Backed by the LCR 4.0 business support programme Ultamation has developed an augmented reality (AR) app which can control home appliances and devices via a smartphone or tablet. Tony McDonough reports

Technology business Ultamation has developed an augmented reality (AR) app which can control home appliances and devices via a smartphone or tablet.

And the Liverpool-based firm is now testing the product based on real industrial use cases to understand how it might help manufacturing businesses to improve productivity.

Ultamation’s research was backed by the LCR 4.0 business support programme, part of the Liverpool City Region Local Growth Hub, which aims to support businesses developing technology for the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution.

LCR 4.0 delivery partner, the Virtual Engineering Centre, worked with the home automation specialist, which is based at Liverpool Science Park, to develop a working prototype of the app.

When used in a residential setting, the app enables users to control their home appliances by simply pointing a smartphone or tablet at the device. This triggers the presentation of options that control functions including power, volume, channel and contrast.

Ultamation managing director Oliver Hall said: “Initially, the idea was around augmented reality in residential control. However, the work we’ve done with the VEC through the LCR 4.0 programme has made us aware of wider market applications for this type of technology.

“What started as a pipe dream has turned into a piece of technology I can hold in my hand and control devices in a way previously only seen in science fiction films. Not only this, we’ve received valuable PR and marketing support through the LCR 4.0 programme, all whilst owning the intellectual property rights.”

Dr Andy Levers, technical director at the Virtual Engineer Centre (University of Liverpool) and the technical lead for LCR 4.0, added: “LCR 4.0 is about helping innovative companies in the Liverpool city region, like Ultamation, develop new products and services. 

“This is a great example of a company making the most of the resources available in the Liverpool City Region to develop a product that will help to take its business forward.”