DAQRI puts Android inside a hard hat for some AR help

Smartwatches, fitness bands, Google Glass, Gear VR. All these fancy Android devices were designed with consumers in mind. But what about customers that need something more robust for industrial scenarios? Chances are, they're out of luck. That is, until augmented reality developer DAQRI jumped on the case.

It might, at first, seem a bit strange that industrial workers would be using augmented reality, but DAQRI believes that AR can make them more efficient, work safer, and, in the process, be happier. The use case, like many AR applications currently already available, is to overlay information on top of real-world objects. It gets a bit interesting when you throw in more than just maps or places. In theory, users will be able to look at instrumentation, equipment, and whatnot and overlay information such as previous data, optimal working conditions, and more. They could even do so from a distance, which could add an element of safety for the worker. They could even restart equipment, especially remote controlled ones, right then and there if they see that it isn't turned on yet.

In terms of form, the DAQRI Smart Helmet looks like fusion of a hard hat and a bicycle helmet. There is a visor that protects not just the user's face but also the two glass displays where the AR overlays get projected. The helmet is equipped with a camera array that will give users a 360-degree view of the whole environment. Pulling off these AR tricks, plus the sensors needed to make them possible, will be expensive in terms of processing power, so DAQRI will be employing two Snapdragon chips. The exact hardware details are not yet known at this time.

Software-wise, DAQRI developed its own Intellitrack tracking technology on top of Android. As for user interaction, DAQRI seems to be shooting for the moon, which involves projecting a HUD interface that can be controlled via gestures on a paired smartwatch.

These are definitely interesting ideas that, if executed well, can put AR on the map as something that is more than just a toy. That said, they say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we won't get to taste, or even a glimpse, of this particular treat until it launches in October with pricing details in tow.

VIA: Engadget