The prospects of human-computer interaction technology have been evolving rapidly, driven by the need for increased efficiency, productivity, and adaptability in a constantly changing enterprise landscape. Unsurprisingly, 2024 started with another technological bang or a few, amplifying the more and less radical workplace technology predictions.
In January, Elon Musk claimed that the first human patient received a Neuralink brain implant.
February started with the launch of Apple Vision Pro – wearables and Apple’s first Spatial Computer or, in the words of the company’s CEO, “tomorrow’s technology today.” Apple Vision Pro promises to revolutionise remote work through increased productivity and a much more immersive workspace experience.
Wearable technology—the less controversial and more practical cousin of Neuralink—frees the hands, enhancing frontline workers’ capabilities without requiring them to undergo neurosurgeries. Especially with the recent introduction of Apple Vision Pro, mobile wearables have become even more exciting, allowing for quick implementation of another level of enterprise digitisation.
So, while Elon Musk has recently begun Neuralink human trials, On Device Solutions has partnered with TeamViewer, a leading global technology company – to introduce wearable technology at its finest into our offering. Through this partnership, we will offer joint SAP and mobile wearables expertise to our SAP enterprise customers, helping them adopt the next generation of frontline worker solutions.
Along these lines, we’re excited to see that our new partner has already announced the release of the TeamViewer Spatial Support app for Apple Vision Pro, promising the next era of immersive assistance and field service for enterprise customers.
Across the board, wearable technology has made many significant strides in recent years, serving as a solution to free up engineers’ hands and improve their work efficiency and satisfaction. Wearable technology mobile devices, ranging from smart glasses to wrist-worn gadgets, offer several advantages:
- Hands-free Operation: Wearables like smart glasses allow engineers to access information and instructions without the need to carry tablets or smartphones. This hands-free approach is invaluable when both hands must be actively engaged in the task, such as during equipment maintenance or complex assembly processes.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Assistance: AR technology, integrated into wearable devices, provides engineers with real-time, contextual information when required, which can significantly enhance their problem-solving abilities, reduce errors, and improve overall job performance.
- Remote Collaboration: Wearables enable engineers to connect with colleagues and experts remotely, allowing for real-time troubleshooting and knowledge sharing. This is particularly beneficial when faced with complex issues that require immediate attention from specialised professionals. This benefit extends to enterprise sustainability and the green agenda.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Wearable sensors can collect valuable data on environmental conditions and worker health, contributing to better decision-making and safety protocols. For example, wearable devices can monitor exposure to hazardous substances and send alerts when necessary.
- Efficiency and Productivity: By streamlining tasks and providing instant access to information, wearable technology boosts overall efficiency and productivity in engineering and other industries.
Understandably, complaints about wearable technology, like Apple Vision Pro, include their comfort levels and design. Compared to relying on finger-movement detection cameras placed within heavy computer displays worn on one’s face, controlling computers solely with one’s thoughts might seem like an enticing vision of remote work in the future.
However, considering the size of the first computers, which occupied entire rooms, it’s reasonable to expect that wearable technology like Apple Vision Pro will mature, addressing potential discomforts caused by the headset size and other factors. And since today’s technological advancements occur much faster than the progress made from the creation of Colossus or ENIAC to later IBM computers, it shouldn’t be long before Apple Vision Pros and the like deliver all the desired remote work functionalities without sacrificing users’ comfort.
Furthermore, aside from Musk’s technology’s invasive nature, removing the barrier between thinking and doing – or thinking and working, in this context – as envisioned by Neuralink raises many other concerns. Some of them are connected to the potential work-life balance issues. Wearing devices like Apple Vision Pro or TeamViewer wearables creates a hands-free enhanced work experience, but removing those devices outlines a boundary between work and life. With Neuralink’s permanent implantation in the skull, maintaining a work-life balance, devoid of any physical barriers, will likely become considerably more challenging.
That said, in the context of remote work’s future, one of the most concerning aspects of Neuralink’s advancement is its vulnerability to hacking. While some applaud the idea of direct human brain connectivity to various Internet of Things devices, Parmy Olson, a Bloomberg Opinion technology columnist, warns against the risks, stating, “A seamless link to the web could be the riskiest side effect of Neuralink’s Telepathy device…”
Olson further explains, “When I reported on the exploits of Hacktivists Anonymous years ago, some of the online vigilantes told me that the barrier between what they thought and what they did in online forums was dauntingly thin as they fell deeper into groupthink and egged each other on to hack websites — before ultimately getting arrested. When there’s virtually no barrier between thinking and acting on the internet, people often proceed in ways they shouldn’t.”
While it’s great to investigate the limitless possibilities of remote work’s more distant future in the context of chips being used to manage human-computer interfaces, it’s clear that their potential commercialisation will take many more years of testing.
Wearable technology, where On Device Solutions’ current focus lies, is the proven frontline worker technology leading the way in the meantime. On this note, find out more about the connected worker future we’ve envisioned for our SAP enterprise customers – through our new strategic partnership with TeamViewer, a global leader in remote connectivity and workplace digitalisation solutions. More updates on On Device Solutions’ strategic collaboration with TeamViewer are coming soon.
In conclusion, the evolution of workplace technology reflects enterprises’ relentless pursuit of enhanced productivity, connectivity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing enterprise mobility landscape. With their hands-free operation and augmented reality capabilities, wearables are the current path to immediate practical solutions to free up engineers’ hands while providing many other benefits.
On Device Solutions is a specialist IT consultancy and SAP Gold Partner that provides highly-rated enterprise mobility solutions. If you’re interested exclusively in SAP-based enterprise technology, contact us here to learn how we can help your enterprise become more competitive and agile.
