To help mining operations improve their efficiency and profitability, TOMRA Sorting Mining has widened its offer of digital services with the introduction of the new augmented reality tool for remote assistance, TOMRA Visual Assist
TOMRA is applying its holistic approach to help customers unlock the potential of digitalisation, with digital services covering the complete customer journey from sales support and technical consultations to remote service and training. All its digital solutions collect, manage and store data securely following data security best practices.
The cloud-based data platform, TOMRA Insight, turns sorting machines into connected devices that generate valuable process data, which is gathered in near real-time and can easily be accessed on a desktop computer or mobile device. It transforms sorting into a strategic management tool that helps processors in near real-time and retrospect.
TOMRA is constantly expanding its portfolio of digital services, and it is now introducing the new augmented reality tool for remote assistance, TOMRA Visual Assist. It enables remote experts to provide specialist support to a customer or a TOMRA field service engineer on site.
Klaus Berns, head of service at TOMRA Sorting Mining, said, “Our service teams cover large areas, generally with one hub per continent, so giving troubleshooting, maintenance and guidance remotely can be a great help. It enables us to be more efficient and ensure a fast response. If the technical expert is a far away, the customer doesn’t have to wait for qualified and detailed feedback. Some mines are particularly difficult to reach, for example at high altitudes, 4,000m above sea level, or in harsh climates with temperatures well below zero. In some cases, it may take two or three days for the technical expert to arrive on site. TOMRA Visual Assist can save time, and long and difficult journeys.”
TOMRA Visual Assist can be used on standard devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, but also with advanced tools such as Smart Glasses, which provide an augmented reality experience, so that the technician on site can follow the remote expert’s guidance with their hands free, working in maximum safety. “TOMRA Visual Assist can also make a big difference for diamond operations where the equipment is located in a red area, where mobile phones or cameras are not allowed, as we can use the headset linked to the local network,” added Berns.
