Virtual Reality (VR) & augmented reality (AR) technologies provide considerable untapped potential for business use. This stack of visual technologies ranges from fully immersive environments where the real world is completely replaced by a digital variant (virtual reality) to an environment where the digital world blends with the surroundings of the observer (augmented reality). In most cases, it is possible to use hand tracking or speech to interact with virtual or holographic content (extended reality), further supporting the case for specific business-oriented applications for field work, training, data insights and business processes.
Highlights
Investment in augmented and virtual reality continues to be high, with Meta, Google and Apple currently pushing development in the realm of extended reality. The market for consumer devices is moving towards smaller smart glasses, mostly aimed at streaming content or gaming. Upcoming devices are expected to be more light-weight, faster and more versatile. However, a business-ready alternative for the recently decommissioned HoloLens has yet to emerge.
Opportunities for DSOs
- Employing augmented and virtual reality in training processes can result in accelerated education of technical staff, thus providing one solution for the shortages in the technical work force.
- Increased insight in the location and situation of underground networks can help with localizing existing assets and placement of new assets.
- New types of user interfaces can be deployed for the display of location-bound sensor data of overground and underground assets.
- Overlaying the real world with digital information allows for hands-free interaction with digital systems.
Challenges for DSOs
- The current market in augmented reality devices (“smart glasses”) requires a catalyst device to propel the market forward, to create a wider range of business-ready hardware.
- Maintenance of the associated software is not yet mainstream.
- Finding a device which complies with the necessary safety regulations may be a challenge.
- Adoption of this fundamentally different way of working may pose a challenge for the work force.
E.DSO Considerations
- To fully leverage the business potential, DSOs should synergize their efforts in this field, as well as cooperate with universities, research organizations and start-ups to develop generic applications and standards that can be deployed across all DSOs.
- Devices should be selected which offer versatility in the development of apps, a clear business development strategy, long-term customer support and which comply with safety regulations.
Potential Use Cases
- VR can be employed in training to practice certain acts (such as the construction of assets or parts of our networks) in a safe work environment, allowing time and an immersive, guiding environment to absorb new knowledge more effectively.
- AR can be employed in training to provide step-by-step guides for acts with strict guidelines, such as switching. This allows the operator to train with hands-on experience while learning the guidelines, and requires less supervision.
- Similarly, guides or document libraries in AR may be used for context in the field, e.g. operator libraries for switchgear.
- AR spatial planning tools for planning large overground assets can be used to speed up stakeholder processes, specifically where conflicting interests are in play.
- AR spatial planning tools displaying the existing or planned underground network situation at the correct location using GNSS, may help engineers planning upcoming large-scale field work.
- The same tools may be beneficial to field technicians, providing an instant overview of the underground situation. This may help to locate underground assets and aid with the situational registration of new underground assets.
- Virtual reality can be employed for practicing crisis situations, when it is difficult to gather the crisis managers in a physical location for training. VR can offer life-like scenarios and circumstances which makes the training feel more like a real-life situation.
- Sensordata may be overlaid on overground assets, allowing for quick insights in time-based data during operation malfunctions.
Ongoing projects
- The TS360 solution was put into operation by PREdistribuce to enhance their asset management system functionalities for transformer stations. By capturing 360° panoramic views of the stations and enhancing this data with documentation on the stored devices and access information, TST360 allows technicians to virtually visit the stations and obtain device information remotely. The system also facilitates record keeping of previous modifications and assessment of the feasibility of new installations.
- With the support of the Poznań University of Economics and Technology, Enea Operator has developed a flexible and innovative VR training system for technical service employees on connection activities and live-line working technology in HV/MV and MV/LV power stations. The training combines free movement around power stations, exercises and exams under different scenarios.
- HEDNO is involved in the EU funded project Motivate XR, which aims to contribute to a novel generation of XR collaborative authoring, publishing, and experiencing tool suite for training and assistance to industrial operations Motivatexr. HEDNO leads a pilot use case utilizing AR glasses, GIS and digital twin tools in remote training or assistance of technicians that perform on-site maintenance on wooden poles of the distribution network. More information here and here.
- In Alliander technical training school, trainers use Guides 365 on the HoloLens to train new technical staff in a variety of technical acts, such as switching a Magnefix device.
- Alliander build a full-scale electrical substation using VR, allowing new staff to practice field work at the substation in a safe but immersive environment. Alliander engineers, who plan new construction work on our networks, use a custom app for surveying sites, comparing the real-life situation with their plan drawings, by overlaying the plans on reality with AR.
- Alliander uses AR in the discussions between the DSO and municipalities, for placing an overground mid-voltage substation. This method helps in settling disputes about the location, as both parties represent different interests.
- Alliander investigates new and smaller smart glasses and evaluate their business potential.
- Enedis uses virtual and augmented reality in many training courses and is currently continuing its gradual migration to these educational support technologies. These solutions are used for core business topics, such as training for lockout agents, but also for certain general topics related to the business world, such as raising awareness of harassment.
Last update: 2 October 2025