When it comes to elevator repair and maintenance, there has always been an element of difficulty and risk. The industry has developed many innovative solutions over the decades, with virtual reality (VR) tools being the latest and most creative of them. So the next time your elevator repair serviceman visits you, it is highly likely that they could be wearing a specially designed VR headset. These headsets are more accurately referred to as mixed-reality headsets.
What is the New VR Technology?
The new VR-based elevator repair technology allows an elevator serviceman to put on the headset and view the elevator’s diagram. They can view, touch and manipulate the virtual schematics without actually feeling them. And the input mechanism works through hand-motions that remind you of some of the most popular Hollywood sci-fi movies. The technician can magnify the size of individual parts and examine them, identify issues, and plan the repair and replacement accordingly. This can be both time-saving and safe for the technicians.
The technology is making it easier, safer, and cost-effective to inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain elevator machinery without having to break down whole sections or causing damage to the building. The system also provides detailed analysis, making diagnoses as much easier. At the same time, the technicians will have their hands free while checking all the parts, allowing them to work easily.
Connect with Other Technicians
Another advantage of using such VR technologies is that they also allow technicians to connect with other experts worldwide. When they come across a relatively newer or more complex elevator design, they can consult experts and receive instructions. This saves valuable time and also reduces the cost of repairs that would have otherwise taken several days or weeks.
Benefits of Virtual Reality-based Elevator Repairs
The most noticeable advantage of using virtual reality for elevator repairs and maintenance is the amount of time it helps save. According to studies, the technology helps in speeding repairs by over 4 times compared to earlier methods. This benefit has been amplified by the hands-free approach to remote assistance and the use of VoIP technology that allows expert guidance.
This combination of technologies allows technicians to transmit detailed diagnostic information to other experts. Experts on the elevator design can analyze the parts and problems in real time and provide instant solutions. The technicians can then receive detailed instructions through the holographic interface to perform proper repair and maintenance.
Safety Benefits
The technology isn’t just about improving efficiency and speed. It also makes it safer to work around with elevators. Virtual reality allows elevator installer companies to work around elevator parts including the motor without having to climb all the floors. The technicians will no longer have to perch on precarious positions to diagnose problems.
The schematics of the parts and systems are stored in the cloud to make it easier to access anytime and from anywhere. Latest innovations in the technology also create alerts so that the problems can be addressed before they become major issues.
Over the years, elevator repair and maintenance has been a concern for the industry and its clients. As new buildings are added and there is a growing demand for elevators, repair is still an area that lags behind. And when you consider that many of the elevators are decades old, the need for repair and maintenance continues to increase. Virtual reality has certainly emerged as a respite for the industry, bringing speed, efficiency, safety, and simplicity to the task. The technology has made a huge impact even when it is in its infancy stage and is expected to bring about revolutionary changes in the near futures.
