At the Smart Data Forum in Berlin, the research team presented the results of the "AR-based product service systems" (AcRoSS) project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). "Whether video games or sales support - augmented reality is already being used successfully in many areas. However, small and medium-sized companies in particular currently benefit little from the possibilities, as the development costs are very high. Our AcRoSS platform is one way of reducing these costs. We are demonstrating exciting potential for additional services and business models with AR," explains Daniel Röltgen, AcRoSS project manager at Fraunhofer IEM. The basic idea: companies can create individual augmented reality solutions and services from ready-made building blocks and even operate them via the platform.

Putting together augmented reality services according to the modular principle

The machine manufacturer Krause-Biagosch has tested the platform concept and sees great benefits for its customers. Repairing machines in the field can be time-consuming and expensive. In future, Krause-Biagosch could project repair instructions into its customers' field of vision using AR data glasses and thus offer additional services. The aerospace company Ariane Group has also developed a pilot application for the platform. For example, employees assembling the Ariane 6 launcher could receive step-by-step assembly instructions via AR glasses. They benefit from having both hands free, especially in confined construction spaces. The demonstrators of both industrial applications can now be seen in the showroom of the BMWi's Smart Data Forum.

Both the repair and assembly instructions are so-called smart services (data-based services). Using the AcRoSS platform, the services can be put together with various ready-made augmented reality modules such as position recognition or gesture control. Communication and data transfer take place centrally via the platform software. In companies where costly and complex in-house developments are not possible, the platform could therefore provide easy access to augmented reality technology. "There is enormous potential for innovative business models behind augmented reality technology and the individual solutions. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has funded AcRoSS because it is helping to spread AR technology and make it easier for SMEs to make use of it," says Dr. Stefan Afting from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).

Research partners in the AcRoSS project

The research partners of the AcRoSS platform represent the entire spectrum of future platform users. Ubimax designed the AR modules that technology providers could make available via a library on the AcRoSS platform in the future. The DAI lab enables the building blocks to be assembled into services that can be used and ensures smooth implementation. The overall platform was created by Atos as the platform provider. Fraunhofer IEM provided methodological support for the development and designed suitable business models for the AR services.

The partners in the AcRoSS project are:

• Atos

• Ariane Group

• DAI Laboratory

• Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Design Technology IEM

• Krause-Biagosch

• Ubimax