BMW is in the midst of developing an Augmented Reality maintenance system for its mechanics. You can see how this can increase efficiency, virtually eliminate errors and reduce training even for extremely complex maintenance.
Although, I believe this is a concept video rather than an actual video of the system in action, you can see some of the key goals. A wireless lightweight headset, voice recognition, animated visual augmentation as well as verbal guidance.
An anthropomorphic (resembling a human) robot that can walk and crawl, has human like movements and size has been developed to test chemical warfare protection clothing for the US Army.
One of the most striking features of this robot is that it can remain standing even when you attempt to knock it over.
The Engineering and robotics design company Boston Dynamics is also responsible for the development of several other robots primarily for military applications at present.
Is this dumb or brilliant, you decide? There is no doubt you will look silly wearing this but for anyone on a budget this may be a cheap way to experience virtual reality. All you need is an Android phone with Streetview, a cardboard box and a few other easily found items.
By David Y Tan Oct 27, '09
Repairing and maintaining your car and complex machinery will never be the same again. AR Technology being developed at Columbia University in cooperation with the US military shows the mechanic in real time what to do next.
Virtual images of parts to be replaced, the bolts that need to be removed and even the direction they need to be turned are superimposed on the real-time view of the engine.
Not surprisingly, studies have shown that the AR "repair manual" is much more effective than the traditional 2D computer screen based version of the same instructions.
Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License 
