Much has been written about the business use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), particularly in areas such as design or teleconferencing. What is sometimes overlooked is the power that immersive technology has to promote human connections by uniting people who are seperated by time, distance, cost or disability. DoubleMe, Orbital Media and charity Harrison’s Fund have teamed up in an effort to help a young boy with a series medical condition connect with his Grandfather.
11 year old Harrison suffers from a genetic disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which results in muscle deterioration, making it increasingly difficult for him to do ordinary things that the able-bodied often take for granted – like visiting his Grandpa.
Using mixed reality (MR) technology, DoubleMe has been able to use Microsoft’s HoloLens combined with DoubleMe’s HoloPortal technology to allow Grandfather and Grandson to interact by converting 2D videos into dynamic 3D models in real-time. This allows Harrison, and others like him, to have a conversation as if they were in the same room, able to see gestures and body language that make up an important part of communication.
Alex Smith, Founder of Harrison’s Fund said “Duchenne has no good news stories, it’s a one way trip downhill and with that comes the challenges of just doing normal things with Harrison. We knew there must be a way to help make family time with friends and loved ones a little easier. The meeting of cutting edge technology and family in this way is so very special.”
Hayden Allen-Vercoe, COO at Orbital Media, comments: “Our passion to bring tomorrow’s technology into real life is brought to life with this film of Harrison and his grandpa. The use of holographic technology with VR, AR and mixed reality solutions is game changing for how people can interact with each other and how brands can interact with consumers. With the outstanding technology advancements we can change people’s lives.”
“When Harrisons Fund approached us to try to find a new way to bring a family together, I thought this a really good opportunity to spotlight how the HoloPortal and holographic mixed reality can blur the traditional communication boundaries and show what was once pure science fiction, is now a present accessible reality,”comments Albert Kim, DoubleMe, Founder.
A video demonstration of the technology can be viewed below. VRFocus will continue to bring you news on new and groundbreaking developments in immersive technology.