Augmented Reality in Oil & Gas: The Opportunities

Opportunities for the potential of technology in Augmented Reality (AR) in the oil and gas industry continue to grow as we begin to move beyond traditional applications. Augmented Reality (AR).?The applications of AR can help improve safety at the oilfields by efficiently relaying necessary information in real time. Oil and gas workplaces must adhere to strict safety regulations due to the hazardous working environments and the presence of highly flammable entity. Timely information and directives can be overlaid for the field operative to take appropriate action to ensure safe undertaking of any task.

Distinguishing between AR and VR

The terms augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are sometimes used interchangeably. There are indeed some similarities.?While both technologies allow the user to see things that aren’t physically present, some notable differences exist.

AR combines the physical world with digital elements, typically using a tablet or headset. For example, a user can employ AR in a retail store to navigate the aisles or use it to figure out how a piece of furniture might look in their existing room.

VR, on the other hand, completely immerses the user in the digital world by shutting out the physical one. By putting on a VR headset, the user is transported into space, under the sea’s surface, or into the cockpit of a fighter jet, enabling them to move around in a three-dimensional “world” and take various actions.

Predictive Analysis with AR enabled Smart Wearables

Predictive analytics in oil & gas are leveraged through a range of wearable devices, which can support field engineers in determining and predicting their safety. Vests monitor heart rate, blood pressure, air quality, geolocation, weather conditions, and other safety precaution metrics. Goggles measure eye movement for evidence of fatigue, disorientation, and other signs of visual impairment. Two-way communication provides real-time information, task support, and contextual information (e.g., team location) to relevant personnel, who can halt work as needed to maintain employee safety. In addition, oil & gas safety analytics help identify key drivers of workplace incidents to focus resources and planning where they will have the most impact.

Amplified Worker Intelligence

Augmented Reality overlays in smart glass hardware like safety eyewear, windshields, helmets and other wearables can help improve worker awareness, safety, effectiveness and productivity. Real-time data can be relayed between two points between smart connected AR devices and base stations for example for quick decision making.

Field Assets Maintenance

AR overlays smart glass hardware in the oil & gas industry can help improve worker safety and effectiveness by providing visual clues and indicators, process steps, and repair and operation instructions. For example, gesture-control armbands can initiate a video conference between an on-site worker and a remote expert, who can see what the worker sees, talk them through a set of tasks, and provide annotated instructions on the worker's augmented display. With a head nod or tilt, the worker can maintain a digital log or "checklist" of completed activities and create new notations via voice as the repair is being made. Best practices are stored, maintained, and implemented globally.

Field Personnel Training

AR-enabled applications are used to train and familiarize new personnel with the standard procedures instead of handbooks and manuals.

Some of the leading IOCs like Baker Hughes, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Schlumberger are already big players in the AR space by collaborating with top AR technology providers like?Microsoft and Google to develop industry-specific AR solutions.

AR is still evolving as a technology in the oil and gas industry and has the potential to disrupt the traditional operational functions over the next three to five years. Early adopters of AR in oil and gas, have noticed promising capabilities for this technology in various test cases, ranging across functions, such as inspection and maintenance, monitoring applications, employee training and on-field worker safety.