Vuforia Chalk is similar to Apple’s FaceTime service, with AR capabilities tailored to industrial settings, and is claimed to boost productivity and efficiency.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in uncertain times for the world at large, and we hope this small gesture helps organisations navigate the waters ahead,” says Rachel Conrad, vice-president and general manager for customer support at Rockwell. “The enhancements offered by Vuforia Chalk enable our customer base to forge on in the face of this crisis.”
Rockwell recently used Vuforia Chalk itself after a long-time customer was unable to receive immediate onsite support as a result of Covid-19 travel restrictions. Using the software, a local technician was able to visit the customer’s site, while a Rockwell service engineer provided remote guidance on the machinery’s unique maintenance needs.
More than 500 Rockwell service engineers have now conducted remote service visits to customers’ sites while adhering to stay-at-home orders.
Vuforia Chalk is a part of the FactoryTalk InnovationSuite offered jointly by PTC and Rockwell Automation following Rockwell’s $1bn investment in PTC in 2018 to create a strategic partnership.
“We are pleased Rockwell Automation is offering Vuforia Chalk business licenses to their customers free-of-charge, and enabling them to maintain business as usual in the face of the challenges brought on by the pandemic,” says Mike Campbell, PTC executive vice-president and general manager of its augmented reality products.