Wearable tech. lands key role in aerospace

AUSTRALIAN aerospace company TAE is commercialising CSIRO’s Guardian Mentor Remote (GMR) wearable technology system, making it available to the global aerospace industry.

According to TAE managing director Andrew Sanderson, commercial, regional and defence aircraft operators will be able to reduce aircraft down-time and maintenance costs by using new wearable technologies that can remotely connect technicians with aviation experts from around the world. 

TAE has struck a licensing agreement with CSIRO, which developed the prototype GMR systems.

GMR is hands-free technology that uses a headset and glasses to connect experts with onsite operators so they can provide real-time assistance.

Companies will be able to undertake aircraft and engine repairs and maintenance without having to fly in specialist engineers or mechanics.

Mr Sanderson said TAE saw the technology had huge potential to bring down maintenance costs for airlines, particularly those in regional locations.

“In the aerospace industry, costs associated with aircraft downtime are a critical issue,” Mr Sanderson said.

“If a plane’s not operational, it can cost a company up to $12,000 per hour. Therefore, any technology that makes maintenance easier, and helps bring down repair times is a valuable investment.

“Using the GMR system, it is just like the expert is in the room with you, even if they’re in another state or even another country.

“That means there is no more waiting days to get aircraft back up and running.”

The GMR system consists of a helper station and an operator station, which both use a wearable computer with a helmet-mounted camera and a near-eye display.

The display provides a shared visual space, allowing the off-site expert to demonstrate what needs to be done using a pair of virtual hands.

According to Marcel Bick from CSIRO’s Manufacturing Flagship, technologies like GMR are helping Australian companies create more intelligent industrial environments. 

“Robotic and digital solutions are improving operating safety and efficiency for Australian industry. As we have increased access to high-speed broadband, this makes the possibilities even more exciting,” Dr Bick said. 

“The GMR prototype has already been trialled by Boeing and Aviation Australia. With TAE commercialising the technology, from later this year it will be available to aerospace companies around the world.”

As well as boosting efficiency in the aerospace industry, GMR could also be used for a range of other applications, according to Dr Bick.

“We see huge potential for GMR in a number of settings including the general manufacturing, mining, automotive, paper and pulp and rail industries,” Dr Bick said.

“It could even be used to provide remote medical assistance for field health workers and emergency scenarios.”

TAE started in New Zealand as an engineering and maintenance firm and was this year bought out by its Australia-based management team.

www.tae.com.au

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