DAQRI creates next gen construction hard hat with Intel and Augmented Reality

Intel-powered, IR augmented reality hard hat. A proposed Intel powered hard hat allows electrician’s and construction workers to see inside walls and appliances to find out where potentially dangerous faults are without the hassle. The hard hat uses thermal imaging and augmented reality glasses to instruct the user. (via DAQRI)

It seems that technology is heating up in the industrial industry with DAQRI’s latest hard hat, called the DAQRI Smart Helmet. The smart helmet uses thermal imaging, an Intel Core m7 processor, and Intel’s recent RealSense technology to allow the wearer to see through objects to determine whether there are any faults. Not only does the 3D RealSense camera and thermal imaging allow users to look through objects to find faults, but the helmet incorporates a 4D augmented reality display that can show the user how to fix the fault real-time.

The helmet is meant for use at construction sites so that electricians and pipe-layers can work to spot faults in wiring, gas lines, and water lines quickly without taking things apart. It’s targeted at the aerospace, construction, and oil and gas industry right now. In theory, the instruction overlay which uses the Augmented Reality (AR) display would also teach a less experienced person exactly how to fix it, step-by-step. However, I shudder to think how many actual electricians would actually need AR to ‘teach’ them how to do something they’ve been doing for years. I could see construction companies replacing experienced workers with novices using a smart helmet to cut some costs. Sigh, another technology replacing good jobs. The new DAQRI helmet is set to enter the retail market in Q1 of this year – so it should be out now but their website doesn’t offer purchase details.

Their smart helmet did do a series of trial runs with Fortune 100 companies including Vinci Energies, KSP Steel, and Hyperloop. The helmet uses an industrial, 360-degree sensor array to power its HD 3D video that uses RealSense to track the users surroundings and spot things that may need fixing. The instructional AR can then tell them how to adjust pressure gauges or how to rewire something. There is also a Skype-like interface that allows them to speak with an expert when needed.

Intel is exceedingly happy about this new market because they’ve been trying to get away from being just for computers for years. Now, they are entering into the corporate market for the Internet of Things and their directors seems pretty confident about it. The new DAQRI helmet is certainly filled with cutting edge tech. I wonder how it will actually take-off with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies.

In another sense, as time goes on and this technology becomes cheaper, these smart helmets could provide the basis for new AR Gaming technology and platforms. Perhaps a helmet like this can also provide the basis for an entirely new immersive controller. It would certainly be fun for the consumer market, although currently way out of the average consumer’s price range. If Intel and DAQRI can bring this to market this quickly, however, I can’t wait to see what else they have cooking at R&D.

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