(Los Angeles, CA) Today, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) debuted its first use of augmented reality (AR) technology, a next-generation application of virtual reality. AR allows visible reality, such as that seen through a smartphone camera, to be augmented by objects or interactive imagery rendered within the guest's view. In Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX staff joined with software developer Trigger to unveil an AR rendering of the forthcoming Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC), as well as a highlight video produced by LAX, which can be viewed
here.
"Augmented reality is as exciting as it is innovative, giving us a new tool to keep our guests informed, engaged and interested in the future of LAX," said Barbara Yamamoto, Chief Experience Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. "AR is a dynamic technology that can be applied to many parts of the airport journey, and this installation is just one of many ways we will be using innovative technology to improve the guest experience.”
Though the new 12-gate MSC isn't scheduled to open until 2020, with their smartphones, guests can now view an AR rendering of the new concourse at a location that overlooks the construction site. All that is needed for the AR experience is an Apple or Android-powered smartphone with the Facebook or Snapchat app installed. Guests can follow the on-site instructions to enjoy a glimpse of the MSC, complete with five hotspots with information about the new concourse, its amenities and design notes.
LAX’s Augmented Reality walls can be found in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), located behind Victoria's Secret, ink.sack, and Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar.
The AR program was developed by Trigger, a leading AR software developer that has worked with many leading brands across a variety of industries to implement the new technology. Among their client brands are Sony, AMC, Honda, Mattel, LEGO, the Spider-Man movie franchise, and recent Star Wars movies. Development for LAX's MSC AR presentation was done within Snap Lens Studio, and was based on a 3D model provided by LAWA.
Note to editors: If you can't make it to Terminal B, the codes found in the banner will work too! Here are directions for each application:
For Facebook users:
1. Open the Facebook app.
2. Search for "QR code" in the top search box.
3. Tap on "QR Code" to open the QR code reader.
4. Scan QR code.
5. Explore the new concourse in AR.
For Snapchat users:
1. Open Snapchat.
2. Point camera at Snap code.
3. Tap on Snapcode when it's in view.
4 Explore the new concourse in AR.