Many pharma machinery suppliers are featuring demonstrations of things to come, promising machine diagnostics, part ordering and connection to SAP, step-by-step repair instructions and remote monitoring from the OEM.
Industry insiders note that Google glass may not be robust enough for industrial applications. Most booths with the technology were featuring a headset from Microsoft. Still a few years off for practical application, the current headset model is very heavy and apparently too bulky to really allow an operator or maintenance tech to "get inside" the machine. High cost and limited battery life are barriers, as well. But technology and battery life will improve, and prices will come down. And these suppliers are investing heavily and dedicating their best minds to further development. Many suppliers noted that pharma is starting to demand better OEE and these high-tech tools will go a long way towards delivering these long-awaited operating efficiencies.
