Epson and DJI partner on Augmented Reality Drone Flight Simulator

Today, Epson, providers of the Moverio AR smart eyewear platform, and DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer, announced a glassed based augmented reality drone flight simulator app. The app has been developed by Y Media Labs exclusively for the Epson Moverio BT-300 (FPV/Drone Edition) smart glasses. This app could be used as a drone pilot training tool to prevent drone incidents from happening.

Augmented reality is becoming real

“Augmented reality is set to revolutionize the industry with the ability to create a safer, more productive flight,” said Romsin Oushana of DJI Partnerships. “The hands-free, heads-up experience delivered by the Epson Moverio BT-300 is the ideal way to experience aerial AR.”
The flight simulator experience is viewed through the Epson Moverio BT-300 smart glasses and includes a fly mode and two mini-games for advanced pilots. It will be published on the Moverio Apps Market later this year but can be experienced today at any DJI store or most local drone retailers.

“This is arguably the first mainstream consumer application for augmented reality smart glasses,” said Eric Mizufuka, Manager, New Ventures, Epson America. “The ability to digitally ‘paint the sky’ is a game-changer in the drone market and will usher in an exciting range of applications. 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.”

DJI and Epson partnership

The app has been created, under direct supervision of the DJI and Epson Moverio teams, by Y Media Labs, a Silicon Valley-based creative technology agency,

“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.

The flight simulator is the first application of a number of aerial augmented reality applications being developed by Y Media in collaboration with Epson and DJI. Y Media Labs is working on a full-fledged augmented reality app for the Epson Moverio smart glasses aimed to enhance safety, productivity and capabilities for DJI hobbyists and professionals, and it is scheduled to be launched by the end of the year. The Epson Moverio smart glasses don’t come cheap though, not even at the already reduced price of $699.

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