Performing repairs and service on aircraft has long been fraught with difficult obstacles.
However, specialists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing, and Ergonomics (FKIE) have developed a revolutionary workaround that capitalises on the possible application of augmented reality (AR) smart lenses. By visualising data in three dimensions, the cutting-edge spectacles help aviation workers expedite overhaul and upkeep operations.
Mechanics may now engage with computer-generated aspects, such as guidelines, screens, and professional instruments, without difficulty thanks to the incorporation of motion, speech, and sight capabilities. This extraordinary development has sparked the development of novel approaches and techniques for the upkeep of the Airbus A400M.
The Airbus A400M has many of the highly sophisticated electrical and mechanical parts found in present-day aeroplanes. There are almost ten thousand different components in the engine itself. Such aeroplanes need complicated maintenance and repairs, which is intimidating. In the past, aviation technicians have relied on written guides for instruction, which may be laborious and ineffective, especially when many books must be consulted at once.
This problem is made worse by the cramped conditions within the flight deck, where handling tangible papers may result in mess and misunderstanding. In addition, the guides’ two-dimensional depictions of difficult installation jobs may not always be clear and could even cause repairs to fail.
The “Human-Machine Systems” division of Fraunhofer FKIE started the “Ariel” undertaking, which focuses on the use of augmented reality (AR) to assist aviation technicians while doing repair tasks, in order to solve these difficulties. They focused on two instances In particular: “Installing a display unit in the cockpit” and “Maintenance of a battery in the workshop.”
Two different AR glasses—the Epson Moverio BT-300 and the Microsoft HoloLens 2—were used for evaluating experimental ideas. The team of researchers focused on designing acceptable motion, glance, and voice-based communication methods as well as three-dimensional data visualisations. Five aeroplane technicians participated in the testing, which evaluated elements including convenience, user satisfaction, and convenience of use.
Unique engagement ideas were created to meet the unique features of each AR gadget, taking into account the technicians’ workplace circumstances, individual gadget integration, and particular use, organisational, and aesthetic demands. The group built 3D illustrations of the current rules and added movements to them to show the process steps of the simulated parts. The ability to measure battery impedance and adhere to specialised notes on the control panel mockup was available to technicians.
Utilising sight and motion oversight, technicians were able to engage autonomously thanks to the introduction of multimodal input methods. A glance regulation technique has been implemented to avoid unintentional input and let viewers momentarily concentrate on an interface component. Additionally, an educational setting was created to impart fundamental movements and interpersonal abilities via animation.
The interaction technique was generally considered intuitive by mechanics, who particularly valued glance control over motion or speech. Throughout battery repair, an extra layer of relevant data made it easier to identify specific parts, and graphics for assembling jobs got good reviews. The group conducting the study did provide new learning resources as a result of questions about gesture control.
In the future, scientists want to digitalise documents and make automated repair chores possible, incorporating professional participation. Outside the upkeep and fixing of aeroplanes, AR is being used to benefit a number of other sectors. For instance, by offering thorough sequential three-dimensional guidelines, it may help workers who are unfamiliar with jobs like fitting heating systems.
By enabling accurate oversight over upkeep operations, AR has the ability to overcome the scarcity of qualified labour in several sectors. The prospects of aviation upkeep and repair seem more promising than ever because of the effortless marriage of technological advances and traditional wisdom.
