HOLOGRAMS TRIAL AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT

Holograms Of Staff To Help Airport Security Sky News
6:38pm UK, Friday January 28, 2011

Tessa Chapman, north of England correspondent

Passengers at Manchester Airport will be greeted by holograms of staff from next week in a bid to reduce security check queues.

Employee Julie Capper with a hologram of herself



The images of the customer service workers were created using the same cutting edge technology which is used in the music industry by bands such as the Gorillaz.

It is being trialled at terminal one where passengers are being met by holograms of real-life employees John Walsh and Julie Capper.

The digital illusions will greet travellers before they go into the security search area, explaining liquid restrictions and reminding customers about boarding cards.

The technology has been developed with Musion and the holograms are carefully prepared to retain maximum transparency and strength.

The surface produced is better than a glass mirror and allows the reproduction of high definition video.


It's strange to see yourself in virtual form and I'm hoping that I'll be able to rely on my virtual self to carry some of my workload.

Julie Capper, Manchester Airport employee

It is so convincing that passengers have been seen presenting their passports to the holograms, believing them to be people.

Musion have worked with various hit groups, including The Black Eyed Peas on their latest single "The Time (Dirty Bit)".

They were also behind a hologram of Frank Sinatra that performed at Simon Cowell's 50th birthday party.

Founder, James Rock, said: "We've developed this technology for many uses but it's perfectly suited for an airport environment where the support of recorded messages can help with passenger information."

"John" and "Julie" can be programmed to say different messages but for now they will warn holidaymakers about the liquid restrictions.



Employee John Walsh with his hologram



Manchester Airport's customer services director Julie Armstrong said: "We've tried lots of different ways to reinforce the liquid rules, from posters to people dressed up as giant deodorant cans.

"Maybe holograms are the answer. You certainly can't miss them."

The real Julie Capper said: "If our holograms help our passengers through the security process even quicker then it will be a good thing.

"It's strange to see yourself in virtual form and I'm hoping that I'll be able to rely on my virtual self to carry some of my workload.

"I wonder if I can send it to meetings in my place and whether anyone will notice," she added.

The holograms will be in place in Manchester Airport from Monday. Other airports around the UK are currently investigating their installation.

I love this bit


It is so convincing that passengers have been seen presenting their passports to the holograms, believing them to be people.


Reckon they would have stopped the import of 81 Guns ?

Panda

Thank you for this report about holograms.

I'm really a science fiction fan gone mad - I love futuristic things and can't wait for "moving pavements"!

I think this is great - I can't wait for it to be everywhere. Science fiction type stuff - I love it.

I don't know about the guns though.