Augmented Reality Field Support System for Mitigating Workforce Shortages

Electric Grid maintenance and repair requires highly skilled labor to complete necessary critical tasks. Currently, much of the experienced- workforce is rapidly approaching retirement and there is the possibility of diminished appropriate skill level as well as the potential for lost institutional knowledge. In addition, technology is rapidly changing and the grid becoming more complex, making it challenging for the electric utility workforce to be expert in all aspects and systems of the grid. In order to mitigate these problems, a new system for training, support and reachback is required. RMD proposes a revolutionary use of new technology for field maintenance based on augmented reality (AR) and technology assisted training to integrate into the planning, management, training and operations aspects of remote maintenance. Using intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMI), a robust AR platform, and network secure communications, the system will offer powerful management tools and provide each maintainer with individualized guidance normally associated with an on-site expert human trainer. This effort is based on previous work done at RMD that provides an ideal platform for the development of the next generation field support system. The goal of Phase I is to show the feasibility of a field deployable augmented reality system that can be used to remotely supervise, as well as train, multiple crews deployed in the field. In Phase I, RMD will perform research and development that starts with a study of the systems in place to understand where the most significant impacts can be realized. The bulk of the work in Phase I will be to develop and prove the effectiveness of an appropriately integrated toolset for augmenting the interface between centralized supervisor and crew. RMD will conclude Phase I with a proof-of-concept prototype that demonstrates key aspects of a model system showing where and how the tool can benefit maintenance teams in the service or repair of complex grid systems.