AR Collaboration tools are used to train, collaborate, and provide technical support from a remote environment using augmented reality (AR) applications. AR Collab tools are often used to provide remote support in fields such as maintenance, manufacturing, automotive, and utilities. In these fields, users can connect hardware such as phones, tablets, or AR glasses to software that provides them with visual instructions showing them how to conduct maintenance on any given piece of equipment. An example would be a piece of machinery that has broken down, and now a fieldworker must learn how to fix it. AR collaboration software can not only provide visual instructions that will show the worker exactly where the breakdown on the equipment is, but it can also connect him with a remote support team that can see exactly what the worker is seeing. Together they can collaborate on solving the problem using AR and visual instructions.
These tools are often implemented in remote support or maintenance departments so they can connect with field workers, even when they’re in an entirely different location. AR Collaboration tools can sometimes be connected to product data management (PDM) software or PLM software which allows users to easily upload 3D content with annotations and instructions. This way, when a worker opens up the AR remote collaboration software on a specific piece of equipment, all of the annotations and instructions on maintenance are already there.
To qualify for inclusion in the AR Collaboration Tools category, a product must:
- Upload necessary content directly to integrating hardware such as phones, tablets, or AR glasses
- Provide remote support assistance so users can connect with a support team to collaborate on any maintenance or work
- Allow users to draw digital annotations on a mobile screen or desktop that accurately stick to 3D physical objects in the real world
