Connected in 3D: Real-Time Solutions and Digital Twins

In this episode of Connected in 3D, Ashley Crowder talks with Michael Hayat, Senior Project Manager at Northrop Grumman, about deploying enterprise-grade AR systems on Northrop Grumman’s F-35 center fuselage integrated assembly line. Michael shares insights into the rigorous process of integrating AR work instructions, the challenges of scaling AR on the shop floor, and how digital twins are transforming aerospace manufacturing. From hardware selection to measuring ROI and overcoming adoption hurdles, discover how AR is driving faster onboarding, reducing defects, and enabling smarter manufacturing processes. Tune in for an inside look at the future of augmented reality in aerospace innovation.

In this special solo episode of Connected in 3D, host Ashley Crowder breaks down the biggest announcements from Augmented World Expo 2025 where the XR industry showed just how close we are to delivering on the promise of spatial computing.

From Snap’s AI-powered Spectacles and Qualcomm’s ultra-efficient AR1+ chip to Niantic’s real-world spatial map and Sony’s enterprise XR solutions, Ashley highlights the technologies that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

It’s clear: XR is no longer just experimental—it’s evolving fast, and the building blocks for mass adoption are falling into place.

Whether you're in 3D, AI, digital twins, or immersive tech, this episode offers a sharp, insider look at where the industry is heading next.

We’re rewinding to one of our most candid conversations—because sometimes, the best way to understand where we’re going is to revisit where we’ve been. In this re-release from 2022, Ben Conway (Co-Founder of VNTANA) sits down with fashion tech expert Yury Antonov to unpack what was real—and what was total nonsense—about 3D, AR, and the metaverse in fashion. Spoiler: much of what they predicted is still playing out today.Whether you’re new to 3D or have been in the trenches for years, this episode offers timeless insights into the hype, the hurdles, and the hard truths of digitizing fashion.

🎧 Originally recorded in 2022, still hitting hard in 2025.

3D is no longer just a design tool—it’s an enterprise asset. In this episode of Connected in 3D, VNTANA Co-founder & CEO Ashley Crowder sits down with Cynthia Maller, Head of 3D Creative Technology at Walmart, to unpack how one of the world’s largest retailers is leveraging 3D to streamline product development, enhance cross-team collaboration, reduce 2D content costs, and drive both B2B and B2C sales. From digital shelf to supplier engagement, learn how Walmart views 3D as a strategic enabler across its organization.

In this episode of Connected in 3D, Ashley Crowder sits down with Cortney Harding, founder of Friends With Holograms, to explore how Fortune 100 companies are leveraging immersive technology to solve real business challenges. From frontline training to DEI initiatives and mental health support, Cortney shares how enterprise leaders are using 3D and mixed reality to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and drive behavior change at scale. Tune in for practical insights on ROI, adoption strategies, and the future of XR in the workplace.

In a webinar from June – Join Angela Mueller, Global Digitalization Manager at YKK and the VNTANA team to learn how to create digital showrooms with 3D that help increase speed to market and sales for B2B selling.

You will learn:

• How YKK is using 3D Configurators to improve the wholesale process
• How to create a branded Digital Showroom on VNTANA
• Best practices for replacing physical samples with 3D

In this episode of Connected in 3D, host Ashley Crowder sits down with Ziad Asghar, SVP & GM of XR & Spatial Computing at Qualcomm, to explore how Qualcomm is shaping the future of XR, AI, and spatial computing. Ziad shares his journey into the XR space and how Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platforms, 5G, and AI innovations are enabling next-generation AR/VR experiences.

They discuss the challenges of latency, power consumption, and device form factors, how AI is revolutionizing real-time scene understanding and rendering, and what needs to happen for lightweight, all-day wearable AR devices to become mainstream. From digital twins in enterprise to the role of 5G in untethered XR, this episode dives into the key trends that will define the next five years of spatial computing.

In this episode of Connected in 3D, host Ashley Crowder sits down with Annie Eaton, Founder & CEO of Futurus, to explore how extended reality (XR) is revolutionizing workforce training. Futurus is at the forefront of developing immersive learning experiences that help businesses train employees more effectively, improve retention, and reduce operational risks.

Annie shares insights on how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being used to create hands-on, interactive training programs, the role of AI and digital twins in making simulations more intelligent, and why immersive learning is more engaging than traditional methods. They’ll also discuss real-world examples of how companies are leveraging XR to train employees in high-risk environments, complex machinery operations, and customer interactions.

In this episode of Connected in 3D: Real-Time Solutions & Digital Twins, host Ashley Crowder sits down with Evan Helda, Principal Specialist for Spatial Computing at AWS, to explore how cloud technology is transforming the future of AR, VR, and digital twins.

With nearly a decade of experience in the XR industry—spanning AR hardware, game engines, large-scale simulations, and cloud infrastructure—Evan shares insights on how AWS is enabling real-time 3D at scale, tackling challenges like latency, AI-driven asset optimization, and digital twin integration.

They discuss the evolution of spatial computing, the role of edge computing and 5G in immersive experiences, and how enterprises across manufacturing, retail, and logistics are leveraging AWS for XR innovation. Tune in for a deep dive into the tech shaping the next generation of digital and physical convergence.

In this episode of Connected in 3D, Ashley Crowder explores the transformative impact of LiDAR scanning in 3D data capture and digital twin technology. Fresh from Geo Week, she highlights how industries like autonomous vehicles, industrial maintenance, and smart cities are leveraging LiDAR for real-time precision and efficiency. Key case studies include DFW Airport’s live digital twin for operational management and LiDAR’s role in the Francis Scott Key Bridge recovery efforts.Ashley also discusses the challenges of massive LiDAR datasets and how AI-driven optimization and cloud-based platforms like Ventana are making 3D asset management more accessible. As LiDAR technology advances, it’s becoming a mainstream tool for industrial automation, spatial computing, and digital transformation. Subscribe to Connected in 3D for more insights into real-time 3D, AI, and digital twins!