Thanks to augmented reality and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, this amazing helmet can find hidden objects… even through certain obstacles. And without x-ray vision.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an augmented reality headset called X-AR. The accessory can assist the wearer in locating and retrieving nearby hidden objects. Once activated, the AR (Augmented Reality) helmet will highlight the object sought by the wearer thanks to augmented reality. The user sees this as “of a transparent sphere”.
According to the researchers, the helmet can even detect elements that are hidden from the wearer’s view “cardboard boxes, plastic trays or wooden partitions”. When the object is located, the prop will guide the user towards it using augmented reality elements. X-AR then checks whether the correct object has been picked up. If this is the case, the interface confirms to the wearer that he has the correct material.
To design this tool, the researchers relied on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. In this method, data is stored, recorded and retrieved remotely using electromagnetic energy. Similar to NFC, RFID allows two elements, an identifier and a reader, to exchange information. Many innovations already make use of the possibilities offered by RFID. For example, there are access control systems (Pass Navigo, etc.), anti-theft devices, contactless payment cards and passports based on this technology.
In order for the helmet to locate objects, the scientists placed them first RFID tags on this. The tags communicate remotely with an RFID antenna, manufactured by the researchers, built into the instrument. After the data has been exchanged, the headset only needs to translate the information received into visual elements in augmented reality.
The researchers think the X-AR headset could be very useful in e-commerce warehouses, such as Amazon. Once equipped with the headset, order pickers could easily dig up items on cluttered shelves or bury them in cardboard boxes. Similarly, employees will more easily isolate the object they are looking for by rummaging through a bin full of identical items. The device would save a considerable amount of time.
Source :
EurekAlert
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an augmented reality headset called X-AR. The accessory can assist the wearer in locating and retrieving nearby hidden objects. Once activated, the AR (Augmented Reality) helmet will highlight the object sought by the wearer thanks to augmented reality. The user sees this as “of a transparent sphere”.
According to the researchers, the helmet can even detect elements that are hidden from the wearer’s view “cardboard boxes, plastic trays or wooden partitions”. When the object is located, the prop will guide the user towards it using augmented reality elements. X-AR then checks whether the correct object has been picked up. If this is the case, the interface confirms to the wearer that he has the correct material.
How does this augmented reality headset work?
To design this tool, the researchers relied on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. In this method, data is stored, recorded and retrieved remotely using electromagnetic energy. Similar to NFC, RFID allows two elements, an identifier and a reader, to exchange information. Many innovations already make use of the possibilities offered by RFID. For example, there are access control systems (Pass Navigo, etc.), anti-theft devices, contactless payment cards and passports based on this technology.
In order for the helmet to locate objects, the scientists placed them first RFID tags on this. The tags communicate remotely with an RFID antenna, manufactured by the researchers, built into the instrument. After the data has been exchanged, the headset only needs to translate the information received into visual elements in augmented reality.
This system has proven itself in a series of experiments in warehouses. In testing, X-AR managed to flush out hidden objects with an average margin of error of 9.8 centimeters. In 96% of cases, the device was actually able to ensure that the user found the correct item. For an accurate measurement, the AR headset takes measurements of the environment using the built-in antenna. These measurements allow to map the area. Once the wearer moves toward the target, the accessory calculates in real time the proximity of the sought-after RFID tag, the engineers report details.
What can this AR headset be used for?
The researchers think the X-AR headset could be very useful in e-commerce warehouses, such as Amazon. Once equipped with the headset, order pickers could easily dig up items on cluttered shelves or bury them in cardboard boxes. Similarly, employees will more easily isolate the object they are looking for by rummaging through a bin full of identical items. The device would save a considerable amount of time.
At this point, X-AR is just a prototype. The engineers explain that they made the helmet for marking an unexpected use case of augmented reality. Now researchers are exploring the possibility of improving the tool by relying on technologies such as WiFi or millimeter 5G (mmWave).
Source :
EurekAlert