Managing Authority:		Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus
Program:		Research for Technological Development and Innovation
Project Title:		Mobile AR Assisted Maintenance
Company Name:		A.R.M.E.S. Ltd, University of Cyprus, Elysee Irrigation Ltd
Project Start Date:		01/11/2010
Project End Date:		31/10/2012
Funding:		€ 150.000

Efficient manufacturing is reaching new dimensions making increasing use of modern technology. 3D visualization, vision and augmented reality (AR) are increasingly used for systematic maintenance, system upgrades and optimisation of the running of the increasingly complex machinery. Those efforts pay off in the achievement of top productivity and product quality and in the reduction of downtime and waste raw material.

This project is about building a portable and flexible platform (MainViz portable) for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets etc) using 3D visualisation, vision and augmented reality (AR) to aid achieving optimal machinery efficiency. Further to the development of this broad scope platform, this project proposes the optimisation and validation of the platform in a factory in Cyprus.

The basic objectives of the project are:

• To test and validate the system in the manufacturing industry for the optimisation of the process of changing the moulds in the injection moulding machines

This project shall be realised through a partnership comprising three mostly relevant partners. Two are Cypriot SMEs and one research institution.

With this project the three following profits are achieved for the partners:

• A.R.M.E.S. expands its range of products for maintenance in the manufacturing industry to mobile devices. It also adds 3D rendering and vision to its modules making it a leader in this market sector.
• Technology developed at UCY will be able to gain recognition though publications and through its potential future use by local companies.
• Elysee Irrigation raises awareness amongst staff in the addressed process and familiarises with the novel technology. On a long term it might be able to implement a similar solution factory wide.

The experience gained by the two Cyprus SMEs in developing this novel platform will create long term benefits.

The general objective is for A.R.M.E.S. to develop a visualisation and AR platform for mobile devices and to test and optimise the platform in an industrial environment (here: injection moulding machines of the manufacturer Elysee Irrigation). The work combines an industrial research part on visualisation and AR for mobile devices part as well as a precompetitive development part consisting of a trial in a factory allowing for optimisation and validation of the concept.

With this new platform A.R.M.E.S. completes its range of maintenance enhancing tools. Moving to mobile devices and adding real time rendering in parallel to vision and AR for mobile devices, represents a major technology asset. The testing and validation of a trial work performed at the manufacturer is adding crucial pre-competitive experience to A.R.M.E.S.

In the effort of optimising production by reducing downtime and reducing waste, Elysee Irrigation is looking for a system to assist the process of changing moulds. The aim is to streamline workflow and limit human error in the process. The participation of Elysee their R&D team and technicians in the project is sure to raise awareness amongst the staff but most of all will aid in familiarising the staff to novel visualisation technology for the benefit of the company. Further, Elysee’s expertise in manufacturing is vital for A.R.M.E.S. to develop a robust platform.