Start 4.0, as part of the 2023 call for industrial research projects, financed with PNRR funds, has provided approximately 168,707.36 euros to support the development of the “Radisp” project. Proposed by Aitrust srl, in collaboration with Ortec Santamaria, the project aims to develop an advanced augmented reality (AR) system for training, support and emergency management in shipyards.
Augmented Reality (AR) is already applied in various fields, such as warehouse logistics, maintenance operations, the medical and military sectors. However, the application of AR in the shipbuilding and maritime/port sectors is less common. The “Radisp” project involves the development of an AR-based system that allows training of personnel for ordinary activities (assembly, maintenance, etc.) and to deal with emergencies, real-time support of personnel in ordinary activities and coordination of personnel choices and actions in emergency situations for safety (safety and security). The functionalities will be validated through a specific use case in the shipbuilding sector.
The “Radisp” system involves the development of head mounted displays to be provided to personnel involved in operations, typically smart glasses or helmets with smart glasses, through which to exchange voice commands, visual or textual instructions. This type of communication will also be allowed directly between the various operators, for the exchange of audio-visual information and to see the position of georeferenced colleagues on the integrated visor. Where satellite georeferencing is not available, a solution will be studied to determine the position of operators by analyzing the heterogeneous information that can be acquired from the AR visor.
The wi-fi and 5G communication systems between operators and between operators and the control center will ensure constant connection. The control center will provide audio, video and text instructions and receive feedback from operators. It will also be able to exchange audio-video information with other entities such as the Fire Department, the state police and civil protection for emergency management. It will be integrated with the AIVU security and video monitoring platform, owned by Aitek and made available by Aitrust.
The system will include a function for training operators, studying the training needs related to the shipbuilding use case, useful both for operating in normal operating conditions (assemblies, maintenance, etc.) and for dealing with emergency situations. The head mounted display with IR cameras will also be integrated to deal with situations in the absence of light and/or presence of smoke.