Smart glasses are back

Abstract

Virtual or augmented reality and artificial intelligence are terms that are used to death these days. With so many businesses under pressure to keep up with technology, it feels like the means rather than the end is dominating the conversation. Granted, technology is a powerful enabler, so it is important that we spend time talking about the possibilities and challenges it presents. There are a number of companies pushing the boundaries in this area, such as Google, which has just released the Enterprise Edition of Google Glass. An earlier version of this smart head-mounted display and camera appeared several years ago, but despite the hype and publicity that went with it, the device failed to catch on in the consumer market. Google, however, has identified a new opportunity: the factory floor. After a makeover, Google Glass is being tested in plants around the U.S., including by companies such as Boeing