Sweden, April 2016 – Augmented reality software and smart glasses from Swedish company XMReality have enabled automation and drive system manufacturer Bosch Rexroth to roll out a new service and support programme with remote assistance.

The first Rexroth solution launched for industrial hydraulics is called Hägglunds InSight Live. The support programme involves the client company’s own maintenance team in carrying out adjustments, troubleshooting and emergency work, with guidance from Bosch Rexroth’s systems specialists back at base.

Using the software from XMReality with an ordinary smartphone, tablet or laptop, along with the optional smart glasses, the local service engineer works directly with one of the in-house experts at Bosch Rexroth.

The system was initially used by Bosch Rexroth in Sweden but is now being rolled out in other selected countries. Potentially, any of Bosch Rexroth’s 375,000 (30k+ employees in Rexroth) personnel worldwide can access the system.

“Bosch Rexroth provides world-class services and we constantly strive to implement new and innovative ways to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. Using XM Reality’s platform, we are now able to offer a remote service portfolio that ensures help, assistance and our specialist expertise are available for both planned and unplanned situations,” says Rory Moore, Service Business Development Manager for Hägglunds Products at Bosch Rexroth.

“We are proud of now being classified as an Essential Supplier in Bosch's global purchasing system,” says XMReality´s CEO Johan Castevall.

“This is a confirmation of the importance of our remote guidance solution has in modern industrial ways of working,” Castevall adds.

The augmented reality smart glasses from XMReality enable hands-free operation during the interaction with the service experts, but the software can also be used with just an ordinary smartphone. The service expert sees on his screen what the operator sees through the lens. The software transfers video and audio streams between the service expert and the operator with perfect synchronisation, even when the bandwidth is low. Gestures, drawings or instructions can be overlaid by the instructor on the live image.

The XMReality software is compatible with Windows and Android operating systems. The optional smart glasses, which enable hands-free operation, can be used with prescription glasses or protective goggles. Their 40° field of vision enables the instructor to see the periphery of the image – augmented reality glasses can often only offer 15-30° field of vision. The smart glasses are powered by the tablet or laptop computer and battery life is usually around two hours, depending on battery size.

XMReality serves a global industrial segment with solutions for efficient field service. The solutions help customers perform services faster, more cost-effectively and with higher quality.

Economical, precise, safe, and energy efficient: drive and control technology from Bosch Rexroth moves machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation to develop innovative components as well as tailored system solutions and services. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drives and controls, gear technology, and linear motion and assembly technology all from one source.