Royal Canadian Navy will get the chance to test out a Mixed Reality Remote Assistant Support (MIRRAS) system from Kognitiv Spark. It will happen as part of an initiative with the objective of enhancing repairs and maintenance standards on currently active vessels.
The project will work towards validating technology sourced from Kognitiv Spark, as the company provides software that can be utilised with the Microsoft HoloLens. Using mixed reality, augmented reality and integrated AI, it enhances the productivity of several key procedures including maintenance, repairs and knowledge sharing.
The immersive technology-based system can be utilised by the Weapons Engineering Technicians and RCN Marine Technicians for ascertaining a high readiness level for RCN ship, to facilitate instant routine-based training and deployments.
RAdm Casper Donovan, Director of General Future Ship Capability, Royal Canadian Navy, gave his insight regarding the project. According to him, technological progression and innovation figure high on the list of priorities for the Royal Canadian Navy. Newer techniques are being sought out for enhancing new technologies to improve sea performance. Donovan considers the Mixed Reality Remote Assistant Support (MIRRAS) system as an innovative tool, as it enables sailors to figure out increasingly efficient onboard maintenance methods. MIRRAS is being seen as a revolutionary development for the Royal Canadian Navy.
In the aspect of remote maintenance, subject-matter professionals can utilise the MIRRAS system will be able to view the same content as the wearer of the goggles, regardless of where they are in the world. An expert is able to utilise real-time video and voice, along with Internet of Things data, three-dimensional holograms and other content.
Technicians are also able to use an alternative method. It involves using data stored locally to provide support with routine procedures during the absence of a remote expert. The holographic support method is designed to enhance decision-making capabilities, by cutting down errors and enabling better decision making, through providing clarity of understanding.
The company is offering tools that can capitalise on the human brain, which is considered as the world’s most powerful visual processing system. – Duncan McSporran, an ex-military officer, the COO and co-founder of Kognitiv Spark.
According to him, interactive 3D content is easier to interpret than paper-based manuals and also aids in reducing possibilities of mental fatigue among sailors, soldiers, and air force staff especially in emergency and demanding situations. – Duncan McSporran
MIRRAS enables personnel to make faster decisions, due to the presence of resources and information within a secure system. McSporran expressed excitement regarding the deployment of the company’s Canadian solution, that will help the Royal Canadian Navy leverage the state of the art technology.
Kognitiv Spark is being considered as deserving the awarded contract, owing mainly to their industry-leading security offerings. The company has also built a reputation through its ongoing work with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army. It was also the recipient of the Microsoft IMPACT Innovation with Hardware award.
