Mobile Remote Assistance with Augmented Reality Applied in a Power Distribution Utility: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

In Industry 4.0 scenario, new technologies have emerged to improve daily industrial activities. Among these technologies, Remote Assistance (RA) techniques adoption is growing in several sectors, in order to improve cooperation between staffs. This approach combined with Augmented Reality (AR) can be even more effective and assertive during the interactions. In the specific context of Power Distribution Utilities (PDU), an efficient communication between the electricians is usually required. With this in mind, this paper presents a qualitative analysis of the testing, deployment and operation of a RA with AR system applied in a PDU from São Paulo Metropolitan Region. This evaluation was performed through a survey with a group of 98 electricians over four months using the technology. The survey included questions about adequacy, usability, communication, applicability and acceptance of the system. The results showed more than 80% of positive and neutral rates of the technology in all evaluated qualitative features.