Flight Attendants To Use Augmented Reality To Read Your Emotions

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Flight Attendants To Use Augmented Reality To Read Your Emotions

May 27th, 2017

Awake Goy

Flight attendants may soon be able to read our emotions using augmented reality.

Well, that’s what Air New Zealand is hoping for. In a collaboration with Dimension Data, the airline is exploring how the Microsoft HoloLens — augmented reality smart glasses — can enhance its in-flight customer service.

In the concept video Air New Zealand unveiled during Techweek NZ, Air New Zealand’s general manager of cabin crew, Leeanne Langridge, said it will help flight attendants customise their service to each passenger.

“This technology could allow us to anticipate our customers’ needs and then tailor our service so that from the moment they step on board, we are giving them exactly what they need to feel safe, comfortable, and taken care of,” she explained in the video.

Essentially, Air New Zealand wants its flight attendants to be able to answer your questions before you even know to ask them.

The video shows a flight attendant wearing the headset, and through advanced facial technology, he is able to recall details about a passenger’s destination, allergies, and even the time since they got their last beverage.

It even assesses the passenger’s mood. You can see his mood change from “anxious” to “calm” as the flight attendant addresses his concerns.

The project is currently only in the testing phase.

Jonathan Glenister, Dimension Data’s digital strategic solutions manager, said it will “transform” the travel experience.

“We worked with the Air New Zealand cabin crew to trial a Microsoft HoloLens application. The app uses cognitive services and surfaces relevant data about the passenger, their preferences and their journey.

“Although it is only in beta at this point, we think there are great possiblities to take it further and transform the travel experience.”

Air New Zealand isn’t the first airline to dabble in technology that sounds like it is straight out of a sci-fi movie.