I think augmented reality in a portable form does have a place in aviation. But still to be determined is the hardware.
HUDs already exist in many GA aircraft, but this must be a permanently installed item. And a portable HUD from Epic Optix is starting to gain traction.
https://epicoptix.com/product/epic-eagle/
https://pilotsafety.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/heads-up-for-safety/
But the "wearable" device is something I think more of us would be interested in. At least I would.
www.glass.aero was an early attempt (2013/2014) and even sold a few prototype units after debuting at AirVenture. They used the Epson Moverio AR glasses and connection to an Android based device for running the software and getting a GPS signal. And I really liked the presentation of the information while in flight and on the ground.
But they have fizzled and this blog post (
https://glass.aero/news/2018/03/takeoff-aborted/) discusses how they were not able to get enough funding to shift into production mode.
None the less, I think their concept has validity, and would be something I would consider if the hardware/software was stable (and didn't get constantly eclipsed with better stuff) and the price point was within reason.
Oculus Go versus AR Glasses, I would choose the AR glasses... because like a failed escalator, you wouldn't be stuck... you can still see through the glasses and continue the flight. If the Oculus started steering you wrong, how will you know? And CFIT isn't a good answer.
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TL;DR -- Interesting concept... I'm curious to see where this experimentation goes.
