Boeing Tests Cabins Controlled by Phones
Joe Cortez August 29, 2016
Experimental “vCabin” technology could replace armrest controls on aircraft.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing wants to change the way flyers interact with their in-flight experience, starting with their seat features. In a post on their website, the company announced the testing of their vCabin technology, powered in part by smartphones.
The vCabin technology would move seat controls, like the flight attendant call button and reading light, from the arm rest to a smartphone app. In addition, the app could allow flyers to order food and beverages, download entertainment from a server, or check if the lavatories are occupied before leaving their seat.
Instead of relying on wireless internet, the app would be powered by a network of microchips built into the aircraft. The chips would be secure and removed from the aircraft’s flight-critical systems, removing the possibility of individuals hacking into other flyers’ phones or the aircraft systems.
The cabin crew would have additional access to a full suite of information about the flight. From their vCabin administrative panel, attendants would be able to monitor systems during flights to ensure optimal performance. Maintenance issues could immediately be reported to ground crews, while all cabin functions could be controlled by a smartphone, tablet, or even smart watch.
With testing currently underway in an airplane mock-up cabin, there is no timetable for the vCabin to reach Boeing aircraft. However, engineers say the research they are doing now will help them perfect the system when it is ready for deployment in the future.
“We’re really thinking about pushing the boundaries past what we know today,” said Dan Bittner, product development lead engineer at Boeing. “That’s really what this vCabin tool is about — pushing that boundary and accelerating the technology through rapid demonstration and development.”
[Photo: Business World Ghana]
just another reason to be MORE obsessed with our smartphones..... ...this articles theme is all part of a much larger picture of a major problem humankind is facing......a complete heroin-like addiction to electronics.............. math equation? .no problem, there is an app to give me the answer....... spelling? ...no problem, there is an app to figure that out for me.... onboard lavatory busy? heck, i don't even have to look up !! because there is an app for that! ..... wow... we are turning into drones controlled by technology....
There will need to be some type of backup in place. It cannot be guaranteed that everyone on board will have a HMD with them. Really this is a cost saving measure for Boeing and the airlines and sold as "what a cool thing for the passengers to put the travel experience in the palm of your hand." Imagine the savings on switches, spare switches, labor to onstall and maintain. Pull out phone. Enter authentication. Pull up app. Go to seat functions. Set reading light to, "on." Or, Reach up and turn on light.
The vast majority of people today have smartphones. Also if the developer is smart it will run on IOS & Android.
OK, does anyone else think they're out of their minds for assuming everyone has a smartphone and that their particular smartphone will be able to run their particular app?