Designed to cut you off from the misery of being over stuffed into a metal cylinder that’s hurdling through the air, Airbus’ helmet features headphones and the possibility of either an “optoelectronic screen” or “image diffusion glasses” for the display of ocular entertainment. To complete the mid-air sensory transformation Airbus’ designers have also suggested that the VR helmet be equipped with an olfactory stimulator that would waft a scent of your choice into your helmet.
If you’re the type that has a bit of trouble suspending disbelief (possibly because your legs are cramping), Airbus has you covered as well. Built into each seat are a pair of motion capture gloves that can be used to tickle the keys of a virtual keyboard projected upon your tray table. Used in conjunction with your VR helmet you can complete any number of spreadsheets, memos or TPS reports and whisk them away to bosses urgently awaiting your response.
Although no one knows when, or if, Airbus’ VR helmet will make it to an economy cabin, you can be sure of one thing: you’ll likely be paying a hefty upgrade fee to release yourself from the torment of passenger plane travel. Then again you could always close your eyes and engage your own built in VR helmet – I believe it’s called dreaming.
Images Courtesy of Airbus