JLG EASES AUGMENTED REALITY ADOPTION ON CONSTRUCTION JOB SITES

Every job site has its unique specifications and requirements, which means that selecting the right machine for the application can often be challenging. The JLG augmented reality (AR) mobile app addresses this challenge by giving users the ability to visualize equipment information, when and where they need it. The free tool, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, enables users to properly select equipment for projects and configure it with the accessories required to get work done efficiently. It also assists with controls familiarization, decal translations and annual inspections, helping operators work more proficiently. Recent updates to the JLG AR app include an all-new interface and experience, new content, cloud-based and offline use, expanded machine inspections functionality and a new ‘fleet’ feature.

The JLG AR app provides five important functions that increase safety, productivity and efficiency on job sites, including machine visualization, accessory visualization, operation guidance, decal viewer and inspection assistant. Upgrades to the app include several performance-enhancing capabilities to these functions, such as a refreshed mobile application interface and experience that starts at the machine level, allowing users to select a product and go directly into its content module from either the easy-to-use menu guide or through the app’s improved search functionality. New machines and content have also been added to the equipment modules offering users more than 60 models to view and manipulate in 3-D.

The content is cloud-based, rather than native, to reduce the application’s size from 1.3 GB to 227 MB and enhance accessibility to new and updated content. The inspection assistance functionality has expanded to cover annual machine inspections, daily machine inspections and pre-delivery inspections.

The new ‘fleet’ feature helps JLG customers optimize their fleet management right from the app. Users can add and store multiple assets for easy tracking by serial number/asset ID, and they can save data on machines and access it instantly, regardless of connectivity.

The target users of the app include project managers, rental companies, machine operators and technicians that need on-demand, digital access to information specific to a machine, without the need to ever leaving the job site.

• Project managers using the app’s machine visualization can make sure the equipment they’re ordering will fit in their workspace and reach the required areas without looking up dimensions in a manual or online.

• Rental companies using the app’s accessory visualization can be confident that they’re ordering the right accessories to fit the models they carry without referencing a parts manual to verify fit.

• Before machine use, operators using the app’s operation guidance can see an overlay of a machine’s control panel with explanations of control functions. And, using the decal viewer, operators can scan decals and read them in their native language.

• Technicians using their phones can walk through the inspection assistant to ensure they are following proper protocols and efficiently documenting every step.

JLG has published a whitepaper providing use case scenarios that highlight how augmented reality can streamline project planning, simplify ordering/renting of JLG equipment and provide guidance on machine functions and proper usage. The whitepaper titled ‘Augmented reality solves two common challenges on construction job sites’ provides an in-depth look at how augmented reality can assist with (1) sizing and configuring equipment and (2) helping operators better understand and use their machines.