Google Glass isn’t only designed for the consumers, but for designers, engineers and other professionals. Recently released into open beta, Google Glass is a unique new technology that constructs an overlay on reality through a small screen that is positioned just above the user’s eye. The device is also able to take pictures and video on command.
Using Google Glass for Oil & Gas Procedures
The oil and gas industries are filled with vital procedures, both for routine maintenance or troubleshooting. Google Glass can be used to give step-by-step information regarding what a technician should do on-site. This can be used to streamline workloads and successfully speed up maintenance and repair procedures. Google Glass could also give technicians valuable information such as optimal pump pressure or recorded pump pressure to help with any repairs, functionality that has already been developed for medical and energy industries. If the technician cannot successfully complete the repair, Google Glass could be used to contact further aid for the repair or maintenance task. Google Glass is also being used to create augmented reality and interactive interfaces in many industries, and a proof of concept for the oil industry has been created by David Vaucher:
Augmented Reality and the Heads Up Display
One of the major benefits of Google Glass over other technologies is its ability to create a heads-up display. Glass can highlight items that need to be repaired on a machine and show video clips to explain to the technician exactly what they need to do. Google Glass creates an “overlay” upon reality, and this can be used in a variety of ways. Google Glass can also be used as diagnostics; the Google Glass display could be used to automatically show the information regarding a component such as when it was installed and if there have been any prior reports.
Incident Reporting Through Google Glass
Should an incident occur on site, Google Glass can be used to record documentation: written, video and photographed. Google Glass can then be used to report the incidents and even give directions regarding how the technicians should proceed. This can become extremely important for those who need to report these incidents to insurance companies.
Traditionally, the oil and gas industry has been hesitant to move to new technology for reasons of safety; newer, unproven technologies have the potential to put technicians at risk. Google Glass, on the other hand, is a technology that can only increase safety and aid in meeting compliance and regulation standards.
Locational Knowledge and GPS Reporting
Google Glass can be used to offer safety warnings and report locations through the use of GPS. As an example, Google Glass could be used to warn technicians once they enter into a danger zone or attach GPS data to requests for help. Google Glass could also be used to give technicians detailed directions regarding how to locate a site, especially on a large site that may not otherwise be easy to navigate.
The oil and gas industry is extremely excited about the potential that Google Glass represents. While there may not be a large inventory of applications open now, anyone can develop for Google Glass just as anyone can develop for iOS or Android. Oil and gas companies will be able to create their own proprietary applications or take advantage of the applications that will undoubtedly flood the market once Google Glass completes its beta.