Wearable tech to cut down maintenance costs and time for big industries

Organisations in the commercial, regional and defence aerospace industry may soon no longer need to fly in specialist engineers or mechanics to assist on-site operators with aircraft repairs and maintenance thanks to new hands-free wearable technology from the CSIRO.

The Guardian Mentor Remote (GMR) wearable technology system comprises a headset and glasses to remotely connect experts with technicians so they can provide real-time assistance.

Australian aerospace company TAE will commercialise CSIRO’s GMR under a new licensing agreement making it available to the global aerospace industry.

According to Andrew Sanderson, managing director of TAE, the technology has 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," 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."

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

"We see huge potential for GMR in a number of settings including the general manufacturing, mining, automotive, paper and pulp and rail industries," said Dr Marcel Bick from CSIRO's Manufacturing Flagship.

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

Image courtesy of CSIRO.