Columbia University researchers, working with mechanics from the U.S. Marine Corps, have developed an augmented reality (AR) system for performing vehicle maintenance repair tasks. Initial results suggest that AR systems could help users find and begin a maintenance task in half the normal time. Current practices require a Marine mechanic to refer to a technical manual on a laptop when performing vehicle repairs. In the Columbia study, mechanics used a head-worn display that projected three-dimensional (3D) arrows that pointed to relevant components, text instructions, floating labels and warnings, and animated, 3D models of appropriate tools. A smartphone worn on the mechanic's wrist provided touchscreen controls for advancing to the next series of instructions. The AR instructions were created using laser scans and photographs of the inside of the vehicle to create a 3D model of the vehicle's cockpit. The researchers then developed software for directing and instructing users in performing individual maintenance tasks. Ten cameras inside the cockpit were used to track the position of three infrared LEDs on the head-worn display, enabling the system to understand where the mechanic was looking. The researchers say that it may be more practical for future systems to have the cameras or sensors incorporated into the head-worn display.