A Glimpse into the Future
Following the success of the AEGIR prototype, we were inspired by the potential of overlaying data onto the real world. This led to the birth of the ESBEN concept, and our first trial was a true engineering feat. The initial prototype was a testament to raw innovation, consisting of a heavy 2kg mixed-reality headset tethered to a powerful, dedicated PC. The sole purpose was to answer a critical question: is it possible to project navigational data as a stable spatial overlay in a real, moving environment?
The first test was a resounding success. We were able to display a vessel’s course prediction, COG, and SOG as a stable layer in the user’s field of view. It was clunky, it was complex, but it worked. This was the moment we knew that ESBEN could fundamentally change how mariners perceive their surroundings, providing a powerful glimpse into the future of maritime navigation and situational awareness.
