Dive Brief:
- GE is testing the new model of Google Glass to help mechanics assembling engines torque fittings to specifications and reference other requirements without a physical manual, according to ZDNet.
- Using Glass, GE reduced assembly errors, which could translate to big cost savings for the company and its customers. The team testing Glass also reported an average improvement in mechanic efficiency of 8-12%. The team is finalizing reports on the trial to formally deploy the technology, according to ZDNet.
- Other major customers piloting Google Glass Enterprise Edition include Agco, DHL and Sutter Health, according to Google.
Dive Insight:
Virtual reality headsets and other devices that create mobile VR or augmented reality experiences are rapidly showing up in the enterprise, and their growth appears imminent. In some cases, VR and AR are giving new life to technologies once considered novelties.
Case in point: Google Glass. Google wants another shot to prove there is a market for Google Glass, and this time around the company is focusing on the enterprise instead of the consumer. Google says the fact that a major corporation like GE is testing the tech proves it has a place in enterprise technology and companies are ready to invest.
AR and VR boast many use cases across industries. Smart glasses or head-mounted displays can overlay instructions, maps, system information or real-time feedback for workers in the field, for example. Deloitte estimates more than 150 companies in multiple industries are already testing or have deployed AR/VR solutions.
By 2021, IDC projects AR and VR spending will increase from 2017's $11.4 billion to $215 billion. The biggest adopters? Retail and education. Manufacturing, construction and professional services are foreseen as the next major enterprise revenue contributors, according to IDC.
