Airbus partners with Microsoft to sell HoloLens 2 software
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus was so impressed by the productivity increase achieved with Microsoft’s HoloLens that, as a result, it will begin offering augmented reality software to its customers. At the Paris Air Show on Monday, the company announced that it will start selling ready-to-use applications, including training, remote collaboration, and maintenance solutions developed through its own experiences with the augmented reality headset.
According to Airbus, the decision to transform from a customer of Microsoft’s augmented reality headset into an AR software supplier was driven by the success of the company’s pilot programs with HoloLens and the return on investment obtained from these programs.
Regarding the partnership with Airbus, Microsoft’s Alex Kipman stated, “Inspired by customers, designed for customers. Airbus has long been a strategic partner in building the future of mixed reality solutions for the industry, and we have learned a lot from them. We are excited to partner with Airbus in the upcoming new era of artificial intelligence and mixed reality.”
Meanwhile, the first customer of Airbus’s HoloLens products was Japan Airlines, which received its first Airbus A350 XWB last week. The airline will implement a training program that will assist maintenance technicians and cabin crew with 3D content and workflow instructions displayed in their field while on the job.