Six critical characteristics address the potential of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to have significant penetration in utility operations

BOULDER, Colo. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 12, 2018 — A new report from Navigant Research examines the latest trends in “digital reality” for small- and large-scale utility deployment, providing detailed recommendations on how utilities and device vendors can capitalize on this market.

Historically, utilities have viewed augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) as impractical, with limited perceived benefits and functionality, prohibitive costs, and developmental roadblocks. However, innovative hardware improvements and progressive software applications, mixed with decreasing costs, have opened the door for utilities to be pioneers in the deployment of industrial digital reality technology. Click to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH, new key applications are driving utility interest in digital reality deployment in operations, training, marketing, and other departments.

“The ability to successfully overlay critical asset information for repairs and inspection, as well as the mapping of geographic information system (GIS) data are extremely useful to utilities and developments in those areas will drive up deployment for AR devices,” says Michael Hartnack, research analyst with Navigant Research. “For VR devices, continued enhancements in immersive image rendering, high definition field of view, and communications will push utilities to seriously consider implementation.”

While AR and VR devices are among the most cutting-edge technologies in today’s consumer electronics landscape, utilities have rarely been early adopters of new technologies. To help decision-makers navigate this new realm of products, Navigant Research has identified six critical characteristics that a digital reality device must possess for significant penetration into utility operations. Each characteristic is identified and discussed in detail in the report.

The report, Enhancing Utility Operations with Augmented and Virtual Reality, discusses the latest market trends in digital reality for grid applications and explores current and potential applications for small- and large-scale utility deployment. It provides detailed and actionable recommendations on how utilities and device vendors can address the fast-changing market. The study also provides an analysis of key market developments and identifies several prominent AR and VR devices in the market today. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Enhancing Utility Operations with Augmented and Virtual Reality, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

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