Stop oil spills remotely

Energy firms like BP have been looking to develop technological solutions — such as the use of augmented reality in their refineries, rigs and plants — to mitigate risks following the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. One innovative solution comes from Fieldbit, an Israeli software company that uses glasses and smartphones to connect field service personnel in remote locations with experts anywhere in the world. The technology allows experts to see real-time information on the rig and provide instructions and guidance through digital images superimposed on what the technical personnel is looking at in real life. The technology has been used for remote training and to reduce errors. Experts say the sophisticated system of guidance and monitoring has even helped to prevent oil spills.