Hands-free inspections: voice-controlled inspections with thermal camera and videoscopes

When your business is running 24/7 and every second counts, downtime is simply not an option.

Carrying out inspections is time-consuming with the need for documentation and recording of photos or video, which can be life-threatening in the case of, for example, work at height. Voice-controlled smart glasses free up both hands for workers to work with, making inspection more efficient.

By combining smart glasses or augmented reality glasses with a videoscope or thermal camera, you can cover many inspections in your company along with photo/video recording. You will make your work easier, and you will also be able to minimize the subsequent post-production work with data by automating processes using Microsoft PowerApps, or automatic media uploads to OneDrive, etc.

Inspections with FLIR thermal imaging camera

The thermal camera module is a unit with two cameras: a standard 48MP + temperature sensor, designed for RealWear smart glasses. It provides a variation of functionalities that are controlled by voice commands. Diagnose electrical revisions, motors and pumps with a thermal camera with the ability to adjust the thermal and color image mode and additional camera functionalities: infrared images, thermal images, heat trace level, image zoom. An important element is to set the distance of the object from the thermal camera for the most accurate determination of the thermal footprint.

It is a technology developed by Teledyne FLIR, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of infrared products and a global leader in thermal technology. The robust design of the thermal camera module is designed for sufficient protection in the field of industry.

The advantage is easy work with recorded media, which is stored automatically in the internal memory of the smart glasses and automatic synchronization to OneDrive can be set, which will immediately make the media available online for the possibility of integrating other 3rd party applications (TeamViewer, Microsoft PowerApps). For more detailed thermal image analysis, the thermal imaging module is compatible with the FLIR Thermal Suite for viewing radiometric images, with temperature data built into the image for unparalleled accuracy.

Inspections with WiScope endoscope – for performing mainly internal revisions

WiScope is a videoscope that pairs with devices with an external screen (tablet, smart glasses). It offers all the features of an HD videoscope. Its digital features allow you to live stream control or save images and videos to the cloud. In conjunction with smart glasses, digital functions are controlled by voice commands, so the technician can see exactly the objects on the display of the glasses that are recorded by the endoscope camera.

A wide range of fixed and articulated imagers are available, with front and dual cameras to customize the tool for specific applications. The design of the imager is resistant to industrial liquids and hot environment. Most imagers have two cameras for direct and side view with HD image quality and autofocus.

Easy work with data in the form of automatic storage of recorded media online on the server or integration with 3rd party applications (e.g. TeamViewer).

Identify leaks, scratches, signs of wear, cracks by zooming in and out of the image, turning on the flashlight, or increasing brightness in dark areas of the pipe.

Inspections with WiTorch videoscope – for inspecting mainly outdoor objects

WiTorch is the first Full HD video flashlight designed to improve service and inspection processes. It combines a barcode, QR code, and OCR reader with the ability to capture images and videos. Its noise-canceling microphone helps you pick up the right sounds so that voice memos can be heard clearly in any environment. WiTorch has been designed for operations in a wide range of use cases where mobility is required in harsh and dark industrial environments. Its high-quality WiFi features seamlessly connect the device to the WiFi network in wide production halls. Industrial-resistant design with IP54 protection.

A unique videoscope with excellent user feedback and the possibility of using it on a tablet or in conjunction with smart glasses for assisted reality (RealWear, Almer) but also for mixed reality (HoloLens 2). Easy control via voice commands with a variety of functionalities and autofocus.

Easy work with data in the form of automatic storage of recorded media online on the server or integration with 3rd party applications (e.g. TeamViewer).

Inspections with these technologies have many benefits of use. The media is stored directly on the server for immediate revision and control or will be used in the future for the purposes of quality proofing, auditing or training of new employees. The built-in media recording function also increases safety at work and eliminates the need to work with other devices (smartphone, camera, etc.) or write data into paper documents. By freeing up both hands of the worker, they can reduce the time of inspections and save many hours per week. By controlling the thermal camera and videoscope with smart glasses with voice controls, even one worker can perform complex tasks. Increase your margins by completing inspections faster and using workers’ time more efficiently.

We have already had several satisfied customers, read their stories below:

CUSTOMER STORY 1: Creating reports from inspections of each machine at the largest oil supplier. After the delivery of the solution, the following benefits were observed:

• Reduction of time from 40 hours to 5 hours for report preparation = 8x faster speed of report creation.
• Drastic cost reduction for creating one report by one person = 85% cost savings.
• Implementation of Inspectron increased operational efficiency and allowed technicians to focus on higher-value tasks.

CUSTOMER STORY 2: Quality control and service in the automotive industry. After the delivery of the solution, the following benefits were observed:

• Reduction of the time per inspection by 20 minutes, thanks to faster reading of text on parts and immediate recording of photos on an online server and subsequent optical inspection.
• Connecting Inspectron tools to HoloLens 2 glasses has accelerated the time to approve necessary adjustments by 4 times, thanks to the transfer of the image from the videoscope to a Teams call with other technicians and managers online.
• Stored video recording of the service and inspection, created by the videoscope, for the purpose of preserving evidence, thus reducing the number of complaints and the costs of dispute resolution

CUSTOMER STORY 3: Inspections of electrical cabinets and wiring to ensure a constant temperature at the client’s premises in the energy industry. Observed benefits after using smart glasses with a thermal camera module:

• 50% higher efficiency of the inspection worker thanks to the freedom of both hands for work.
• 50% reduction in labor per inspection, as complete inspections with a record could be carried out by one employee.
• 80% savings in the employee’s time for photo categorization thanks to automatic media upload to OneDrive with automatic sorting and reporting using Power Apps.

At AYES, we understand that working hours need to be constantly streamlined, and care must be taken to protect the company in resolving disputes that arise. We will be happy to advise you on the analysis and definition of new fundamentals, with the subsequent selection of the right smart glasses and software. We will advise and guide you through the procedures for setting up processes to meet the company’s security policy and data protection.