VR, 5G, and Digital Twins Converge at EchoStar’s Team Summit 2024
Extended Reality | Business
5 minutes read
At Team Summit in Las Vegas, EchoStar’s annual retailers conference, an innovative partnership between HTC VIVE and EchoStar showcased the future of immersive training powered by private 5G. The team presented a Virtual Reality (VR) airline pilot training demo that uses HTC’s VIVE XR Elite headset, powered by the company’s own Private 5G box, REIGN CORE, with connectivity supplied by EchoStar. This demo highlighted the immersive power of VR, and the crucial importance of 5G connectivity to the future of training.
In the demo, VIVE XR Elite headsets connected to a private 5G network running on HTC's REIGN CORE box. The VIVE XR Elite allows airline pilots and copilots to engage in highly realistic training sessions within digital twins of aircrafts, like the Airbus A320. These sessions include detailed reproductions of the aircraft's cockpit, and under-the-deck aircraft maintenance, engineering, and operations training modules including preparation, taxi, climb, cruise, descent, and more. Trainees benefit from a hands-on learning experience with procedures as outlined by VRpilot, the software developer behind the solution. Importantly, trainees can complete the scenarios as many times as necessary to establish confidence and muscle memory.
Both DISH and Hughes, subsidiaries of EchoStar, brought critical expertise to this partnership, merging complex technologies into cohesive solutions. DISH provided the essential connectivity that powers the immersive training sessions, ensuring that data flows without interruption across the 5G network. Hughes complemented by integrating connectivity with broader network capabilities, including SD WAN, cybersecurity, and managed services, which are pivotal in managing the high demands of real-time VR training.
Successful implementation of new 5G use cases requires more than just advanced technology—it demands a deep understanding of how to make diverse systems work together to deliver turnkey business solutions. EchoStar, as an experienced integrator, is a valuable partner as 5G use cases and solutions continue to grow and expand.
The collaboration between HTC VIVE and EchoStar is a prime example of how the convergence of expertise can drive the adoption of new technologies and transform industries. By combining their strengths, these stakeholders are not only enhancing the effectiveness of pilot training but also paving the way for broader applications of VR and 5G technologies in various sectors.
The airline pilot training demo at the EchoStar Team Summit was more than just a technological showcase; it was a glimpse into the future of industry training and the potential of 5G to revolutionize professional development. As companies like HTC VIVE, and EchoStar continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with VR, digital twins, and private 5G networks, we can expect to see these technologies become more integrated into our daily professional lives.
