easyJet is looking into adopting innovative technologies to enhance its aircraft fleet and is now evaluating the use of Augmented Reality (AR) devices to help pilots and engineers simplify the engineering and servicing process.
In the long run they are looking into minimizing passenger delays and improving its industry leading safety records. easyJet chose to evaluate the Epson Moverio BT-200 glasses to enable engineering teams to see exactly what a pilot or engineer is seeing using AR technology, and predicts the Moverio BT-200 will benefit some of the airline’s remote airports across its network.
Currently, engineers and pilots have to email pictures and call easyJet’s Operations Control Centre (OCC) to try and resolve the issue manually. With the Moverio BT-200, easyJet’s OCC could potentially provide live information to the engineers and pilots in real time, along with technical assistance through an integrated hands-free head set.
“3D augmented reality technology is one of the key enablers to easyJet reducing longer delays when an aircraft is down route,” says Ian Davies, Head of Engineering and Maintenance at easyJet. “This will help us get greater clarity on any technical issues which occur hundreds of miles away. By wearing the Moverio BT-200, pilots or engineers down route could transmit live pictures and data between easyJet OCC at Luton and any of our 138 operating locations in Europe and beyond, providing direct access to shared visual information making it easier for them to resolve any technical issue.”
The new Moverio is packed full of features and functionality for AR, enabling a digitally enhanced view of the real world. Sensing technology, including a front-facing camera, gyroscope, GPS system, compass, and accelerometer, allows the device to accurately understand a user’s movements and the world around them.
Valerie Riffaud-Cangelosi, product manager for Visual Imaging, Epson Europe says: “We’re delighted to be working with easyJet, supporting the company’s efforts to drive innovation in the aviation industry. There’s a huge appetite for wearable technology – the market is forecast to have a $19bn value within three years, and this project clearly demonstrates the tangible benefits that AR technology can deliver to businesses in different sectors.”