The public sector is often regarded as slow to adapt, while private companies are seen as the innovators that spark change.
But when it comes to XR technology, public sector organizations are breaking that stereotype. They’re willing to pioneer new use cases – and are seeing boosts to their productivity because of it.
Let’s explore 3 real-life use cases from the public and education sectors, and how private enterprises can adopt similar practices to boost their own productivity and ultimately increase profitability.
AR-Assisted Productivity & Cost Savings in Manufacturing
America’s naval vessels are seeing faster repairs with lower costs thanks to the rollout of smart glasses. The Augmented Reality Maintenance System (ARMS) allows on-board maintenance crews to transmit their point of view to subject matter experts [see featured image].
Rather than having to travel to the ship in question, these experts can now view maintenance issues remotely and advise the on-board teams with the repair process. Capt. Tony Holmes, Commanding Officer, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, said:
“If outside help is required to resolve an issue, and that issue can be resolved by over-the-shoulder assistance via ARMS, that is a good thing”
Early metrics are showing a 92% reduction in the time subject matter experts are devoting to an issue. The ARMS systems also led to a 94% cost avoidance when compared with legacy processes.
Augmented reality glasses could deliver improved outcomes for private sector manufacturers that deal with highly specialized machinery. Say goodbye to the days of transporting experts across the world to help with repairs.
Reducing the travel demands on specialized teams can also avert legal and immigration issues – in a time of increasing geopolitical barriers.
For example, immigration issues led to Korean Hyundai employees being detained at a soon-to-be opened car factory in Georgia, USA earlier this month. They had travelled there to train local workers and oversee final touches with the machinery, The Diplomat reports.
Enhanced Training for Those Difficult Workplace Conversations
Being able to practice real-world encounters in a virtual setting can enhance workplace training.
The Criminal Justice and Social Work department of one U.S. university is helping students take on real-world situations in the safety of the virtual world.
In its new VR Lab, students will face scenarios such as responding to domestic violence calls or encounters with individuals experiencing substance abuse issues – in collaboration with training company WRAP. Dr Katy Hancock, department chair of criminal justice and social work, said:
“While classroom learning gives students a chance to build theoretical knowledge and critical thought, the WRAP system allows them to apply those concepts in practice”
This opportunity is particularly relevant for HR departments and client-facing staff looking to upskill in valuable ‘soft skills’.
For example, HR managers could practice difficult workplace encounters, such as informing someone they didn’t get the promotion they were hoping for. For client managers, they could practice how best to deal with a dissatisfied customer.
Being able to test themselves in a consequence-free virtual setting will give enterprise teams more confidence and preparation when the real-world situation arises.
Building Stronger Community Relations with Smarter Communication
For real-estate developers or enterprises looking to build new commercial spaces, it can be difficult to get the approval of local residents who are resistant to large projects ‘in their backyard’.
Plans for a 15,300 square foot retail and medical development were rejected this week in Florida after public disapproval of the project. The developers claimed that the development would provide valuable services to a rural community.
Putting proposals forward in an experiential digital format may help residents to imagine the opportunities on offer, more so than in a traditional planning consultation.
The local council of Watford, a town 15 miles northwest of London, took this tech-enabled approach ahead of the launch of new walking and cycling routes.
It communicated the project’s vision and garnered community buy-in by using a digital twin tool to create a 3D model of the town.
Local residents were invited to cycle down the proposed routes in virtual reality. This helped them to experience the new developments and emphasized the sustainability angle of The Green Loop, according to Local Government Chronicle.
The digital twins innovation was widely praised – ultimately winning an excellence award from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Lessons and Next Steps
Public sector bodies and large educational establishments have the stability to be able to take risks on innovations, such as XR technology – where perhaps some private sector enterprises do not. Businesses should be monitoring these developments to see what works and what is worth investing in.
Clearly AR, VR, and digital twins systems played a role in the success of these projects. It was these innovators that were rewarded for daring to explore the potential of XR.
The question now is: Which private sector organizations will be first to identify and realize these opportunities for themselves?
Featured Image: Courtesy of U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command. Photo By: Jhon Parsons
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