Porsche speeds up service by implementing augmented reality smart glasses in dealerships

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is looking to augmented reality (AR) smart glasses to assist service center technicians and reduce resolution times. Beginning in 2018, when a service tech at a local Porsche dealership comes across a difficult fix, he can connect through “Tech Live Look” technology and let Porsche’s Atlanta-based technical support team “drive."

“Tech Live Look” allows service techs around the country to use specialized eye-wear so that the PCNA support team can link in and see under the hood in real time. Glasses worn by the local technician are equipped with high resolution, auto-focus cameras that can pick up detail as fine as the thread on a screw. Powerful LEDs illuminate the darker spaces of the engine cavity and the vehicle’s underside. In turn, special software allows the technical support team at Porsche’s headquarters to take screen shots and return instructions onto the projection surface of the glasses, ultimately increasing efficiencies in a process that would ordinarily involve more telephone conversations and/or email exchanges.

The glasses launch in Porsche service centers all across North America in 2018. PCNA believes this will greatly reduce resolution times and get their customers back on the road faster. Pilot programs began last July in dealerships around the United States and in Canada have already shown a decrease in service resolution times by 40 percent.

“Tech Live Look” uses AiR Enterprise™ software from Atheer, Inc., a company that provides AR solutions for industrial enterprises.

Established in 1984, PCNA is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche models such as the 911, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman sports cars; and the Macan and Cayenne SUVs. PCNA employs over 300 people who provide parts, service, marketing, and training for 189 dealers.