Bern-based company Almer Technologies is developing and producing an augmented reality headset in Switzerland: the Almer Arc. This headset could assist specialists in logistics, assembly, maintenance and even in the operating theatre.
Picture: Almer Technologies AG
A difficult configuration task has to be carried out on a machine. Moreover, it must be done quickly. As the manufacturer of this machine is far away, perhaps in the USA or Japan, it would be too costly and time-consuming to fly in an expert to make the changeover. You are not confident of being able to configure the machine completely unaided.
Bern-based company Almer Technologies develops augmented reality headsets that provide a remedy in cases like this. The headset is equipped with a camera, four microphones and a screen. The latter is situated in one eye’s field of view and is transparent like normal glasses when not in use. The display can show information in the form of manuals, tutorial videos or CAD files as required, or connect a service technician remotely via video call. This person can then be given access to the camera’s video stream. This allows them to see what the person on site sees and, for example, to give instructions and advice. The device can be controlled both via buttons and by voice. What might be familiar as a gimmick from smart home applications brings a real advantage in industrial applications, as the hands remain free and the headset can even be operated with bulky protective gloves.
The majority of Almer Technologies customers use the product to show work instructions to staff on a display. The glasses are not only used in assembly, but also in logistics, providing the relevant worker with instructions on which goods need to be grouped together. Users can work through checklists verbally, or by scanning QR codes or barcodes. “In logistics, for instance,” says Timon Binder, CTO and co-founder of Almer Technologies, “our headset enables efficiency gains of around 30 percent.”
The headset is currently being tested for medical use. The Almer Arc could be used in complex procedures, such as spinal cord operations, for instance. On one hand, it films the operation and thus allows trainees to be present; on the other hand, the headset can also connect to experts who are not in the operating theatre.
“At Almer Technologies, simplicity is in our DNA,” says Timon Binder. “It is very important to us that the Almer Arc is intuitive to use and does not require hours of configuration. And this simplicity is also reflected in the business model.” Hence, Almer Technologies offers its AR glasses in a hardware-as-a-service subscription model. This brings certain advantages: The glasses are replaced in the event of damage, customers always have an up-to-date version, and communication between Almer Technologies and its customers is guaranteed. Thus, ongoing development of the Almer Arc is, in particular, directed towards areas where the customers want further refinement.
The basic technology, meaning the hardware and operating system, is developed by Almer Technologies. Specific applications are developed by third-party providers or adapted for the headset. For instance, collaboration between Almer Technologies and the German software manufacturer TeamViewer was announced at the start of 2024. The aim is to provide customers with a combination of hardware and software that is ready for immediate use.
Almer Technologies develops the Almer Arc in Bern and it is built in Zofingen. The company attaches great importance to using only high-quality components in its products and to developing as much as possible in-house. Whenever components are purchased or open source code is used, the aim is always to amass as much know-how and understanding as possible within the firm. “It is essential for our product and our company that we understand what we are doing,” says Binder.
In the future, the Almer Arc will also have an intelligent assistant that recognises the type of task and offers support if the same task arises multiple times. This could consist of a video recording from a previous run-through or a corresponding checklist, for example.
Binder feels most of the opportunities for his headset are in professional use. To that extent, it will remain a niche product for the time being. Binder assumes that the large IT corporations will develop similar products. Nevertheless, he believes that Almer Technologies has key competitive advantages. For one thing, this is because Switzerland has a large number of very well trained IT specialists, who have a broad understanding of the necessary fields and of Swiss corporate culture. Furthermore, a small company like Almer Technologies is agile and can respond to requirements, as well as to changes in the market, in a timely and uncomplicated manner – which makes products from small manufacturers like Almer Technologies interesting for professional use.
