Using smart glasses for engineer development

UK: Arcus FM is introducing smart glasses into its refrigeration team to strengthen on-the-job learning, improve remote technical guidance and help address the technical skills gap in facilities management.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses combine iconic eyewear with hands-free tech. They feature a 12MP ultra-wide camera, open-ear Bluetooth speakers, and built-in Meta AI. It can also use voice commands to take photos, stream to Instagram, and receive real-time answers.

The technology allows Arcus engineers on site to share what they are seeing in real-time, hands-free, with experienced engineers who can guide them through technical challenges remotely. It gives developing engineers access to practical coaching at the point of need, helping them build confidence and capability in live working environments.

The move forms part of Arcus’ wider approach to developing technical skills from within the business. With demand for experienced refrigeration engineers continuing to outpace supply across the industry, Arcus is exploring creative ways to shorten the time between learning and productivity while maintaining safe, effective delivery for customers.

By enabling remote guidance, Meta glasses can also reduce the need for an additional engineer to travel to site where support can be provided virtually. This helps improve engineer on-site time, supports productivity and reduces unnecessary van rolls – therefore supporting the businesses sustainability goals.

The glasses are being introduced as part of Arcus’ refrigeration training and development approach, alongside its wider investment in traineeships, technical pathways and practical workplace learning.

“Refrigeration is a highly skilled area and developing that capability takes time,” said Ricky Stevens, Arcus FM’s director of operations, refrigeration. “At Arcus, colleagues already go through structured learning and development, and the Meta glasses enhance that experience by giving them real-time support while they are working on site.

“What we like about the technology is how practical it is. An engineer can get guidance from someone experienced while staying hands free and focused on the task in front of them.

“It helps colleagues build confidence, apply their learning in live environments and shorten the time between training and productive delivery. For us, it is about using technology in a practical way to support engineers as they develop, while improving efficiency across the team.”

Arcus will continue to review how the technology supports refrigeration engineer development, productivity and customer delivery, with potential to explore further applications across other technical service lines.