Gatwick Airport launches AR-focused navigation system
System uses beacon technology to direct passengers around via their smartphone cameras
Gatwick Airport has launched an augmented reality focused navigation system to help passengers move around the two terminals with ease.
The system is hooked up to a series of battery-powered beacons dotted around the airport and offers users live directions via their mobile device cameras.
It is currently available on airport, airline and third-party apps.
The system will not collect personal data, but beacons will gather information on people densities in different zones in order to help improve airport operations.
The new technology, managed by indoor navigation technology specialist PointrLabs, forms part of Gatwick’s £2.5bn investment programme to transform the airport.
“We’re opening the door for a wide range of airport providers to launch new real-time services that can help passengers find their way around, avoid missing flights or receive timely offers,” head of IT commercial and innovation at Gatwick, Abhi Chacko, said.
Commenting on the system, PointrLabs CMO Axel Katalan added: “Our SDK enables battery-optimised, multiplatform and high performance positioning and other features such as 3D wayfinding through AR and on-screen translation.”