New AR binoculars in the Baltic Sea resort: Discover the underwater world!

New AR binoculars in the Baltic Sea resort: Discover the underwater world!

In Nienhagen, a picturesque Baltic Sea resort in the Rostock district, innovative augmented reality binoculars were installed, giving visitors exciting insights into the world of underwater research. The project is led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Graphical Data Processing, whose research platform is located on site. The binoculars allow guests to first enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea and the platform itself. But that's not all: when you move the binoculars to the right or left, the fascination arises - videos and animations start and clearly explain the exciting work of the researchers. NDR reports that underwater robots, for example, are being tested on the platform and innovative sensor technology is being used. Another research focus is on the protection of undersea cables and maritime ecosystems such as reefs.

The use of the binoculars is free for anyone interested, which will certainly attract many visitors to the cliffs of Nienhagen. Whether big or small – there is something for everyone when it comes to discovering the mysterious underwater world.

Innovations for the maritime industry

While AR binoculars are arousing the public's interest in underwater research, they are also turning their attention to the maritime industry as a whole. Fraunhofer IGD and partners have developed solutions that are intended to design smart services for the maritime sector. The ships, which are considered highly individualized and technically complex units, must be operational for several weeks at a time for economic reasons. In order to meet this requirement, the project team plans to combine all of a ship's relevant operating data in a digital twin. igf.fraunhofer.de indicates that this data is provided on a service platform that is accessible by crew personnel at any time and from anywhere. This means that the ship's crew can carry out maintenance processes even while underway and avoid costly failures.

Another advantage of such AR instructions is the reduction in training effort. Classic maintenance instructions are combined with the visualization of real-time data. This should not only increase efficiency but also safety at sea.

Digital transformation in the maritime industry

The MARIA research project aims to develop and test digital services for ship operations. The results are intended to serve as blueprints for improved business models in the maritime industry. future-der-wertschoepfung.de emphasizes that the project aims to develop data-based services in the maritime after-sales area as well as intelligent, data-based assistance for planning and controlling maritime services. It also takes into account that ships are highly customized and technologically complex, making uninterrupted operating times a necessity.

The use of AR and data-based support not only makes the operation of ship systems easier, but also ensures compliance with legal requirements and cybersecurity standards. With the help of modern technologies such as 4G, 5G and satellite technologies, viable digital product and business models are to be developed that benefit both shipping companies and suppliers.

The developments in the area of ​​augmented reality and intelligent assistance systems impressively show how innovations can help lead the maritime industry into the future. It remains exciting to see what new perspectives and experiences await us in the near future.