Epson Brings New AR for Drones and Developers to CES 2017

Epson, providers of the Moverio® augmented reality (AR) smart eyewear platform, has introduced Moverio BT-300 Developer Edition – available immediately.

DRONELIFE had a chance to experience the Moverio platform earlier this year, and the technology wows; the ability to overlay information in the sky provides tremendous opportunities and potential applications for commercial and recreational drone pilots. Now Epson has made the platform available to developers who can bring those potentials to reality.

Operators anxious to utilize the technology will be pleased to hear that the Moverio BT-300 Drone Edition glasses will be available later this month. “Optimized for use with DJI hardware, the Moverio BT-300 Drone Edition glasses will enhance the safety, productivity and capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),” says Epson.

The Moverio BT-300 Developer Edition are 70% lighter than Epson’s first generation glasses: featuring Epson’s unique silicon-based Si-OLED digital display technology, the glasses are powered by the Android 5.1 OS and run on a quad core Intel® Atom™ X5 processor.  “This powerful Moverio platform enables developers to create life-like 3D AR experiences… A 5 mega pixel front-facing camera and on-board sensors enable the Moverio BT-300 to recognize objects in the real world,” says Epson.

“Now in our sixth year in the Augmented Reality eyewear space, Epson’s Moverio platform has driven interest and sales increases exponentially year after year. Our newest Moverio BT-300 will certainly drive our business to new highs,” said Eric Mizufuka, product manager, New Ventures for Epson America. “We’re especially excited to be partnered with DJI to make flying a safer and more productive experience. We believe that piloting UAVs is one of our killer applications.”

Using the same hardware platform as the Developer Edition, the Moverio BT-300 Drone Edition comes pre-loaded with the DJI GO app for use with most DJI hardware. “The Drone Edition glasses feature clip-on dark shades for use in bright sunlight, as well as special fasteners that secure the Moverio controller onto the DJI phone mount for easy operation,” says Epson. “The Moverio BT-300 Drone Edition will ship with a suggested retail price of $799.”

The Moverio BT-300 Drone Edition is a significant addition to the drone operator’s toolbox.  The technology allows operators to maintain crystal clear first person view (FPV) from the drone camera while simultaneously maintaining their line of sight with the drone, according to current FAA regulations.