ABB Electrification’s Service business recently launched a pair of interactive remote support offerings that use immersive extended reality.
“By giving customers access to the latest immersive technology, we can connect ABB experts to customer issues, wherever they are in the world, re-shaping the way we interact with them and enabling self-learning through first-rate support,” Stuart Thompson, head of service for ABB’s Electrification Business Area, said regarding the new “CLOSER” and “RAISE” services. “While the demand for remote assistance has been compounded by COVID-19, the significant benefits of these digital new solutions are compelling beyond the pandemic.”
CLOSER enables interactive troubleshooting via step-by-step guides and RAISE provides remotely guided repairs or maintenance support for ABB products, the company explained. Both platforms use augmented reality and overlay instructions on real equipment – features that ABB contends simplify maintenance, reduce downtime, and increase equipment effectiveness by improving the quality of repairs and speed of problem resolution.
ABB pointed out that it has already supported customers in more than 20 countries using CLOSER and RAISE. One RAISE user is SAICA, a European firm that develops and produces recycled paper for corrugated cardboard.
“We contacted ABB when an Emax breaker was tripping at our site in Zaragoza,” remarked SAICA’s David Barragan. “Using RAISE, we resolved the issue safely and eliminated travel time by removing the need for a site visit. The speed, agility, and functionality of this innovative technology is really impressive.”
