Magic Leap 2, HoloLens 2 and Augmented Reality explained.
Learn about Augmented Reality, how others have applied it and the market leading solutions.
Magic Leap 2 product comparison with HoloLens, Case Studies, Use Case Videos, specification sheets, product videos - Click Here
Lockheed Martin save 90.6% of technicians time building Nasa's Orion Rocket
Lockheed Martin HoloLens Case Study
Project: Orion Nasa Spacecraft
Experience: 2 Years experience of HoloLens.
Shelley Peterson of Lockheed Martin explained how technicians had to fit 57,000 fasteners on the Orion Rocket project in the following HoloLens case study.
The Old Model
The technicians were carrying manuals and measuring where every fastener had to go,
then selecting the position and fixing the fastener.
The New Model
The technician is no longer carrying manuals or measuring distances to each fastener position.
They are now working "handsfree" to visualise through the HoloLens the Rocket design. They simply visualise the fastener position on the hull, through the HoloLens device and fit the fastener - making it much easier and more efficient.
Next we look at the time saved having technicians with handsfree using HoloLens.
An 8 hour shift now takes just 45 minutes. 435/480 mins saving, 90.6% time saving.
What used to take 8x8 hour shifts for a task, now takes 6 hours.
Error Reduction
"In 2 years of using HoloLens, the Orion technicians have not had a single error" said Shelley, "its a game changer".
See the Lockheed Martin HoloLens case study and video below:
Mercedes Benz HoloLens Case Study - 80% Time Saved
The Challenge
Issue: Centrally supporting field based dealer car technicians.
Experience: 140 years of Mercedes Benz car manufacturing.
Problem: Cars are now complex - the hardware, software and sensors are all integrated - understanding them is tough and remote problem solving a communication and comprehension challenge, factoring in time slots, getting on the same page and simply visualising the issue and the fix.
Jurgen Pietsh - Field Tech Services Manager at Mercedes Benz explains how they used HoloLens to save an incredible 80% in time in the following HoloLens case study.
Old Systems we used
Laptops, diagrams, manuals, central support, communicating complex issues was hard, took time, time to connect, time to see the same thing and time to resolve issues. The centralised team scheduled jobs, to support remote technicians.
New System
We put HoloLens on the dealer technician from Frankfurt or anywhere which helps the Dealer Technician as he can see what the technician can see.
Communication Upgrade
They literally see what each other are talking about, one informs, the other guides, pointing, drawing to one digital landscape imposed on the real car.
Impact
- Dealer technician issue resolution was 80% plus faster.
- No central support burden because "the load" just disappears, due to the faster resolution times.
- Issues get resolved 80% faster.
- The customer gets their car fixed much faster.
- The comprehension fog just clears away and the distance issue evaporates.
ROI
A huge saving in costs...
- Huge time saving, no clogged up central resource.
- Better customer service - faster resolution.
- Often multiple support technicians can assist.
- Better and faster customer experience as issues get resolved faster in a timely manner.
Terri Clemmer - Field Tech Manager commented:
"Its the biggest game changer in years!"
Watch the Mercedes Benz HoloLens case study video below:
PBC Magic Leap 2 Case Study - 97% reduction in training times.
Tim LeCrone - Director of Manufacturing Engineering at PBC Linear explains how they reduced training time by 97% in this PBC Linear Magic Leap 2 case study.
Problem
Experienced machine technicians are hard to come by and taking them off the manufacturing line to train, expensive. Learning machines involved complex lengthy training they broke down into consumable chunks for delivery to the new technician/machinist.
Solution
Deploy Magic Leap 2 to the new machinist with the training programme delivered module by module in-lens. (TAQ Manifest software). The machinist relaxes instantly when they realise they are simply following instructions, delivered through the Magic Leap 2, they simply follow them.
Impact
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6 weeks training delivered in 1 day!
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97% of training time saved.
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$5,760 saving in onboarding costs per new machinist.
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$7,200 saving in experienced machinist time per new machinist employee.
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$6,080 savings on training manager time per new machinist.
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Total savings $19,040 per machinist.
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Payback on Magic Leap investment 5.7 x
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20% reduction in manufacturing cost delivered as a result of less scrap/wastage and error reduction.
- Watch the PBC Linear Case Study Video
Medical Uses Cases
At Heru they have developed a platform using Magic Leap 2 that helps early detection of eye diseases and disorders.
The short Video Takes you through how fast detection is possible for millions that suffer with healthcare disorders.
Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality, the key differences.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are cutting-edge technologies that immerse users in digital experiences, but they differ fundamentally in their approaches and applications.
Here's a comprehensive exploration of the distinctions between AR and VR:
1. Definition and Core Concept
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality enhances the real world by overlaying digital information or content onto the physical environment so that users can see both real world and the digital content. The key difference between augmented reality and virtual reality is that in augmented reality users can still see and interact with the real world, while simultaneously experiencing additional digital elements. Augmented reality is designed to blend the virtual and real worlds seamlessly.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality, on the other hand, creates a completely immersive, computer-generated environment. Users are isolated from the physical world and surrounded by a simulated reality, they cannot see the real world. Virtual reality aims to transport users to an entirely different environment, often using a headset to block out the real world more of an escapist isolated experience, that does allow you to focus.
Summary
Both are immersive, however augmented reality allows you to still see the real world, virtual reality immerses you in a different Virtual World.
2. Hardware differences
Augmented Reality (AR):
Augmented Reality devices include transparent displays, cameras, sensors, and sometimes handheld controllers. Examples of augmented reality devices include Microsoft HoloLens 2, the Magic Leap 2, and various augmented reality applications on smartphones and tablets. (We will draw comparisons between the Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Magic Leap 2)
Virtual Reality Hardware
Virtual Reality hardware relies on headsets that completely cover the user's field of view, blocking out the external environment. These headsets often include motion controllers to facilitate interactions within the virtual space. Well-known VR headsets include Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation Virtual Reality.
3. User Interaction
Augmented Reality
These tools foster interaction with both the virtual and real worlds simultaneously. Users can manipulate digital objects while still engaging with their physical surroundings. Augmented reality users often employ gestures, voice commands, and touch input for interaction.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality is a closed environment where users interact solely with the virtual world. The interaction is typically through hand controllers, haptic feedback devices, or even full-body tracking systems. The users can move within the virtual space, and their actions are reflected in the digital environment.
4. Applications
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality has diverse applications across industries. In consumer settings, augmented reality is used for gaming, navigation, and social media filters. In business, augmented reality is employed for training, maintenance, and visualisation. Examples include The Mercedes Benz, PBC Linear and Lockheed Martin case studies with HoloLens vs Magic Leap 2.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality has applications in gaming, simulation, training, education, and therapy. It's extensively used for creating immersive experiences in areas like architecture, medical training, and virtual tourism where real world visibility is not required.
Popular virtuality reality applications include VR gaming, VR therapy sessions, and virtual museum tours.
5. Immersiveness
Augmented Reality
This preserves a connection to the real world, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. The real level of immersion is less intense compared to virtual reality, making augmented reality suitable for applications where real-world awareness is crucial. As such it is commonly found in enterprise use cases allowing users to receive digital information, whilst looking at real world objects. Vice versa applications where a remote expert has to guide or help a user in a location, whilst looking at a real world item.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality provides a fully immersive experience by isolating users from the real world. The virtual environment becomes the user's reality, leading to a more intense and immersive experience compared to AR.
6. Use Cases
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality use cases where real-world information needs to be enhanced or supplemented. This includes navigation, education, retail, manufacturing, automotive, and maintenance tasks.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality use case tend to excel in situations where complete immersion and isolation from the real world are desired. This includes gaming, simulations, virtual meetings, and therapeutic applications.
Conclusion
Whilst both technologies are immersive experiences, the augmented reality version maintains a connection to the real world as a key part of its capability. Whereas virtual reality solutions escape from the real world completely.
Magic Leap 2 vs HoloLens 2: Exploring the Differences in Augmented Reality
Introduction
Augmented Reality has emerged as a transformative technology, merging the lines between the digital and physical worlds. The two prominent players in the augmented reality enterprise space are Magic Leap with the Magic Leap 2 and Microsoft's HoloLens 2, each offering unique approaches to immersive experiences.
In this comparison, we'll look into the differences between Magic Leap 2 vs HoloLens 2, exploring how their hardware, software, user experience, and applications all differ.
1. Hardware differences
Magic Leap 2:
Magic Leap 2 is the flagship AR headset from Magic Leap. It features a lightwear headset, lightpack processing unit, and a handheld controller.
Key Differences:-
HoloLens 2 Headset weight 566g
Magic Leap 2 Headset Weight 260g
Field of View HoloLens 2 - diagonal 52 degrees
Field of View Magic Leap 2 - diagonal 70 Degrees
HoloLens 2 Compute up to 2.95GHz
Magic Leap 2 Compute up to 3.9GHz
The lightwear headset is equipped with multiple sensors, cameras, and a unique waveguide display that projects virtual images onto the user's field of view. The lightpack houses the processing power and connects to the headset via a cable.
The Magic Leap 2 headset is much lighter in two very obvious ways, the compute power is separate (attaches to your belt) and the controller is also handheld. This gives the Magic Leap 2 a significant wearability advantage.
HoloLens 2:
Microsoft's HoloLens series includes HoloLens 1 and HoloLens 2. HoloLens 2 is the latest iteration and represents a significant advancement in hardware. It features a more comfortable balanced design, an improved field of view, and better gesture recognition. Like Magic Leap, HoloLens incorporates sensors, cameras, and a holographic display to overlay digital content onto the real world. HoloLens 2 differs in that the compute is in the headset hence the differences in weight. The balance of HoloLens 2 is an improvement on HoloLens 1.
2. Display
Magic Leap 2:
Magic Leap's display technology relies on a combination of waveguide optics and light fields. This approach allows virtual objects to appear as if they exist in the user's physical environment, enhancing realism and immersion. Magic Leap emphasises a natural blending of digital content with the real world, creating a seamless augmented experience. The Magic Leap 2 also has dimming technology in its display meaning it adapts to bright and dull light broadening its usability.
Magic Leap 2 also has Dimmable technology to cope with differing light conditions. Anyone who tried to read digital detail on a smart phone in broad daylight will understand this.
HoloLens 2 does not have dimmable technology.
HoloLens 2:
HoloLens employs a technology called waveguide optics as well. It projects light directly onto the user's retina, creating the illusion that holograms are present in the physical space. HoloLens 2 has an improved field of view, addressing one of the criticisms of its predecessor, providing users with a better canvas for augmented content. The resolution in the display has also been upgraded from 720p to 2k per eye.
3. Applications and available content
Magic Leap 2:
Magic Leap focuses on a variety of applications, including gaming, productivity, manufacturing and education. The applications and content are firmly aimed at the Enterprise space. The platform encourages developers to create spatial computing experiences that leverage the headset's capabilities. Magic Leap's app store, Magic Leap World, hosts a growing collection of Augmented Reality applications designed to explore the potential of mixed reality. The store follows the same principles allowing users to "tailor their application mix to their use cases. Magic Leap have a significant developer focus to ensure the applications help them differentiate in this space, similar to the approach taking by Apple.
Magic Leap 2 Appstore
HoloLens:
HoloLens has found applications in various industries, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and design. Microsoft's emphasis on enterprise solutions is evident, with HoloLens 2 being used for tasks such as remote assistance, 3D modeling, manufacturing and training simulations. The Microsoft Store for HoloLens offers a range of applications catering to both consumers and businesses. Its Appstore link is below
HoloLens Appstore
4. Performance and Comfort
Magic Leap 2:
Magic Leap 2 aims for a balance between performance and comfort. The lightwear headset is designed to be lightweight, and the spatial audio enhances the overall immersive experience. Its lightweight is slightly offset by a compute belt attachment and hand based controller, like a TV remote with haptic controls.
HoloLens:
HoloLens 2 boasts improvements in comfort compared to its predecessor. The device features a more balanced design, making it comfortable for extended wear. The addition of hand tracking enhances user interactions avoiding the need for a hand based controller, contributing to a more natural and engaging experience.
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Magic Leap 2 V HoloLens 2 Blog
Conclusion
In the Magic Leap 2 vs HoloLens 2 comparison, both AR platforms showcase technological advancements with their unique approaches to hardware, display technology, user interface, and applications.
Magic Leap focuses on spatial computing and seamless integration of digital content into the real world.
While HoloLens 2, caters to a wide range of industries with a strong emphasis on enterprise applications.
The choice between Magic Leap 2 vs HoloLens depends on specific use cases, whether lightweight headsets offset the handheld controller, with user preferences for "handsfree" use cases moving towards HoloLens.
The evolving landscape of augmented reality technology as both companies continue to innovate, improving field of view, display resolution and growing applications in their Appstores the future promises even more immersive and impactful AR experiences.
Book a Magic Leap 2 Test Drive
We would strongly advise a "Test Drive" to ensure
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Use case fit
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Wearability & fit
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Handsfree use and its importance
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Appstore suitability
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Budget fit
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Savings projections and ROI
Magic Leap Key Features
Lightweight
As the Magic Leap 2 has a compute pack, the you can attach to both a pocket or a belt, the headset itself weighs only 260g.
Field of View
The aspect ratio of around 1440 x 1760 per eye on the Magic Leap 2 compared to 1440 x 936 on the Microsoft Hololens 2 means the Magic Leap 2 has a 35% advantage in field of view. Blog Here
Dimmable Technology
The Magic Leap 2 has dimmable technology enabling you to see better in bright sunlight of dusk or dim light.
Eye Camera Tracking
The four eye tracking cameras feed the digital information display to ensure you don't strain your eyes looking for information. The information moves to compliment your eye position.
High Compute Power
The Magic Leap 2 has one of the highest CPU/GPU performance capabilities of any augmented reality device at the time of this post.
Multiple Input Options
Hand Tracking, gesture control and hand held controller are amongst the multiple input options available.
Spatial Audio
Which means you can detect the direction of sound making collaboration easy because you can determine whose speaking where.
Prescription Lense Inserts
Allowing you to get prescription inserts, that fit into the device, in an unobtrusive manner meaning you do not even know they are there.
Field of View
See The Field of View Video Here showing Magic Leap 2 v Hololens 2 and Realwear Navigator 2.
Magic Leap raise $590M
Magic Leap Raise $590M to scale adoption in the precision Enterprise space - blog
