Assisted Reality Solution

Hands-Free for Total Freedom of Action

Proximus NXT’s assisted reality solution is not a gadget—it’s a high-performance communication and intervention tool that enhances team efficiency and productivity. More reliable and effective than a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for remote operations, it offers the significant advantage of freeing both hands to focus on the task at hand, improving execution speed and safety.

100% hands-free, the solution is waterproof and dustproof. It features active noise cancellation and a high-resolution camera with advanced video stabilization. For hazardous industries, it is available in an ATEX Zone 1 certified version to eliminate the risk of sparks and explosions.

The Proximus NXT assisted reality solution connects via mobile network (4G or 5G) or WiFi to a variety of communication tools—including Teams, Webex, and Zoom—as well as documents such as procedures, process flows, checklists, and technical specifications.

A Robust, High-Performance Solution

This assisted reality solution strengthens the work of experts, boosting productivity while reducing equipment downtime, travel costs, and organizational carbon footprint.

Designed to meet the demands of the construction and civil engineering sectors, it has been tested under extreme temperature and humidity conditions, as well as for impact resistance. The ATEX Z1 model is specifically designed for environments with chemical and explosive hazards.

With fully hands-free ergonomics, it enables new recruits to train remotely under the supervision of experienced colleagues. Ideal for logistics and construction professionals, the solution allows access to plans, documents, quality checklists, and much more.

Advanced noise-cancellation ensures clear communication with remote contacts, even in noisy environments, guaranteeing real-time access to essential information, situation-specific checklists, and technical plans during operations.

The camera features enhanced zoom and advanced video stabilization. Its 48MP sensor delivers excellent video and image quality, even in low light. The modular design allows easy removal and replacement of the camera with other accessories or a cover, depending on the environment.

A Valuable Tool for Healthcare Professionals

Real-time, hands-free remote collaboration between mobile units and a central contact point improves care quality in life-or-death situations. Nurses and paramedics can receive remote support from a physician while performing rescue procedures, keeping their hands free to act.

From Design to Field Reality

From design to field testing, Proximus NXT’s assisted reality solution has been a “family affair.” Julien Baudouin, Innovation Manager at Proximus NXT, and Thomas Charlier, Radio Network Field Operations Manager at Tango, explain how Proximus Luxembourg mobilized its internal ecosystem to create and test an innovative, market-ready solution.

U&Us: How did the Proximus NXT assisted reality solution originate?
J.B.: My mission is to develop new business models by implementing innovative technologies to accelerate the digitalization of Luxembourgish companies and create value for our clients.

We observed that more people are working alone on remote sites. When unexpected situations arise, they often need to call a colleague or expert, who must travel to provide support. This approach consumes time, resources, and financial means that could be better utilized.

Our idea was to leverage innovative technology to make on-site workers more autonomous, reducing travel costs, minimizing equipment downtime, and improving team productivity. Since our own teams faced the same challenges, we had a ready use case to validate our technological choices.

Most existing VR solutions are not suited for industrial environments, where workers need full situational awareness for both efficiency and safety. We designed a simple, non-intrusive solution that displays information in the user’s immediate field of vision, precisely when needed, without interfering with the surrounding environment. This is why we call it assisted reality rather than virtual or augmented reality.

Ensuring the Success of an Innovative Project

J.B.: For innovation to succeed, it must answer three questions: who, what, and how. Remote solutions, accelerated by the health crisis and trends like automation, are growing. Businesses and individuals need non-presential, remote solutions with excellent connectivity. Next, the solution must be convincing and executable. That’s why we developed and tested a proof of concept in real conditions. Finally, the solution must generate a business model and real value for the client. Combining these elements creates an innovative, compelling, and valuable solution.

Field Test Feedback

T.C.: I lead a field team responsible for GSM relay antennas across Luxembourg. When Julien suggested testing Proximus NXT’s assisted reality solution, I saw an opportunity to evaluate innovation that could simplify our daily work.

Equipped with this system, a technician can work alone on-site while connected in real-time to a colleague in the office, who can provide guidance. The camera allows the colleague to see exactly what the technician observes, even if they are on the other side of the country. Difficulties can be resolved step by step, with access to all technical documentation remotely.

Our missions often involve hazardous environments, such as climbing towers to access antennas. Proximus NXT’s solution allows maintenance, repairs, or routine inspections to be performed hands-free. Photos and videos can be stored or sent to the connected colleague, keeping hands free for safety and handling equipment.

The solution effectively reduces the physical and temporal distance between the on-site technician and the support team. We used it for “site survey” tasks, completing checklists live using only voice commands. This can extend to other data capture situations, improving safety, hand-intensive tasks, or eliminating double entries. A plan can even be attached to a digital checklist for verification.

Team members appreciated the hands-free operation. Lightweight and unobtrusive, “once on your head, you forget it’s there.”