Augmented reality making inroads in daily oil and gas activities

GlobalData’s latest thematic report, “Augmented Reality in Oil and Gas,” highlights the increasing adoption of augmented reality (AR) technology in the oil and gas industry.

AR is still evolving as a technology in the oil and gas industry and has the potential to disrupt the traditional operational functions over the next three to five years. Early adopters of AR in oil and gas, have noticed promising capabilities for this technology in various test cases, ranging across functions, such as inspection and maintenance, monitoring applications, employee training and on-field worker safety.

AR facilitates field technician to maintain a digital checklist of regular maintenance-related tasks. AR can provide the technicians with notifications and reminders on pending tasks, helping them to adhere to timelines and accordingly plan their activities.

The applications of AR can help improve safety at the oilfields by efficiently relaying necessary information in real time. Oil and gas workplaces must adhere to strict safety regulations due to the hazardous working environments and the presence of highly flammable entity. Timely information and directives can be overlaid for the field operative to take appropriate action to ensure safe undertaking of any task.

Oil and gas companies are collaborating with tech companies like Microsoft and Google to develop industry-specific AR solutions. Tech start-ups are also joining in the effort to develop customized AR solutions for the specific needs of the oil and gas companies.

Some of the leading oil and gas players in the AR theme are Baker Hughes, BP, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Saudi Arabian Oil Co, and Schlumberger. Some of the leading AR technology providers for oil and gas industry are Google, Amazon, Facebook, Fieldbit, Magic Leap, Microsoft, and Unity.