Though most attention tends to be devoted towards augmented reality (AR) as it is used for entertainment purposes, such as videogames or camera filters, AR has some useful implications for more vital areas as well. One example of this is the AR technology deployed by Edgybees, which has seen use during the California wildfires and after the hurricane in Florida. The company has now announced the completion of a $5.5 million (USD) funding round.
The Edgybees AR technology was originally used to create an AR racing videogame or drones. Later, Edgybees developed an app called First Response, a drone app which would help emergency responders to get their bearings in confusing environments and keep personnel out of harms way, such as during the Northern California wildfires in October 2017.
Co-founder and CEO Adam Kaplan says, “What started as technology powering a racing game is now saving lives around the world. The overwhelming response by commercial and industrial drone users looking to leverage AR, and partner with us in the fields of fire, public safety, and search & rescue has been amazing, and we can’t wait to expand the next set of drone applications into new markets.”
The company is planning to bring its AR technology to new sectors and industries using its new funding, such as defence, smart cities, broadcast media and automotive. The funding round included contributions from Motorola Solutions Venture Capital, Verizon Ventures and other venture firms such as OurCrowd, NfX, 8VC and Aspect Ventures.
OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved says, “At OurCrowd we are particularly happy to invest in groundbreaking tech companies who believe they will change the world. What makes Edgybees so special is that they have already demonstrated that their drone software can save lives in addition to making software history by enabling Augmented Reality at high speed.”
Verizon Ventures’ Merav Rotem-Naaman says, “Edgybees’ technology aims to bring AR to much more challenging circumstances than currently possible – on fast-moving outdoor devices like drones and cars. As a leader in both fleet management for cars and drones, as well as in immersive consumer digital experiences, Verizon Ventures is excited to back this technology.”
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via Mint VR