by Brianna Crandall — May 22, 2020 — Artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) company Resonai recently launched the Vera AR computer vision platform, which CommScope, a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, is now using to enable remote operation and maintenance of communications infrastructure to reduce physical exposure to smart building equipment and other individuals during the COVID-19 shutdowns and as buildings begin to reopen.
Resonai’s Vera platform
Vera is an AR computer vision platform designed to transform physical spaces into intelligent digital assets by creating intelligent “digital twins.” Augmented reality combines the real world with the virtual world; for example, using a photo of a real space and adding layers of digital information to it. Resonai’s Vera technology embeds intelligence into a physical space so that any device can navigate through it, apply logic, and continuously learn from the surroundings.
In commercial real estate, Vera applications are being used across the building life cycle. Vera apps for Maintenance & Operations of buildings, that combine indoor search and navigation, smart ticketing systems, AR tutorials for devices, preventive maintenance tools, access control systems and vision-based internet of things (IoT) controllers, are demonstrating strong return on investment (ROI), according to Resonai.
For example, tenants can use an app to easily report maintenance problems on their mobile phones, while technicians receive navigation instructions to the problem along with relevant data, and can even see “behind walls” to make repairs, according to a Vera user.
The company lists additional benefits for retail and entertainment facilities.
CommScope partners with Resonai to enhance AR for smart buildings
CommScope is working with Resonai to explore building an application based on Resonai’s Vera platform to leverage the benefits of AR for installation, operation and maintenance of communications infrastructure in a building or campus environment. This expands CommScope’s focus on automated infrastructure management to include Vera’s AR cloud technology along with several CommScope in-building connectivity products.
Augmented reality (AR) technology can enable a user to identify and locate faulty smart building equipment from a distance. Image courtesy CommScope
Companies today can create a three-dimensional (3D) digital representation of a physical space. But there are very few AR platforms on the market that can generate a highly accurate and very precise “intelligent” digital twin needed to address real business issues, according to CommScope. This technology allows building owners and operators to leverage the computing power of the AR cloud to create new user experiences that were previously impossible, gain access to a whole new level of user analytics, and even identify new monetization models from the digital real estate that is created.
For example, this type of AR application enables a user to expediently identify and locate faulty smart building equipment, identify accurate placement and installation of new equipment, access step-by-step guidance for maintenance tasks, and perform these activities with equal efficiencies in a small or large building.
Ernie Pickens, senior vice president of Enterprise Solutions, CommScope, stated:
CommScope continues to explore unique ways for our campus and building customers to operate their networks more effectively and more efficiently. Our work with Resonai in augmented reality continues to show promise and opens up collaboration opportunities across the intelligent building ecosystem.
Emil Alon, CEO and founder of Resonai, commented:
We’re thrilled to be working with CommScope to demonstrate how AR can improve business functionality on a global scale. Once a building is converted into an intelligent digital twin in the AR cloud, CommScope and its customers can access applications that will have direct, tangible impact on business operations.
CommScope first announced its work with AR technology back in April of 2018. At that time the efforts were focused on augmented reality (AR) with CommScope’s imVision automated infrastructure management solution to help customers “see” what the naked eye cannot. Some of this initial work included visualization of cable pathways above a ceiling and identification of which outlets have power over ethernet (PoE) capability.
For more information and a video demonstration, see the Vera at CommScope webpage.
