Emirates Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have inked a deal
to develop an immersive Extended Reality (iXR) platform for the airline’s
employees.
The iXR platform, which is set to be launched later this year,
will feature 3D virtual hubs, virtual training, gamified environments, and
simulated experiences.
iXR, powered by AWS spatial computing and artificial
intelligence, will deliver technical capabilities with photorealistic
experiences. “iXR experiences will be available across next-gen wearables and
hand-held devices, including tablets and mobiles, with a consistent,
hi-fidelity experience, streamed from the cloud,” Emirates said in a statement
on Wednesday.
In the first phase, iXR will have three distinct capabilities –
a collaborative hub and social space; cabin crew training; and employee
onboarding.
Emirates staff can experience interactive brand experiences
at the Emirates Virtual Hub.
Immersive experience
iXR will introduce a 3D interactive experience to the airline’s
cabin to create an immersive environment. Here, crew can experience a digital
universe with virtual classrooms, engage with and learn from facilitators and
peers, and navigate the intricate interiors of the airline’s flagship A380s and
Boeing 777s. The environment will feature cabin service trainers,
photorealistic avatars, and spatial audio for sensory experience.
According to Emirates, the hyperreal virtual world will enable
its new recruits to learn more about the organisation and its business, the
people and its culture, their own roles, and living in Dubai.
"iXR, which is
on-track for launch later in the year, will establish us as the first and only
airline with an embedded extended reality platform connecting its operations,” said Adel Al Redha,
Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer. “It
reflects our commitment to spearhead and entrench innovation and cutting-edge
technologies in aviation for the benefit of our customers, communities and the
industry."
iXR will feature advanced technologies including Epic Games’
Unreal Engine, the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool.
"Extended Reality
(XR) is a rapidly emerging technology that will propel the aviation industry
into the future. It will have a profound impact on training, design, and
innovative service propositions in safe environments that are immersive,
performance-oriented, and efficient,” said Al Opher, VP of Professional Services,
AWS. “Together, we are revolutionizing
the travel industry and raising the bar for new, exemplary experiences."
