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 tra...

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 highl...

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...

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...

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...

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 3...

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 chall...

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 v...

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 infrastruc...

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 operati...

In this episode Ashley Crowder chats with Kevin Marcum, Program Manager of Design, VR/AR at Delta Air Lines, about how immersive technologies are transforming employee training. Learn how Delta increased daily proficiency checks from 5 to 150 using VR, deployed 80 headsets across stations, and integrated WebXR with their learning management system. Kevin shares insights on cost savings, hardware u...

In this episode of Connected in 3D: Real-Time Solutions & Digital Twins, host Ashley Crowder sits down with Aaron Luk, NVIDIA Omniverse’s Director of Product Management for the OpenUSD Ecosystem. Together, they explore how OpenUSD is transforming the landscape of real-time 3D, digital twins, and immersive technologies across various industries. Listeners will gain insights into OpenUSD's g...

 In this compelling episode of Connected in 3D , Ashley Crowder, CEO and Co-founder of VNTANA, sits down with Lord Walker, Senior Manager at Kanawha Scales, to explore how manufacturers are breaking the mold of traditional CAD and 3D technology. Discover how 3D models are no longer confined to engineering teams but are driving innovation across entire organizations. From streamlining operations an...

In this episode Ashley Crowder sits down with Paul Davies, Technical Fellow - Immersive Technologies at Boeing, to explore how augmented reality is transforming aerospace manufacturing. From reducing defects by 80% to cutting installation times by 20%, Paul shares the groundbreaking results of AR applications at Boeing, the challenges of scaling immersive technologies across a fragmented ecosystem...

Join Ashley Crowder, CEO and Co-founder of VNTANA, in this episode of Connected in 3D: Real-Time Solutions & Digital Twins as she chats with Anna Violette, Solutions Consultant at Adobe Substance 3D.  Together, they explore how real-time materials and physically-based rendering (PBR) are revolutionizing industries like consumer packaged goods, fashion, automotive, and medical.  From practical...

Join Ashley Crowder, CEO & Co-founder of VNTANA, as she dives into the most groundbreaking announcements from CES 2025 that are reshaping the worlds of 3D, extended reality (XR), and digital twins. From NVIDIA’s advancements in AI-powered 3D modeling and immersive digital twin environments to Siemens’ innovative applications of augmented reality in industrial workflows, Ashley explores how the...

In this episode of Connected in 3D , Ashley Crowder, Co-founder of VNTANA, and Franz Tschimben, CEO of Covision Media, dive deep into the transformative technologies of 3D scanning and photogrammetry. Discover how these cutting-edge tools are reshaping content creation by enabling businesses to capture detailed, realistic 3D models that can drive innovation across industries. From understanding th...

Ashley Crowder is joined by Leonard Daly, a leading XR Architecture consultant and expert in 3D graphics. Together, they dive into the significance of glTF, often called the "JPEG of 3D," a pivotal file format for ensuring seamless 3D content sharing and viewing consistency across devices and platforms. Leonard shares his work with The Khronos Group on advancing glTF standards for applications lik...

In this episode of Connected in 3D: Real-Time Solutions & Digital Twins, Ashley Crowder sits down with Thomas Kopec, Senior Manager of Digital Medical Education at Zimmer Biomet. Thomas shares how Zimmer Biomet is revolutionizing surgeon training through virtual reality (VR), overcoming initial challenges, and scaling immersive education globally. Learn how VR enables surgeons to prepare for c...

Ashley Crowder sits down with Paul Doherty, CEO of The Digit Group and founder of Revit, to explore how 3D technology and digital twins are revolutionizing construction and smart cities. Paul shares his insights on integrating real-time data, driving sustainability, and overcoming challenges in a traditionally change-resistant industry. The discussion highlights the role of 3D workflows in creatin...

Ashley Crowder sits down with award-winning product visualization expert Will Gibbons to explore the art and science of 3D rendering in an increasingly 3D world. Will, known for his exceptional work with KeyShot and eye-catching product renders, shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of rendering technologies, and how visual storytelling can bridge the gap between design and busi...

Ashley Crowder sits down with Chas Walker, Senior Simulation Engineer at Astec Industries, to dive deep into the world of computational physics simulations and XR (extended reality). Chas shares how his background in simulating fluids and particles laid the groundwork for leveraging 3D and AR technology to transform complex data into interactive, comprehensible visuals. Together, they discuss how...

Ashley Crowder welcomes two trailblazers at the intersection of immersive technology and healthcare: Teri Yarbrow and Max Almy, co-founders of MagkaVRx and creators of Creating AWE. With a combined background of award-winning design, media arts, and innovation in XR, Teri and Max are pioneering a new way to support patients in palliative care. Teri Yarbrow, an Emmy-winning creative director and pr...

Ashley Crowder is joined by Randal Cumming, CEO of CGI.Background and former Global Product Manager at Unity, to discuss the pivotal role of HDRi maps in real-time 3D technology. With his deep expertise in game engines and real-time applications, Randal explains how HDRi maps create realistic lighting and reflections that bring 3D environments to life. They explore the impact of HDRi maps on indus...

Ashley and Eugene discuss a wide range of topics.n this episode of Connected in 3D: Real-Time Solutions & Digital Twins, Ashley Crowder is joined by Eugene Yi, co-founder of Loci, a cutting-edge platform that uses AI to automate 3D metadata management. Together, they explore how AI is revolutionizing the way businesses manage and optimize their 3D assets at scale. Eugene shares insights on the...