BACKGROUND

Extended reality (XR) is the umbrella term for immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). AR blends the real world with a digital world, virtual reality immerses the user in a digital world, and MR is a mix of both. XR is a great way to put written concepts into some type of visualization. The military has been using XR in certain applications to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. Airlines are using XR to help train flight attendants and aviation mechanics and as an entertainment option for their passengers. The number of applications and industries where XR can provide benefits is growing.

XR used in other industries may also apply in the airport environment for airport operators. The benefits can be internal (e.g., used by employees in their day-to-day work or in training) or external (e.g., used by passengers and other stakeholders). Further research is needed to identify what immersive technologies could be most useful to airport operators. 

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to develop a report on the potential applications of XR at airports for airport operators.

The report shall address, at a minimum, the following topics:

• Categories of XR with their benefits, disadvantages, and best-use applications;
• Present and future potential applications;
• Different applications for internal and external use;
• Uses in other industries that have applicability at U.S. airports, with case studies;
• Uses of XR outside the United States;
• Integration with other airport systems;
• Barriers to use;
• Current demand analysis for internal and external applications;
• A case study of an airport use inside or outside the United States; and
• An executive summary of the potential uses of XR.

 RESEARCH PLAN

The research plan shall include, at a minimum, these appropriate interim deliverables for ACRP review and approval:

• A data collection plan;
• A summary of the research gaps identified through the literature review;
• A case study plan; and
• An interim report with research results to date, analysis of results, next steps, and identification of follow-on research ideas to be developed into problem statements.

The research plan should also include checkpoints with the ACRP panel, which are, at a minimum:

• A kickoff teleconference meeting to be held within 1 month of the Notice to Proceed, and
• One face-to-face interim deliverable review meeting, as well as web-enabled teleconferences tied to the panel review and ACRP approval of other interim deliverables deemed appropriate.

The final deliverables will include:

• A final report; 
• A Contractor’s Conduct of Research Report documenting all research steps, results, and analysis; and
• A Summary of Key Findings, a Further Recommended Research Memo, and a technical memo titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products”. 

STATUS: Research in progess.