CPS Energy exploring the use of Augmented Reality hardware for front line workers

In Augmented Reality News

February 4, 2020 – San Antonio based CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned energy utility in the US providing both natural gas and electric services, has expressed its interest in exploring the use of wearable augmented reality hardware for its front line workers.

The Texas-based utility company serves more than 765,000 electric customers and 335,000 natural gas customers in and around San Antonio (1,515 square mile service area). The fact that the US’ largest municipal utility company is looking into the use of augmented reality hardware for its front line staff, is further proof that AR technology is likely to become more common place within workforces across the globe over the coming decade.

The company is pursuing the possibility of integrating instrumented data feeds to front line workers, enabling them to electronically collect data such as manual readings while operating in the field.

As part of CPS Energy’s Request for Information (RFI), the company has stated that any proposed device would need to be capable of:

• Hands-free functionality (voice commands) in noisy environments up to 96db;
• Rendering web based content;
• Displaying various document formats, including PDF, DOCX, XLSX;
• Ability to add apps as needed;
• Functioning in harsh industrial environments;
• Recording and playing videos;
• “On premises” data storage is also preferred.

Furthermore, the company has stated that it is working on the basis that OSI PI would be the primary data source for real time data feeds. Additionally, a device capable of cellular connectivity over an Access Point Name solution would be acceptable where Wifi is not available.

Although not yet at the RFP stage, CPS Energy has stated that it will make the decision as to whether or not it will launch an RFP later this year in April. For more information on the RFI, please email contact@auganix.org.

Image credit: CPS Energy/Twitter