Hi-tech headset changes the game for fish health firm
STIM, the Norwegian fish health services provider with branches in Scotland and Canada, has increased operational efficiency and reduced both emissions and Covid transmission risks in Norway by using a hi-tech video headset device.
The company wanted to cut down the time and fuel its employees used visiting fish farms and wellboats for inspections and chose the voice-activated RealWear HMT-1 device after researching remote inspection systems including handhelds, laptops, wearables and augmented reality smart glasses.
STIM initially rolled out the US-sourced RealWear devices for use in hygiene inspections that it conducts on wellboats. The tests have previously required on-site presence of an independent veterinarian or fish health biologist, but crew members wearing HMT-1 headsets paired with STIM’s own STIM PRO Android app now perform tests themselves. STIM’s fish health professionals remotely oversee the procedure and either approve of test results or decide that further cleaning is necessary.
Immediate access
The HMT-1 hands-free headset, which is ruggedly constructed to withstand use on fish farms, includes a camera and a tiny 0.33-inch screen on a boom arm which, because of the distance from the wearer’s eye, appears to the user like a 7” tablet.
STIM PRO allows STIM’s customers to log in and book an appointment for a remote inspection. In the same portal, customers can upload documents that STIM’s fish health staff may need to review prior to the inspection.
The system enables immediate access to STIM’s fish health personnel who, regardless of geographical distances, can overlook and assess sampling and test results, provide advice, and contribute with assessments related to specific fish health-related problem solving.
Real-time video and audio transmission makes it is easy for those on site to give visibility to any situation and ask for real-time advice on any identified issues, significantly reducing response time in cases where important decisions have to be made quickly.
Improved safety
STIM deployed the first headsets in August 2019 and has been increasing the number in use and the extent of integration with its STIM PRO app since then. To date it has deployed 75 headsets.
“Since deploying RealWear’s solution, we have been able to provide the same quality to our customers with this method and even offer a discounted inspection,” said Henrik Hareide, chief operating officer knowledge services for STIM Norway.
“Whilst it’s a very different process to physically sending someone to a site, it has resulted in improved safety, efficiency and cost savings. The hardware is excellent, and RealWear’s solution is perfectly tailored to our unique needs.”
STIM has plans to add a Learning System to STIM PRO to ensure quality and consistency across the teams.
“Yet again, we are witnessing further scope for RealWear’s solution to be used in multiple applications within another industry sector,” said Jon Arnold, RealWear Inc’s vice president of sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“Wearable technology is now widely accepted as a tool for efficient communication, offering efficiency benefits both for operations and environmentally.”
