Ted Pardee with Kognitiv Spark; Industrial Augmented Reality Solution

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Ted Pardee, CRO at Kognitiv Spark about "Augmented Reality hands-free connected worker solution".

Ted Pardee from Kognitiv Spark discussed augmented reality's role in power generation at PowerGen in San Antonio. He highlighted the technology's potential to enhance efficiency and problem-solving by enabling remote expert guidance through headsets. Pardee emphasized the importance of leveraging AI and AR to address the skilled labor shortage and the "gray tsunami" of retiring experts. He noted that while Microsoft exited the AR headset market, numerous manufacturers now offer durable, intrinsically safe devices. Pardee also mentioned the integration of AR with existing systems and the development of disconnected worker solutions for low-bandwidth areas.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk

Scott introduces the episode of Industrial Talk, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, highlighting their commitment to safety training and innovative propane-powered technology. Scott praises industry professionals for their bravery, innovation, and problem-solving skills, celebrating them as heroes. The podcast is broadcasting from PowerGen in San Antonio, Texas, where industry professionals gather to discuss solutions for power generation.

Introduction of Ted Pardee and Kognitiv Spark

Scott introduces Ted Pardee, the guest, and his company, Kognitiv Spark, which focuses on augmented reality technology. Ted Pardee shares his first impression of PowerGen, describing it as an incredible conference with a large number of vendors and attendees. Ted emphasizes the importance of presenting new technologies to make businesses more efficient and solve problems. Ted provides a brief background on his career, highlighting his experience in the software business for over 30 years, including selling enterprise asset management software in the 1990s.

Evolution of Technology and Augmented Reality

Ted discusses the evolution of technology from mainframe to client-server to the web, and now to the mobile world. He explains how augmented reality technology, combined with AI, will revolutionize business operations by providing workers with headsets that connect them with experts remotely. Ted provides examples of how augmented reality can be used in various industries, including power generation and medical fields. He shares a personal anecdote about using MapQuest in the past, contrasting it with the current reliance on mobile devices.

Application of Augmented Reality in Power Generation

Ted describes how augmented reality headsets can help experts remotely assist workers in solving problems, especially in remote locations. He explains how the technology can be used in asset management, allowing experts to guide workers through repairs using Teams calls or Kognitiv Spark's remote assistance software. Ted highlights the importance of leveraging technology to protect workers and improve efficiency in industries like oil and gas, chemical plants, and manufacturing. He emphasizes that the technology is still in its early stages but has the potential to revolutionize how work is done in various industries.

Durability and Market of Augmented Reality Headsets

Ted compares the durability of augmented reality headsets to cell phones, suggesting that if a headset breaks, it can be easily replaced, similar to replacing a broken phone. He explains that the focus should be on the software that runs on the headsets, as the hardware can be replaced. Ted discusses the market for augmented reality headsets, mentioning that there are now many manufacturers, including Microsoft, which has exited the market. He predicts that in the future, there will be a variety of headsets available, each suited to different use cases and industries.

Use Cases and Integration with Existing Systems

Ted provides a use case for augmented reality in power generation, explaining how it can help ERC