Microsoft has announced a new version of its HoloLens smartglasses specifically designed to work in more demanding environments.
The HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition is an untethered mixed reality device designed and tested for use in regulated industrial environments.
The new HoloLens 2 device meets multiple industry standards and comes with a two-year warranty. In addition, it comes with a Rapid Replacement Program that will minimize downtime should anything go wrong. Advanced exchange and expedited shipping should ensure that businesses are without their HoloLens smartglasses for the shortest possible time.
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“As part of listening, and always learning, we heard strong demand for HoloLens 2 to operate in environments that have rigorous requirements or are regulated by industry certifications,” Charlie Han, Principal Program Manager for Microsoft HoloLens, said.
“In the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, partners require a device that meets particle emissions standards to enter and operate in their highly controlled clean room environments. In the energy sector, partners need a device that can function safely in potentially hazardous environments.”
Business use cases
With various first and third-party mixed reality apps offering support, the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition can be used by enterprises to deliver remote expert advice, provide interactive 3D guides to aid task completion, and streamline employee training.
Even before the announcement of a new industrial version, the HoloLens 2 was being employed by various businesses. Lockheed Martin has used HoloLens 2 to speed up the production of the Orion spacecraft, while the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has used the device to reduce the time employees are exposed to COVID-19 by as much as 83%.
Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition is available for pre-order in select markets now, with shipments expected to begin by spring 2021.
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