are ‘no regret’ decisions for the industry, that will create new opportunities for the industrial sector.

The basic definition of remote maintenance means that computer systems can be supervised and controlled from a remote location. This is done by placing software on local systems, that can be accessed from other locations. Often these systems work through an internet connection, although the software can also conduct local analysis, determine both critical and non-critical situations and send feedback for preventive measures. AR remote maintenance adds an audiovisual method of system analysis and employee assistance during maintenance tasks. On this page we will explain how augmented reality can enhance decentralized services for a wide range of organisations.

Local operations with Remote AR Maintenance

The core of remote maintenance is the organization that is in need of maintenance, not the service provider that works remotely. This usually applies to processes that are conducted using computerized hardware and software, with some sort of connectivity. It could be a computer terminal that operates the lights in an entire building, a PC used for administrative purposes or a machine on a factory floor with a central processing unit. Virtually every machine is equipped with some sort of software, and often these devices are connected. In order to make sure the machines and devices keep operating, several fail safe measures have to be taken. For instance spyware and virus scanners, factory reset options or up-to-date backup images so data will not be lost. Many of these operations are done automatically with locally installed software, soms tasks are performed manually by trained employees. For advanced assistance and operations remote maintenance can be used in various ways.

Network management Remote AR

Some maintenance can be conducted locally, however more advanced tasks require more expertise or custom solutions. This requires network interoperability, both locally and decentralized systems and service providers. Internally there will be an intranet solution in place, externally services will operate through an internet connection. These services are typically called ‘cloud services’, which applies to all digital services that are passed through various internet channels. It should be obvious that security plays an important factor in maintaining a safe and functional environment, every system that is connected to another device will be vulnerable. This also applies to local networks, for instance USB drives that are used on company computers. For remote maintenance network management is imperative to provide a safe and reliable method of controlling computerized systems, in which the right balance between smart software and knowledgeable experts should be present.

Augmented reality for Augmented Reality Maintenance

The basic explanation of augmented reality is an overlay of digital information on top of the actual environment. Let’s take a warehouse employee as an example. An order picker wears a pair of AR glasses that displays the correct row in the warehouse. While riding an EPT the wearable device clearly shows arrows that guide the employee through the warehouse to the correct position. Upon reaching the destination the built-in camera is used to scan the product bar-code, the worker can use both hands for the order picking because all AR actions are conducted either by voice or image recognition.

AR glasses function like virtual assistants using both audible and visual cues for the user. Some of these features are available offline, while others require an active internet connection. For instance AR remote maintenance, where augmented reality devices are used to analyse and control the infrastructure. In this case both the human aspect as the online connectivity play an important part of the equation.

AR remote maintenance

The word ‘remote’ can be interpreted in various ways. It typically means ‘not on the actual location’, this means expertise is brought in from another place. This could be a local expert who works from an office, or an specialist working from outside the actual facilities. This knowledgeable person can be an employee of the company, or a third-party service provider. There are several ways AR remote maintenance can be used for industrial purposes, here are a couple of examples:

1. A maintenance worker is set out to fix an elevator. During the trip to the location the worker looks up information about this specific model and the revision history on an AR headset. Once on the scene the technician examines the elevator and runs into some issues. The wiring is not connected according to the standard procedure. The worker contacts the main office and asks for information about how to proceed. The colleague can look up information and guide the on site technician through the process.
   
2. A system in a high risk area of a factory malfunctions. One operator is able to reach the location, but due to safety issues it’s not possible for an expert to reach this location. The operator makes an audiovisual connection with the expert and shows the situation at hand. This is possible because the AR device is equipped with a microphone and a camera. This microphone works two ways, so the operator and the expert can communicate one-on-one. The expert guides the operator through the process so the malfunction can be resolved. It’s not important where the expert is located. This could be in the same building or in another country. As long as an audiovisual connection can be established the ad hoc team can execute the task at hand.

AR remote maintenance offers a new perspective on decentralized management of hardware, software and the workforce, with considerable benefits for the industrial sector.

One of the most interesting applications of augmented reality is AR remote support. Whether it concerns a company that is looking for possibilities to enhance revenue, optimize the workflow or for organisations that are working on a higher efficiency rate, remote support will prove to be a welcome addition. Here are five advantages of using augmented reality in organisations for remote support.

1. Enhanced skill set with Remote AR

With remote support you are effectively deploying a team of specialists. First, there’s the person on location, who will provide a certain set of skills. A specialised professional will communicate with this person to provide additional knowledge. If there are several specialized tasks that have to be completed it’s possible to contact several supporting professionals. So you will essentially have a full support team present with all the required skills to do the job. This leads to a ‘modular’ approach where skills are distributed within the company. Personnel can focus on certain duties which leads to a higher quality workforce as a collective.

2. Speed of Remote Support with Augmented Reality

Time is money, when an important cog in the wheel breaks down it could disrupt the entire workflow. With Augmented Reality remote support issues can be resolved faster than ever before. Instead of waiting for service staff to arrive, a service employee can call in and get to work right away. Solving issues faster means less downtime and more revenue for the company. And this is only an example of corporate interests, if lives are at stake speed is even more important. In a medical facility for instance, you can call upon a specialist to take a look immediately. Also issues like a power outage can be harmful to people, especially at night. Augmented reality devices typically operate on rechargeable batteries, this means they will continue to operate during a power outage. For AR remote support an active internet connection is required, this can be achieved using backup power and mobile internet solutions.

3. Location of AR remote support

Although it can be advantageous to work from an office right in the middle of a bustling city, when service support is required it can take a long time for personnel to reach the location. With AR remote support you don’t need the specialist to visit the actual location, they can work from a distance. The reverse scenario is basically identical; if your facility is located in the middle of nowhere, you can still rely on expert assistance on a moments’ notice. Choosing a location for your company or organisation with the advantage of remote support means more opportunities to select a perfect location. This certainly applies to international organizations, who rely on experts the world over. A staff member from a different continent can assist like they are right there, using virtual eyes, ears and even hands. This provides you staff members with more mobility, and guarantees you always have the best expert at hand at any location.

4. Cost-effective Remote AR support software

We already mentioned time is money, but there are also other factors at play that affect the bottom line. With augmented reality remote support you can reduce costs in several ways. For instance, the amount of workers doing the same job can be reduced, for the aforementioned reasons. Also, low-level workers are now able to handle duties that require more skills. They only need to possess the basic skills required to fulfill their duties, for more advanced operations they can rely on the expertise of co-workers. The amount spent on travel can be greatly reduced, including personal transport, public transport and other solutions such as air travel. There are many areas where costs can be saved in a structural way, based on a reasonable investment with low recurring costs.

5. Efficient Remote support Augmented Reality

The money saving measures also translate to efficiency. Only the most skilled people will work on any project, without the need for a physical presence. Remote support using AR technology will have an effect on many levels within the company, and beyond. For instance, less travel means less strain on the environment, implementing innovative technology is subsidized by many governments. It’s also a forward looking approach with a ripple effect for years to come. The way we work is changing, and new technologies such as augmented reality play a large role in this transition. Consider methods like SMART or Lean Manufacturing where priority is placed on efficient operations.

What do you need to get started with AR Remote software

There are three key components to implement Augmented Reality remote support; hardware, software and workforce training. There are already several hardware solutions available for a variety of implementations. Software can be developed based on standard development solutions, and personnel training will allow the organisation to make optimal use of the existing workforce. The choices and workflow will differ depending on the relevant sector, the size of the organization and the predetermined goals. Consult with your representative for tailor made advice.