Boeing Funds QLD Augmented Reality Tech Start Up

Read the original article here on Boeing’s website.

A Queensland start-up specialising in extended reality (XR) recently stepped up in front of a panel of decision-makers from the world’s biggest multinationals, walking away with more than $70,000AUD and an ongoing relationship with Boeing Australia.

Following a winning pitch at the Aerospace Xelerated Challenge, presented in partnership with the Queensland Government’s XR Hub, HINDSITE Industries was selected to continue developing its frontline virtual knowledge sharing solution.

The capability of HINDSITE’s XR to connect subject matter experts with those in different locations convinced the judges of its broad applicability across Boeing’s global footprint as it allows field-based technicians to capture and record data, while digitizing standard operating procedures and streamlining workflows.

“Extended, or augmented, reality is already being used across many Boeing sites and products, from the virtual cockpit where pilots and astronauts are trained using immersive flight simulators to the factory floor, where smart glasses superimpose engineering plans onto airplanes in real-time for technicians to work more efficiently,” explained Hugh Webster, Boeing Defence Australia chief technology officer. “The Aerospace Xelerated Challenge was an opportunity for local businesses to build on these capabilities and solve one of the industry’s greatest challenges – to provide high-quality and simulative training for a diverse aerospace workforce.”

Liam Scanlan - Co-Founder & COO of Hindsite Industries

Hindsite winners Liam Scanlan and Rory Broadbridge with Boeing's Hugh Webster.

Now entering the second phase of building the local innovation ecosystem in partnership with the Queensland Government, Boeing is supporting small-to-medium enterprises such as HINDSITE to explore new technology and prototypes in an agile startup environment.

Queensland Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government had made a long-term investment in aerospace and innovation.

“Our investment is developing Queensland as a leader in critical skills for autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, robotics and immersive technologies,” Mr Hinchliffe said. “Congratulations to Queensland company HINDSITE for securing the first pilot project contract with Boeing and becoming part of the aerospace giant’s global supply chain. Funding from the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland initiative is backing HINDSITE to deliver the pilot with Boeing and the Queensland XR Hub.”

HINDSITE now will embark on an R&D pilot project to expand its technical solution further.

“HINDSITE is passionate about enabling teams to capture and share technical expertise and know-how,” said Liam Scanlan, co-founder and chief operating officer. “We're incredibly proud to have been chosen to collaborate with Boeing to help solve operational, training and governance challenges for its global workforce and stakeholders."

Aerospace Xelerated is backed by The Boeing Company with a core mission of scaling startups and advancing the future of aerospace.