The future of critical industries through an AR lens
By Andrew Conway, CTO Europe
Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer just a futuristic concept. It’s becoming a vital tool in some of the world’s most critical industries. From oil rigs to operating rooms, AR is transforming how we work, train, and respond to challenges. I’m marking my predictions for how AR will shape the future across several high-stakes sectors. And of course, highlighting the private network connectivity that it relies on.
Oil & Gas
In the oil and gas industry, safety and precision are paramount. Major oil and gas companies are already advancing along the path of digital transformation with AR technology using the likes of Realwear smart glasses which boast a 70% increase in safety in the industry. Other research from Ericsson shows that implementing connected worker solutions and enhanced safety measures can yield a ROI exceeding 100%.
- Remote guidance: AR is making waves by enabling experts to guide workers in real time - overlaying instructions and visuals onto their view, even in remote locations. This cuts risk and downtime while improving training, maintenance, and emergency response.
- Quicker inspections: Pipe and tank checks are faster and more accurate. Remote experts can watch live AR feeds, give instant feedback, and help spot hidden issues.
- On-the-job training: As biodiesel and other new energy sources emerge, AR gives workers hands-on training right on-site. Interactive guidance appears in real time - without halting production.
So, what does the future look like?
- AR headsets will become standard gear, equipped with AI that can detect anomalies, suggest fixes, and even predict failures before they happen. This will drastically reduce downtime and improve safety in hazardous environments.
Refineries
Refineries are intricate and often dangerous environments. AR can simplify complexity by overlaying critical information directly onto physical infrastructure.
Picture this use case: A worker looks at a pipe and instantly sees where it leads, what it contains, and whether it poses a hazard. This leads to faster troubleshooting, safer operations, and better onboarding for new employees.
Automation and autonomously guided vehicles are also playing a big role in refinery operations, and AR enhances this shift by delivering real-time data and situational awareness - enabling operators to monitor and interact with these innovations more effectively.
By 2030, AR will be as common in critical industries as smartphones are today - empowering workers, enhancing safety, and unlocking new levels of efficiency.— Andrew ConwayCTO Europe
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is undergoing a digital transformation, and AR is at the heart of it. Juniper Research predicts over 3B$ will be invested in private networks in manufacturing globally by 2028. Imagine a technician repairing an electric motor while wearing smart glasses that display step-by-step instructions, sensor data, and safety alerts. All hands-free. Now imagine scaling that capability across an entire factory floor...
Key predictions for AR in manufacturing:
- AR-assisted hazard detection: Processes visual and thermal data to detect fires or mechanical faults before human operators can.
- Instructional overlays: Replaces bulky manuals with real-time, visual guidance.
- Quality control: Inspect complex components before they enter production, ensuring precision and reducing waste.
- Production lines: AR will become the new interface for factory floors, seamlessly integrating with AI and IoT systems to create self-aware, self-correcting production lines.
Healthcare
In healthcare, where every second counts, AR is enabling real-time patient data at a glance. Surgeons and healthcare workers use AR to view vital signs and medical history without looking away from the patient.
What are my predictions for the future? AR will enable remote diagnostics, AI-assisted decision-making, and even remote guidance from specialists across the globe. An observation also shared by HFCL in their Private 5G in Healthcare report.
Oulu University Hospital
Airports
Ground operations at airports are being reimagined with AR, transforming workflows for maintenance crews and ground operators alike.
- Real-time flight and passenger data: Displayed directly within the AR interface.
- Faster maintenance instructions: Overlaid onto aircraft components, streamlining complex procedures.
- Safety checks are enhanced: With visual cues and alerts, improving accuracy and efficiency.
One challenge remains: the limitations of Wi-Fi connectivity inside aircraft, which can hinder seamless data access and communication. The solution? A seamless private network to combat this.
Transformation is happening at security and customs too. With entities like TSA and more generically airport security screening, AR enables agents to visualise data from X-rays and body scanners in real time, helping them identify potential threats more quickly and accurately. At customs and border control, it provides live visual overlays of luggage and cargo contents, allowing for faster, more precise inspections and significantly reducing bottlenecks at checkpoints. Learn more in Senza Fili’s paper on Private 5G in Airports.
Ports
At ports, AR is already reshaping how operations are conducted, enabling seamless remote collaboration and smarter, safer workflows. Several port operators in the USA and Europe have been embarked on this transformation already. Others are picking up on this trend - just look at this report from The Critical Communications Review.
- Expert guidance: Remotely guide technicians in real time, using AR to annotate, instruct, and troubleshoot from anywhere in the world.
- Malfunction detection: AR glasses, enhanced with AI-powered services, can detect issues in cranes and identify hazards during berthing, while also guiding workers through complex tasks with precision. Especially during the maintenance of critical infrastructure like liquid natural gas systems.
- Instant drone feeds: Streamed directly into AR glasses, allowing for aerial inspections of ports, containers, and vessels without interrupting ground operations.
- Vehicle oversight: Automated cranes and autonomously guided vehicles are integrated into the AR interface, giving port operators real-time situational awareness.
- Streamlined cargo checks: AR can monitor shipment contents, verify labels, and perform inspections. All through a single, immersive view.
My Predictions
By 2030, AR will be as common in critical industries as smartphones are today - empowering workers, enhancing safety, and unlocking new levels of efficiency.
Across industries, AR is only as powerful as the connectivity that supports it. Whether it’s streaming real-time drone footage into smart glasses, enabling remote surgery guidance, or overlaying live sensor data in hazardous zones, AR relies on ultra-low latency and uninterrupted data flow.
That’s where private networks come in. With dedicated bandwidth, enhanced security, and consistent performance, they provide the foundation AR needs to thrive, no matter how remote, complex, or critical the setting. As AR continues to evolve, private networks will be the silent enabler behind every real-time insight, every remote collaboration, and every critical decision.
