Dell raises the bar for repairability with AR

Dell Technologies has unveiled the Dell AR Assistant, a first-of-its-kind augmented reality app for IT repairs. This free app (available for both iOS and Android) offers a step-by-step augmented reality experience to assist customers in replacing parts on their Dell systems, enabling the next generation of consumer repairability.

AR Assistant users can see their devices and how to repair them by utilizing a smartphone camera and mixed reality and informational overlays on the machine being repaired. On select systems, the app also includes augmented clone technology, which displays a cloned server in any desired space and allows for full 360-degree interaction.

In seven different languages, Dell’s AR Assistant walks users through servicing and repair procedures for over 100 Dell PCs and servers. Dell is currently working on adding more than 20 new systems by the end of the summer.

The idea is to enable consumers to easily repair devices themselves where possible, ultimately reducing repair time for issues that can be resolved by users themselves with a little help from Dell. During the early months of the pandemic, when technicians were unable to visit people’s homes, the app’s development was accelerated. Currently, using the Dell AR Assistant requires proper diagnosis first, followed by ordering parts through the technical support team. The plan for the future is to make parts more easily available for purchase online, making the customer experience even better.

The Dell AR Assistant also demonstrates Dell’s broad and long-standing commitment to sustainability. Dell can use fewer resources and keep more circular materials in the economy by making parts more accessible, replaceable, and reusable, all while assisting customers in extending the life of their systems.