Fairbanks Morse to Deploy Mixed Reality Technology on Navy Ships

Fairbanks Morse FM OnBoard offers hands-free, intuitive tools and technical instructions in an augmented workforce environment to increase operational availability, improve first-time fix rates and reduce repair times By Joseph Macey / 13 Jan 2023

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Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) will introduce FM OnBoard technology on U.S. Navy ships following a recently approved Naval Sea Systems Command contract.

The contract authorized validation of FM OnBoard’s mission readiness by implementing its anomaly detection system for the Fairbanks Morse Defense engine. The system will run in concurrence with endurance testing of the engine EFI retrofit.

According to Fairbanks, FM OnBoard offers hands-free intuitive tools and technical instructions in an augmented workforce environment to increase operational availability, improve first-time fix rates and reduce the time to repair, leveraging the capabilities of highly experienced personnel for training and technical support across the globe. The technology’s remote video collaboration allows onsite users to engage directly with a live, offsite FMD service advisor using party-to-party video conferencing viewed through mixed reality headsets. Through the use of a digital twin that emulates the current state of an asset in real time, technicians can interact and monitor local assets and detect anomalies.

FM Onboard is said to be among a growing number of solutions in FMD’s Technology Center of Excellence, which consolidates all of FMD’s emerging technologies into one platform, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Defenses, SMART Engineering Solutions, and Uncrewed Mission Management. FMD has spent the last two years acquiring companies and expanding its capabilities to provide products and services for the entire ship.

FMD CEO George Whittier, said: “Through our commitment to equipping the U.S. fleet with the latest in technological innovation and strategic solutions, like our FM OnBoard remote collaboration and asset monitoring tool, Fairbanks Morse Defense is revolutionizing technology solutions for maritime defenses. Technicians can instantly leverage remote expertise from anywhere in the world, which reduces costs and ensures that crews are always mission ready.”

Posted by Joseph Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Defense Advancement, where he has focused on emerging defense technologies since joining in 2022. His expertise spans tactical UAS, rugged computing, and Satellite Communication Systems. After graduating in Journalism from Falmouth University, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism background enhances both his reporting and interview skills, enabling him to provide insightful, authoritative analysis of the latest trends shaping the defense industry. Connect
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