Direct connection to existing systems

Cocomo (Cognitive Cooperation Support System based on Mobile and Portable Devices) from Humatects picks up where existing systems leave off. In many large companies, software solutions are used to distribute tasks to maintenance technicians, coordinate work and archive support material centrally.

Cocomo can be embedded in this existing infrastructure and can add a crucial factor to it: as soon as a technician has been assigned a task, he goes to the maintenance site. There, he receives hardly any support from the existing systems. This often results in valuable time being lost or repairs being carried out inadequately. Based on augmented reality, Cocomo offers intuitive step-by-step support for the task to be solved. If this is not enough, an expert can be called in from a distance and both solve the problem together.

Augmented reality: a new level of intuitive assistance

The technician can have tools or other physical work components displayed directly in reality. Various end devices can be used for this. Cocomo not only supports standard smartphone and tablet systems, but also integrates the latest augmented reality glasses such as the Microsoft Hololens. The Cocomo system shows directly in the field of vision where which tool or component can be used and how, so that the technician is intuitively supported. Support materials such as videos, images and text can be called up and displayed to suit the current task. If the technician finds themselves in a situation where they are unable to solve a problem without external help despite the support, the system also offers further support at this point.

Better communication with technical experts

The system can be used to establish communication with a remote expert. The key advantage here is that the camera in the technician's glasses gives the expert the same view of what is happening as the technician himself. The expert is therefore able to quickly grasp the problem. Augmented reality again helps to explain the solution to the technician, as he can use interactive pointers to point directly to the relevant positions to demonstrate the solution.

All in all, the technician is supported efficiently and intuitively throughout the entire task - regardless of where the technical experts are located. Based on the individual needs and challenges of the different areas of application, the system can be customized and integrated into existing software solutions to provide technicians with optimum support and the best possible quality assurance.

Humatects developed Cocomo in cooperation with the Offis Institute for Information Technology and has already tested it with partners from the aviation and maritime sectors. The project was supported by European regional development funds via the NBank.