Augmented Reality in Commercial Aviation

Augmented Reality enables an integration between virtual reality and physical reality. This technology has become really popular in multiple sectors including entertainment, business, healthcare, and aviation as well.

Why is AR a much-needed requirement in aviation?

In aviation, AR is considered as one of the necessary innovations to bring safety to the processes. The aviation industry has definitely evolved a lot in terms of safety. But there is still room for improvement. Pilot errors are the most crucial areas that requires work.

According to a survey, about 85% of aviation accidents happen due to an error made by pilots. However, this clearly suggests that there is something wrong with the techniques and technologies that pilots use while flying.

Even the smallest decisions such as checking the weather, reading control panels, evaluating the maintenance of an aircraft takes a lot of effort in the aviation industry. And that is where AR becomes a perfect solution.

Also with augmented reality, the market value is supposed to achieve $90 billion worth by 2020. This presents unique opportunities and benefits for the aviation industry as well.

1. AR navigation in commercial flying

Augmented reality is not a new term in aviation. However, it has been seen as a military technology for a long time. Jet planes all over the world use augmented reality navigation to fly, target, navigate and complete their mission. A glass screen in front of the pilot allows him or her to make correct decisions that keep the pilot and the fighter jet safe.

Now, the same technology is coming to the commercial flying. New startups are presenting augmented reality navigation systems for commercial pilots. These systems are able to make the visualization more advanced, which allows the pilot to make the right decisions and have a safe flight.

2. AR in air traffic visualization

Augmented reality has the capacity to make the air-traffic visualization more effective. Pilots will be able to have a 360-degree view with statistics and virtual images that make air traffic clearly visible to them. As a result, pilots can keep an eye on the air traffic and fly safely. The enhanced use of AR in air-traffic visualization can improve the safety aspect of the aviation industry to a great extent.

3. AR in aircraft maintenance

The application of AR in aircraft maintenance can result in amazing benefits in terms of safety. The commercial flight engineers can leverage AR to inspect and maintain their aircraft. The technology offers real-time details with a combination of technologies such as 3D scanning, sensors, and others. With such a comprehensive inspection, the maintenance of the aircraft can become incredibly successful, which brings safety to the industry.

In 3D scanning, AR technologies offer a clear visual of the aircraft which allows the engineers to easily find dents, scratches and other issues with the aircraft. The technology is already available in the military. And now, the commercial aviation industry is also starting to realize its importance.

Thus, to conclude, there is a big change coming in the commercial aviation industry with Augmented Reality, as these pointers have aptly depicted.

How IoT can improve CX at Airports

From arrival to security checks that people face in an airport, it can prove to be hectic and irritating. The passengers have to go through multiple checkpoints in order to board a flight. In the end, it all becomes an experience that no passenger likes.

However, things are changing with the enhancements of technologies. Over 95 percent of passengers carry a mobile device while visiting airports. And that presents a great opportunity for airports to integrate IoT in their services to improve the customer experience. The well-connected Internet of Things can not only reduce the time requirement, but it can also improve the security measures for an airport.

Here, in this article, you will find all the customer experiences that can get an immense level of improvement with IoT.

1. Effortless security checks

The security checks are the biggest considerations for customers as well as airport authorities and IoT can become an effective solution to that problem. The automatic sensors can be implemented at security checkpoints which can help to reduce long queues.

These sensors can connect to the mobile device of the passenger to know the person’s identity and boarding details. The same information can reach the security guards on her device along with the analysis reports of their luggage.

The facial recognition technology can also be attached to the security checkpoints. A customer can opt for such a technology, which will allow airport authorities to match his or her facial features with the data available in blockchain systems.

As a result, every security point will receive information related to the identity of the passenger, which will reduce the time requirement of security checks.

2. Easy luggage handling

Another aspect of customer experience that people care about is luggage handling. Airport authorities can include the smart device features in their baggage management.

First of all, the luggage should provide the ability to the passenger to receive information regarding the weight of the luggage on their mobile device. Also, it should include a mobile payment facility too. Authorities can include tracking sensors in the scale to get a report of the baggage.

There are smart bags available in the market that provide valuable reports regarding the temperature, g-force, humidity and other data on a smartphone. These smart bags are able to give alerts whenever the bag is opened. Similarly, the bags have an automatic lock system, which activates whenever the luggage gets out of reach from your mobile device.

The airport security can open and check your bags, but the complete report can appear on your device. This can reduce the problem of losing your items from the luggage.

3. Boarding assistance

IoT facilities can also improve customer experience in terms of boarding. The information about the flights, directions, and location can help passengers navigate their way in an airport on their own.

The smart devices can become their personal assistance and lead them towards the right direction. The devices can offer an exact boarding time to the passengers. So, a passenger doesn’t have to keep waiting in one place for the boarding turn.

There are various other customer experience aspects that IoT can help with. But, it is all about correct application.

Do let us know in case there are any other ways through which IoT can elevate the overall airport experience!