Epson and DJI Collaborating on Augmented Reality Drone Flight Simulator App for Moverio Smart Glasses

November 8, 2017 by Bridget O'Neal Virtual Reality

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The Epson Group, headquartered in Japan, has been famous—probably for as long as most of us can remember—for their inkjet technology. As part of Seiko Epson Corporation, they have offices and other subsidiaries around the world. In past years they have begun targeting the 3D printing market, as well as journeying into the augmented reality (AR) industry.

In their continued work with the Moverio AR smart glasses, Epson has now announced their first AR flight simulator app in collaboration with DJI, and developed by Y Media Labs for the Epson Moverio BT-300 (FPV/Drone Edition) AR glasses.

With the flight simulator app, users can fly their drones using DJI controllers such as the:

Mavic Pro
Phantom 4
Inspire 2
Spark

Not only can you look forward to testing out a 3D digital drone, but if you are a new pilot or even well-experienced, the app allows you to learn more as you ‘fly’ the virtual drone.

“This is arguably the first mainstream consumer application for augmented reality smart glasses. The ability to digitally ‘paint the sky’ is a game-changer in the drone market and will usher in an exciting range of applications,” said Eric Mizufuka, Manager, New Ventures, Epson America. “We’ve been very impressed with DJI’s updated Mobile SDK and look forward to continuing to invest in new applications and partnerships in this space.”

Users looking forward to trying out this new drone experience can try out the new simulator in DJI stores (or other retail shops marketing drones too) now.

“Augmented reality is set to revolutionize the industry with the ability to create a safer, more productive flight. The hands-free, heads-up experience delivered by the Epson Moverio BT-300 is the ideal way to experience aerial AR,” said Romsin Oushana of DJI Partnerships.

Y Media Labs, headquartered in Silicon Valley, created the app, which will be available for download later in the year at the Moverio Apps Market. Y Media’s expertise lies in working with other companies who want to ‘re-imagine customer experiences,’ providing users with product that can have a lasting and positive effect. They have worked with other well-known brands too such as Apple, PayPal, L’Oréal, Home Depot, and Staples.

Phantom 4 by DJI

There will be more apps on the way too, as this first flight simulator will serve as the initial app to be produced in a series, all offering augmented reality. The subsequent apps will also be produced as Y Media partners with both DJI and Epson. Also lined up for the end of the year is another ‘full-featured app,’ also using the smart glasses, meant to expand drone features

“We’re excited to partner with Epson and DJI to set the standard for high-value consumer experiences in the AR space by harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and world-class design,” said Ashish Toshniwal, CEO of Y Media Labs.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts; join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.