In one of our previous blogs, we delved into the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT). However, an aspect we didn’t explore was the synergy between Mixed Reality and the Internet of Things.

The pivotal contribution that IoT brings to Mixed Reality is real-time data integration. This infusion of real-time data empowers users to make informed decisions, vastly enhancing the impact of Mixed Reality and opening up unprecedented possibilities. The question becomes simple: would you prefer an employee to base their actions on rough estimations or well-informed choices bolstered by live data?

While the number of proof-of-concept and use cases utilizing this combination is still relatively modest compared to overall Mixed Reality usage, the outcomes are highly promising and continue to reshape operational paradigms.

At CraneMorley, our collaboration with Microsoft has resulted in the utilization of HoloLens and IoT to assist technicians in executing maintenance procedures. The complete published article can be accessed here for a comprehensive overview. In essence, our project addresses the challenges automotive technicians confront with vehicles that are arduous to repair. The proof of concept entails displaying OBD-II readouts on the HoloLens headset as the technician works on the car. When an issue is diagnosed, the technician is guided through the repair process.

The ramifications of this undertaking extend beyond time efficiency to potential cost savings for car companies, circumventing the implications of the Lemon Law. A relatively obscure law to the general populace, the Lemon Law safeguards consumers when their vehicle is faulty and remains irreparable after a “reasonable” number of attempts. By diagnosing and rectifying issues proactively, this proof of concept aids companies in averting vehicle repurchases.

Another instance where IoT seamlessly integrates with Mixed Reality is the remote operation of machinery, exemplified in the video above. In this scenario, IoT furnishes real-time data crucial for the remote operation of the crane. Coupled with spatial mapping, IoT serves as a sentinel, alerting users to potential hazards and mitigating errors. The HoloLens and Mixed Reality afford users a perspective akin to an in-person experience, enabling autonomous crane operation.

The potential application of this synergy is far-reaching and transformative. Virtually any domain that utilizes technology and machinery can adopt this model. Factory workers could remotely operate machinery, much like the aforementioned use case. Militaries could save lives by remotely operating tanks, planes, and drones from secure locations.

These examples provide just a glimpse of how Mixed Reality and the Internet of Things intertwine. One certainty remains: the potential is boundless, and the impact is poised to be life-changing.