TNA unveils AR-enabled Microsoft headset for remote assist repairs in COVID-19 safety boost

23 Aug 2021 --- TNA, an Australian global food processing and packaging technology specialist, is unveiling a new remote assist service for digitally enhanced customer experiences. The service delivers greater commissioning, support and training efficiencies, with real-time access to TNA’s global experts. 

Harnessing the power of the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset, the TNA remote assist service enables real-time access to connect and collaborate with TNA engineers virtually and leverages AR (augmented reality) to address technical queries accurately.

Offering remote access for commissioning, troubleshooting, training and support, the new service “takes service provision to the next level,” giving food manufacturers the tailored support they need to keep lines operating smoothly, wherever they are in the world.

The digital service combats COVID-19 concerns surrounding travel restrictions and the health and safety of on-site staff and visiting TNA technicians.

Eyeing the problem
TNA remote assist leverages AR allowing project managers and engineers to contact a TNA expert and share what they see in real-time using the latest HoloLens 2 headset.

During the equipment commissioning stage, this means TNA experts can view the proposed production site and provide tailored advice on the most appropriate solution to meet their requirements.

With this convenient, easy-to-use service, companies no longer need to wait for on-the-ground commissioning visits to confirm that a food processing or packaging solution is suitable for their operation, streamlining the commissioning process and avoiding the risk of any potential delays caused by geographical constraints. 

Rapidly resolving technical issues
Following equipment delivery, the TNA remote assist service enables technicians to virtually guide the engineers through the installation, training or troubleshooting process, using AR to indicate precisely what actions to take.

TNA highlights the result is fast, efficient, highly accurate support, enabling customers to connect directly to the relevant TNA expert for specific servicing inquiries. 

“Giving customers the option to schedule calls on-demand from anywhere in the world, the TNA remote assist service ensures all project scoping and servicing activities can be conducted precisely when needed, reducing downtime for a more resilient and profitable production line,” comments Alf Taylor, TNA’s managing director and CEO.

“This means faster, stress-free equipment purchasing, easier installation, increased uptime and valuable savings in maintenance costs and resources for years to come.” 

Post-pandemic uses
The digital, on-demand nature of TNA’s remote assist service allows repairs to be conducted remotely while also giving isolated sites access to industry-leading training and testing, including streamlined site and factory acceptance tests. 

Taylor continues: “The new tool opens up a whole host of innovative possibilities for the post-pandemic world. It enables improved communication between teams working across different locations and time zones, significantly reducing the costs associated with physically sending technicians between sites and, most importantly, ensures their safety.”

Edited by Joshua Poole