Japan Airlines using Microsoft HoloLens to train pilots

Airplanes are one of the most important inventions. Why do I say this? Well, without them, the world would be a lot larger -- figuratively speaking, that is. You see, if we were limited to things like boats, buses, and and trains, it would take much longer to travel. What are relatively short trips by plane nowadays would be incredibly lengthy and tedious. Thanks to airplanes, you can travel from USA to say, Europe, in less than a day -- a miracle!

Of course, technology and air travel are forever linked, and today we learn that Japan Airlines is leveraging augmented reality to assist in the training of its pilots. This isn't just any AR, however, but Microsoft's exciting HoloLens solution.

"Microsoft HoloLens is the first fully untethered holographic computer powered by Windows 10. It uses mixed reality, blending 3D holographic content into the physical world, allowing users to interact with both digital content and the world around them. HoloLens is completely self-contained. There are no wires, phones or PC connection", says Suzanne Choney, News Center, Microsoft.

Choney further says, "currently, flight crew trainees studying for promotion use mainly panels that display photos of cockpit instruments and switches to learn operational procedures in the early stages of their training. Using HoloLens, they will have a detailed hologram in front of their eyes that will display cockpit devices and switches that they can operate themselves, with visual and voice guidance provided through HoloLens".

While augmented reality is surely a great way to enhance existing training programs, it remains to be seen if it should ever become the main focus. No matter how great AR becomes, passengers would likely feel safer if their pilots logged considerable hours inside a real cockpit -- not just a virtual one.

What do you think of pilots training with augmented reality like Microsoft HoloLens? Tell me in the comments.

Image credit: siro46/Shutterstock