O2 tests the 5G water with augmented reality maintenance and mapping
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
O2, Ericsson and Northumbrian Water are trialling 5G to help manage 1.1 billion litres of water and sewerage services across the UK’s North East region.
The pilot includes exploring how 5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) technology could allow experienced maintenance technicians to remotely guide on-the-ground teams through complex tasks by relaying real-time data and instructions.
The technology also allows multiple experts to join one call simultaneously, adding valuable second opinions.
O2 and Ericsson will also create a private network installation for Northumbrian Water at its Washington Water Treatment Plant in Tyne and Wear to guarantee uninterrupted network access and capacity for the business.
The first set of trials will also focus on three other key areas:
• AR Mapping – using 5G-powered AR to provide a 3D representation of buried assets for technicians. If successful the technology could be extended to cover the layout of over 47,210km of water mains, pipes and conduits and would help engineers manage risks and hazards in real-time.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management – allowing field technicians and engineers to quickly access and upload crucial data from Northumbrian Water’s central GIS database, without requiring a Wi-Fi or cable connection.
• Home Water Maintenance App – an app for consumers to monitor their home’s water supply and flow, identifying any unusual patterns to flag potential issues ahead of time.
A first for water
Martin Jackson, Head of Strategy & Enterprise Architecture at Northumbrian Water, added,"This is the first time a trial like this has ever been done by a water company and we’re incredibly proud to be leading the way in the utilities sector.”
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Taxonomy
- Water Monitoring
- Monitoring & Control
- Water Systems Monitoring
- Water Quality Monitoring