Gritec
I spy with my little eye
I see what you see
A hummingbird has just landed on Matthias Schwaninger’s hand. As if that were not unusual enough for the Prättigau, an astronaut suddenly floats beside him through the glass-walled meeting room at Gritec in Grüsch, Graubünden. Meanwhile, a miniature steam engine chugs away on a table at the other end of the room. Still, there is no need to call security or a zoologist. Schwaninger, Head of Digital Industry at Gritec, is simply demonstrating the seemingly limitless possibilities of HoloLens 2, the latest generation of Microsoft’s mixed reality headset. His employer is one of a small number of companies working closely with Microsoft Corporation to offer services for HoloLens applications.
“Interest in this headset is enormous,” says the engineer, lifting his visor. “It will transform technical communication in a significant way, bringing manufacturers and customers closer together.” An expert at the other end of an internet connection can give headset users precise instructions, guiding them through complex operating or maintenance procedures. Users see holograms of all kinds that show them exactly what to do. They can also arrange information and dialogue windows within their field of view, keeping everything they need for the task in sight. “For example, you can have an in-depth technical discussion about a complex machine, regardless of the distance between you,” Schwaninger explains.
This would allow Gritec to support the operation of systems anywhere in the world from its base in Grüsch, including the flow sensor production system it built for Hamilton Medical. Even if a system’s specialists are unavailable, work can continue: with the headset on, any employee can operate or maintain it. “For example, the maintenance process can be structured like a checklist. Users see exactly which step comes next and can only move on once they have completed it correctly.”
You do not need to lift a finger to use HoloLens 2 applications. They are controlled through eye tracking and voice commands, an approach the manufacturer calls “instinctual interaction”. In practice, this means “you find your way around extremely quickly”. A glance is enough to tame the hummingbird, while voice commands can summon background information about these fast-winged birds or a technical system.
It may sound like a novelty, but it has a practical purpose. HoloLens 2 adds a layer of digital information to your real surroundings. Problems that once required long journeys and lengthy waits can now be resolved in minutes. Headset on, visor down, and Grüsch is on the line.
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This would allow Gritec to support the operation of systems anywhere in the world from its base in Grüsch, including the flow sensor production system it built for Hamilton Medical. Even if a system’s specialists are unavailable, work can continue: with the headset on, any employee can operate or maintain it. “For example, the maintenance process can be structured like a checklist. Users see exactly which step comes next and can only move on once they have completed it correctly.”
You do not need to lift a finger to use HoloLens 2 applications. They are controlled through eye tracking and voice commands, an approach the manufacturer calls “instinctual interaction”. In practice, this means “you find your way around extremely quickly”. A glance is enough to tame the hummingbird, while voice commands can summon background information about these fast-winged birds or a technical system.
It may sound like a novelty, but it has a practical purpose. HoloLens 2 adds a layer of digital information to your real surroundings. Problems that once required long journeys and lengthy waits can now be resolved in minutes. Headset on, visor down, and Grüsch is on the line.
