Manchester Airport gets holographic customer service agents

by Steven Mostyn - Jan 31 2011, 06:10

Travellers checking in at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1 are to get a glimpse into the future from today, after airport officials announced the introduction of holographic customer service agents. We kid you not.

Specifically, it is hoped that holographic projections of real-life customer service employees John Walsh and Julie Caper will enable passengers to move more expeditiously through Manchester Airport’s security checks.

Powered by the same technology that helps create the on-stage band members of Gorillaz, the security projections will apparently guide shuffling passengers while repeatedly reminding them about related luggage restrictions. 

“You certainly can’t miss them,” commented Manchester Airport customer services director Julie Armstrong. “And, with the real John and Julie already being popular with our customers, I’m hopeful that their virtual selves will be a big hit too.” 

While virtual versions of John and Julie may well speed up the security process by spouting helpful information, we here at The Tech Herald fancy any improvement will be connected to the fact that passengers won’t be able to stop and ask them questions, argue, or demand to see their projected supervisor.

Created by the wizards at London-based Musion, the projection technology was recently employed by music mogul Simon Cowell, who used it to have a virtual Frank Sinatra perform during his 50th birthday party.

Gorillaz Live at the MTV Awards from Musion Systems on Vimeo.

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