Has the world had enough of video calls? WeWork thinks so. The flex space giant is betting on holographic technology becoming a big part of the future of work.
WeWork is working with tech provider ARHT Media to provide the immersive technology, and it’s rolling out live conferencing – with holograms – across a number of its locations.
A hologram is a video projection that appears to be 3D without the need for 3D glasses. It’s much more lifelike than seeing other people on a laptop screen, and can create a more immersive and engaging experience. With many organizations continuing to work remotely, or adopt a hybrid work model, it’s easy to see how the technology could appeal to many companies and workers worldwide.
Dubbed HoloPresence™ at WeWork, the technology enables people – such as presenters at a conference, for example – to appear in life-size proportions. They can interact with audiences, with people, and other holograms.
According to WeWork, the technology helps reduce the need for travel and convening. Yet while this may seem counter intuitive to WeWork’s business model, which thrives on the need for workers to convene, it may significantly enhance its event and conference space offerings.
According to the company, “the technology can be used to enable a person to present in several different venues simultaneously. It can greatly reduce time spent traveling to/from and participating in off-site meetings, providing a solution for scheduling conflicts and travel restrictions or other challenges.”
