Using a Mixed Reality Platform to Improve Shipboard Maintenance and Repairs
Many workers skilled in shipboard maintenance and repair are retiring, leaving a skills gap when younger workers come aboard without the same level of experience. In support of the waterfront, Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) has a long history of providing top-notch subject matter experts (SMEs). To build on this success and address the needs of the deck-plate sailor, LCE has developed the Shipboard Equipment Assessment Coach (SEA Coach) Program. These coaches provide the qualified leadership and resources to help U.S. Navy ships assess their shipboard equipment, correct equipment casualties, ensure configuration control, increase operational availability and improved readiness.
LCE can now pair the expertise of its highly regarded SEA Coaches with Taqtile’s Manifest™ mixed reality platform to deliver digital transformation and productivity to frontline sailors and technicians.
For a new generation of sailors, this means their sole source of in-the-moment instruction is no longer just a procedure manual or SOP document. Using Taqtile’s Manifest™ mixed reality platform, LCE’s experienced SEA Coaches can easily capture step-by-step instructions for equipment operations, configuration, repair and maintenance using the HoloLens (and/or PC+web browser) to overlay steps on real-world equipment. They can capture audio, video, text, and bookmarked documents to best describe the task at hand. This approach helps sailors build their capabilities in numerous ways:
On-the-job assistance: Sailors and technicians can follow step-by-step procedures overlaid upon equipment or its digital equivalent. Content provides assistance tailored to how they best consume and learn information.
Job preparation: Before attempting a large or unfamiliar job, sailors and technicians can pre-visualize the task to be done over real-world equipment or digital twins.
Virtual SEA Coach: In a two-way live interaction with an SME, trainees and new recruits can seek guidance on performing a difficult task or overcoming obstacles.
