Augment Your Reality: A New Way to Maintain Aircraft
Jamco America, an established commercial aircraft interior and services provider, partnered with Object Theory, an early pioneer in mixed reality and preferred partner for Microsoft, to create a new training tool for efficient maintenance service to support customer needs. The Jamco AR (Augmented Reality) training tool is currently specifically designed for Jamco’s Venture Business Class Seat.
AR is the process of superimposing a three-dimensional computer-generated image onto a user’s view of the real world. This means the user can see a composite view that guides them through key maintenance tasks, according to John Cornell, senior manager, Research and Development for Jamco America.
How it Stacks Up
Why did Jamco America develop this product to replace the existing maintenance training process? Cornell noted the current product maintenance training is effective, but it relies on video tutorials, face-to-face demonstrations and written training guides with supporting component maintenance manuals. Having all of these in one place allows Jamco to provide more efficient maintenance services for its customers.
“Jamco AR is a HoloLens (headset AR) and iOS (handheld device) app that allows trainee mechanics to work on their products hands-free, in real time, without the need to refer to a separate manual,” he said. “Documents like the component maintenance manual will be easily accessible within the AR device. The combination of visual guidance and textual information provides a field-ready, efficient and comprehensive maintenance tool to solve problems as they arise.”
The system audibly communicates step-by-step instructions to the user as computer-generated images create a guiding overlay on the product the user is working on. The user has complete control over the pace of their work because they can select when they are ready to proceed to the next step.
The device also is helpful in international troubleshooting situations, as well. Sometimes, aircraft interior products require additional troubleshooting as they travel to destinations around the globe. The AR system can help provide mechanics in the field access to whatever assistance is needed, no matter where in the world they are.
Jamco America’s product support representative can also communicate in real time with mechanics using the remote assist feature. Both individuals can see the same product and work together to resolve a customer’s issue.
Who Can Use Jamco’s AR Technology?
Cornell said the target audience for the training tool are airlines that get interiors products from Jamco.
“Specifically, the targeted users are the maintenance groups within the airline companies that are tasked with maintaining the products Jamco sells,” he noted. “In the aerospace industry, this type of technology is used for aircraft engine maintenance, overall aircraft systems training and more. Jamco aims to provide the same features and benefits for their interior products as well.”
How Will This Technology Improve?
The Jamco AR training tool is a relatively new invention. The Proof of Concept (PoC) pilot was launched in 2019 and the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) was launched in early 2021. Jamco hasn’t made any updated to the product since it launched, but plans to do so in the future.
“We plan to include updates and features that Microsoft adds to their HoloLens OS to continue to grow with the technology,” Cornell noted.
He said so far, user feedback has been helpful in developing the product and mold it into an even better product.
“Users have helped guide the development of the app along the way to make it as user-friendly and intuitive as possible,” Cornell explained. “Feedback from our target customers is especially informative. In general, they tell us that this technology can improve the training experience, efficiency and retention of training information.”
