The use of augmented reality in the maintenance of mechanical objects

In Kenya, like in most of Africa, many of the existing industries are aged. Due to insufficient resources, maintaining these Industries becomes a challenge. It is important to note that most, if not all, of these industries are key drivers of the economies of these countries. Maintenance of these industries thus becomes a key activity to ensure economic growth. Training of engineers to completely support the industries is also a challenge because of limited resources. Currently engineers have to refer to paper manuals inside the industries as they work and this manuals are getting damaged and hence risk losing the maintenance data. This paper proposes the use of augmented reality technology to be able to provide guidance to engineers as they carry out maintenance activities on equipment. This should be able to improve the quality and accuracy of maintenance activities as per the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) instructions. This small investment in technology can have an effect of increasing machine life, reduce machine downtimes as maintenance is performed faster and make economic sense in the long term.