For the first time in Qatar, Augmented Reality (AR) has been used in a classroom training environment at College of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) to improve quality control for industrial maintenance.

Augmented Reality is a cutting-edge technology that allows information to be superimposed over what we see in the real world through tablets, phones or glasses. With AR, instructions to perform tasks can be displayed visually step-by-step, rather than having to read through a manual. This can greatly reduce human error and the time needed to complete a task.

Recently, a study was conducted with CNA-Q’s engineering technology students to see how AR compared to using standard paper manuals for disassembling an industrial water pump. The study found that students using AR made no errors in disassembling the pump, whereas students using paper manuals made four significant errors.

‘CNA-Q is dedicated to ensuring that students are exposed to and trained with the newest technology, such as AR, that will be part of industry in the very near future,’’ said CNA-Q president Dr. Ken MacLeod. ‘This is exactly what one would expect to see at Qatar’s leading technical college.’

Over the past year, CNA-Q has been developing Augmented Reality learning objects for training students in its oil and gas programmes, through the School of Engineering Technology. In partnership with ScopeAR, a leading AR software development company, and industry partners, CNA-Q identified Augmented Reality learning objectives that fit into existing curriculum goals.

CNA-Q is continuing its ongoing research and development in AR to further train its engineering technology and health sciences students.