Augmented reality is one of the technological trends that is busy changing the world by the second. Every month it would seem like there is a new device, product, or application that makes use of AR tech. Initially, this type of technology was only used in the entertainment industry when games like Pokémon Go were introduced to the public. Since then it has become bigger than anyone could have anticipated. It is making its way into various sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing. People all over the world are finding ways for AR technology to enrich their lives.
Big companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Vuzix have spent a lot of time along with money on resources to ensure that they have a head start in the AR race. But they are not the only ones competing. Many start-ups have also found their feet by using AR technology along with developing it so that their innovations can contribute something to this ever-growing field. One such company is XTend that specializes in drone technology. They have combined their expertise in droning with augmented reality to create something that will change our perspective of AR completely.
XTend Reality Expansion Ltd. was founded by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira. They claim that their technology is already saving lives. The two co-founders spoke on Monday at Calcalist and Israel’s Bank Leumi’s Mind the Tech conference in Tel Aviv. The brothers voiced their excitement when they spoke about their project and guests met their ideas with enthusiasm. What they have developed is not only a first for an Israeli company but it is also unique on a global scale. It could be the platform for many other companies to follow suit.
XTend, which is based in Tel Aviv, develops drone-based augmented reality technology to combine virtual elements into real-world environments. Elements of cinematography, computer graphics, and computer vision are combined. This enables the user to gamify real-life activities. Users can simulate different experiences like that of pilots, race car drivers, or they can even see themselves from a bird’s eye perspective as a game character while running around. XTend’s technology lives up to the name of the company – it extends the world for users so that they can experience things they would never be able to.
Even though it might seem like XTend is focusing on the gaming industry, this is not the case at all. The co-founders emphasized that this technology has been developing into something better. They have their sights set on other sectors. XTend now helps train soldiers along with first responders like police officers or firefighters. They further stated that the company is planning on applying technology to more scenarios in the future. They mentioned situations like helping disabled people along with home-bound people experience the outdoors and environments that they are unable to go to. It could change the way people live in the future.
