Navigant Research Report Shows New Applications Are Driving Utility Interest in Digital Reality Deployment for Operations, Training, Marketing, and More

Six critical characteristics address the potential of augmented
reality and virtual reality technologies to have significant penetration
in utility operations

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AugmentedReality–A new report from Navigant
Research examines the latest trends in “digital reality” for small-
and large-scale utility deployment, providing detailed recommendations
on how utilities and device vendors can capitalize on this market.

Historically, utilities have viewed augmented reality (AR) and virtual
reality (VR) as impractical, with limited perceived benefits and
functionality, prohibitive costs, and developmental roadblocks. However,
innovative hardware improvements and progressive software applications,
mixed with decreasing costs, have opened the door for utilities to be
pioneers in the deployment of industrial digital reality technology. Click
to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH,
new key applications are driving utility interest in digital reality
deployment in operations, training, marketing, and other departments.

“The ability to successfully overlay critical asset information for
repairs and inspection, as well as the mapping of geographic information
system (GIS) data are extremely useful to utilities and developments in
those areas will drive up deployment for AR devices,” says Michael
Hartnack, research analyst with Navigant Research. “For VR devices,
continued enhancements in immersive image rendering, high definition
field of view, and communications will push utilities to seriously
consider implementation.”

While AR and VR devices are among the most cutting-edge technologies in
today’s consumer electronics landscape, utilities have rarely been early
adopters of new technologies. To help decision-makers navigate this new
realm of products, Navigant Research has identified six critical
characteristics that a digital reality device must possess for
significant penetration into utility operations. Each characteristic is
identified and discussed in detail in the report.

The report, Enhancing
Utility Operations with Augmented and Virtual Reality, discusses
the latest market trends in digital reality for grid applications and
explores current and potential applications for small- and large-scale
utility deployment. It provides detailed and actionable recommendations
on how utilities and device vendors can address the fast-changing
market. The study also provides an analysis of key market developments
and identifies several prominent AR and VR devices in the market today.
An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant
Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides
market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often
highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research
focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology
markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry
analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep
examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the
Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation
Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information
about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services
firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s
professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical
expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage
and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and
clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or
legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare,
energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory,
consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s
practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and
delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found
at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the
report, Enhancing Utility Operations with Augmented and Virtual
Reality, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current
expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions
and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ
materially from those contained in this press release or the report.
Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the
assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies
used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant
undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in
this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Lindsay Funicello-Paul, +1-781-270-8456
[email protected]