Lifewire. Augmented reality takes at-home repairs to the next level
Technology. It presents to humanity a solution to a variety of life’s challenges…but comes with a host of new problems when devices break down. So it’s only fitting that people would turn to – what else? – technology, to help us repair technology. One such tech is augmented reality (AR) . It’s stepping into the spotlight, making at-home repairs and replacements a breeze.
Lifewire recently spoke with 555 vCTO founder and virtual CTO Vaclav Vincalek to discuss how AR helps people conduct repairs from the comfort of their own home or shop. He shared a unique perspective from an educational point of view.
Instructional classes will benefit from VR at-home repairs
How to repair technology – that’s an art. And a solo person learning on his or her own time can greatly benefit. But 555vCTO.com founder Vaclav Vincalek highlighted the benefits of augmented or virtual reality in a group setting.
“AR products could also be a perfect fit for, say, a college providing training for technical roles,” Vincalek said.
"Imagine you're learning how to fix engines. How many physical engines could they bring into the workshop, if you needed to fidget with more engines to understand the differences between them? With AR, [you could] have access to 100 engines. You've got an infinite simulator.”
Vincalek says heavy industry sectors wouldn’t need to lug or purchase massive machines for training purposes.
“Take the oil and gas sector, where instrumentation engineers who work in the field could get all the practical training they could handle on-site."
Tech sustainability gets a boost from AR/VR right-to-repair advances
When cell phones first started to get popular, one downside was that batteries didn’t last long. So people could actually have multiple batteries charged up and ready to swap when necessary. Now, manufacturers ‘build in’ their batteries. Which means when a smart phone’s battery starts to wane, there’s no way for the owner to simply buy a new battery.
The right-to-repair movement is not only about convenient fixes but also about sustainability. If your phone is perfectly fine, and just needs a new battery, why should it meet an untimely end? This practice contributes to the growing problem of hazardous e-waste. Prolonging the life of devices can significantly reduce the environmental impact of premature disposal.
AR/VR at-home solutions provide visual, interactive repair guides
With augmented reality or virtual reality assistants, you can now see and interact with your devices like never before. Certain tech even leverages mixed reality and overlays step-by-step instructions on the actual device you're repairing. This is all made possible through your smartphone's camera. A few companies are even offering augmented clone technology for select systems, creating a cloned server in your desired space, enabling a highly realistic 360-degree interaction.
AR transforms the repair process into a visual and interactive experience. Users get detailed, step-by-step guidance, and the technology also points out potential hazards or pitfalls, ensuring a safer repair process.
AR/VR at-home repairs empowers device owners
The introduction of AR for at-home repairs is about more than just convenience; it's about empowerment. Waiting for technical support can be a hassle. For professionals who rely on technology for their work, quick repairs are a must. An AR/VR assist service offers the convenience of self-repair, cutting out the wait for a technician to schedule a visit. You can simply order the necessary parts and get to work, minimizing disruptions.
Plus, companies embracing AR assistance are boosting their reputations. Not having to wait for ‘office hours’ to get help for repairs is a monumental step forward in customer service.
The future of at-home repair lies with AR/VR
There’s at least one tech giant pioneering AR for at-home repairs, and it's likely that others will follow suit.
Organizations are also recognizing the potential of AR technology for tasks that used to require a human to be present. For example, remote audits and inspections have become more efficient, reducing the need for travel and saving time. This technology shift is poised to transform employment as experts retire from the workforce. Their knowledge is being captured and transferred into a virtual realm, making remote expert assistance more accessible.
555 vCTO advisors are already at the forefront of virtual technology assistance
Just like AR/VR at-home repairs, the tech advisors at 555vCTO.com are here when you need us. At your convenience. Our fractional CTO services are on-demand, and you determine how often you require a virtual CTO’s expertise. Contact us today, and let’s get started.