Research Summary
The report discusses the partnership between Sequoia and Squint, a mobile app that provides augmented reality (AR) instructions for industrial workers. Squint’s AR technology guides workers through complex machinery operations, enhancing productivity and safety. The app is being used by companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Siemens to bridge the skill gap in the industrial sector.
Key Takeaways
Squint’s AR Technology Revolutionizes Industrial Work
- AR for Industrial Operations: Squint’s mobile app uses augmented reality to provide step-by-step instructions for operating machinery on the industrial floor. By pointing their mobile device at the equipment, workers can access detailed procedures, report maintenance issues, and leave notes for the next shift. This technology effectively digitizes the knowledge of experienced workers, making it accessible to everyone.
Addressing the Industrial Labor Shortage
- Boosting Productivity and Retention: As the U.S. faces an industrial labor shortage, Squint offers a solution to increase manufacturing productivity and worker retention. The app’s AR instructions help bridge the skill gap left by retiring workers, making it easier for new or less experienced workers to operate complex machinery safely and efficiently.
Impressive Results and Adoption
- Increased Efficiency and Safety: Companies like Colgate-Palmolive, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Michelin, JTEKT, Siemens, and Volvo are using Squint to train employees and increase productivity. Colgate-Palmolive reported that procedures were completed 50% faster with Squint, regardless of a worker’s experience level. The app also improved accuracy, reduced training times, and provided valuable insights through built-in analytics.
Squint’s Founding and Funding
- From Idea to Reality: Squint was founded by Devin Bhushan, a former software engineer at Yahoo and Splunk. His experience in mobile, AR, and product analytics positioned him to create Squint in response to customer demand for a comprehensive data visualization tool. Sequoia led Squint’s $3.5M seed round and later led the Series A round, impressed by the team’s rapid progress.
Future Possibilities for Squint
- Expanding Use Cases: While Squint is currently focused on industrial applications, the report suggests that the app could become the instruction manual for any device or place in the future. This could range from household appliances to Airbnb stays, indicating significant potential for expansion and growth.
Actionable Insights
- Explore the Potential of AR in Industrial Settings: Squint’s success highlights the potential of augmented reality in industrial settings. Companies in this sector could benefit from exploring similar technologies to enhance productivity, safety, and worker retention.
- Consider the Benefits of Digital Instruction Manuals: The report suggests that digital instruction manuals like Squint could be useful beyond the industrial sector. Businesses in various fields could consider developing or adopting such tools to simplify complex procedures and improve user experience.
- Monitor Squint’s Progress and Expansion: Given Squint’s rapid progress and the potential for its technology to be applied in various settings, stakeholders should keep an eye on the company’s developments and consider the implications for their own industries.
