Augmented reality for installers

• The ARSuL project: data glasses offer technical assistance in the field

• Positive feedback following initial practical applications

• Vaillant tests ARSuL on the new ecoTEC exclusive gas-fired condensing boiler

Vaillant presents the results of augmented reality research project ARSuL (short for “Augmented Reality Support and Learning”) at the ISH 2019 in Frankfurt am Main. The augmented reality headset overlays the real-world environment with information displayed through the Microsoft HoloLens data glasses. ARSuL acts as a digital aid for installers in the field. When it comes to servicing or repairing heating units, the data glasses can show next steps, highlight relevant components or provide additional information from the operating and installation manual. In doing so, the data glasses communicate, for instance, with a Vaillant server where all the necessary data are stored, or with an experienced member of staff from the installer’s company who can give the colleague specific on-the-job advice. The project, which was developed together with three universities, is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and also involves the German Central Agency for Advanced Training in the Skilled Trades (ZWH).

Several scenarios for the practical application of ARSuL have already been tested by around 50 subjects across three vocational training institutes. The results were impressive, the subjects’ feedback extremely positive. As a next step, Vaillant will test the use of ARSuL on the new gas-fired condensing boiler ecoTEC exclusive together with four installers under real-life conditions. Everyday issues such as how the data glasses hold up in bad lighting in a cellar or when there is a poor internet connection will then be noted. Visitors to the Vaillant booth at the ISH 2019 can try out the data glasses on the new ecoTEC exclusive.

About Vaillant

The Vaillant Group is an internationally active company based in Remscheid, Germany, which operates in the fields of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology. As one of the global market and technology leaders, the Vaillant Group develops and manufactures customised products, systems and services to provide a comfortable living environment. Its product portfolio ranges from efficient heating devices based on conventional energy sources to system solutions for using renewable energy. In the financial year 2020, the company, which has been family-owned since its foundation in 1874, generated sales of more than €2.7 billion with its workforce of about 15,000.