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 processHow to create a branded Digital Showroom on VNTANABest 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!
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 upgrades, and the future of training in aviation. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at Delta’s innovative approach to immersive learning!
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 groundbreaking interoperability, its pivotal role in robotic simulations, and how it’s setting new standards for 3D asset management and digital twins.Aaron discusses real-world applications and success stories, from manufacturing to retail, showcasing OpenUSD’s power to streamline workflows and enable cross-platform collaboration. The conversation also dives into technical challenges, NVIDIA’s vision for the future of OpenUSD, and how developers and enterprises can leverage this open standard to bring next-generation 3D experiences to life. Whether you're a developer, tech enthusiast, or industry leader, this episode sheds light on the future of 3D and how OpenUSD could become a critical building block for creating scalable, interactive digital worlds.
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 and revolutionizing employee training to enhancing customer engagement and boosting sales.
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, and the role AI and platform independence play in the future of AR. Tune in for an inspiring look at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation!
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 insights into scalable workflows to the transformative power of 3D technologies in immersive commerce, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the world of digital twins and 3D content. Learn how the partnership between Adobe and VNTANA empowers businesses to unlock new levels of efficiency, creativity, and realism in their digital strategies. Perfect for innovators, designers, and industry leaders alike!
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 these technologies are transforming industries like manufacturing, geospatial, and automotive. Discover what’s driving the evolution of digital twins, the latest trends in XR hardware and software, and how these developments are setting the stage for a more connected, immersive future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a professional in the field, this episode is your ultimate guide to the next big leap in 3D and XR innovation. CES2025, 3DModeling, DigitalTwins, XRTechnology, AugmentedReality, VirtualReality, MixedReality, ImmersiveTech, IndustrialMetaverse, NVIDIAOmniverse, SiemensXcelerator, QualcommSnapdragon, SonyMixedReality, ARGlasses, SpatialComputing, AIIntegration, FutureOfTech, Innovation, TechTrends, DigitalTransformation, ConnectedEcosystems, GeospatialTechnology, AutomotiveInnovation, NextGenTech, TrainingAndMaintenance, PredictiveAnalytics, RealTimeVisualization,ManufacturingOptimization, EmergingTech
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 the basics of 3D scanning to leveraging photogrammetry for seamless content generation, Ashley and Franz will provide practical tips and best practices for incorporating these technologies into your workflows. Learn how to enhance your digital strategy, create engaging customer experiences, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of immersive content creation.
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 like geospatial visualization and 3D commerce, highlighting how this technology streamlines interactive web experiences. They discuss how glTF is transforming 3D into a universally accessible medium, setting the foundation for immersive, cross-platform experiences. Tune in to learn how glTF is revolutionizing 3D content and unlocking new possibilities for engaging, profitable online interactions.
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 complex procedures, reduces training costs, and bridges the gap between digital and hands-on learning. Thomas dives into lessons learned, from optimizing VR deployments with tools like ArborXR to creating effective feedback loops with content vendors. If you’re curious about the future of medical education and how XR technology is reshaping healthcare, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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 creating more efficient, innovative, and sustainable urban environments, along with actionable advice for industry leaders looking to embrace digital transformation. Don’t miss this fascinating look at the future of urban innovation. Ashley and Will also dive into emerging trends, including AI-powered rendering, the future of product visualization, and how these workflows complement each other. Whether you’re a designer, brand leader, or tech enthusiast, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the future of product imagery and digital experiences. Join us as we uncover the magic behind creating visuals that captivate and the exciting possibilities for the next generation of rendering.
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 business. Ashley and Will also dive into emerging trends, including AI-powered rendering, the future of product visualization, and how these workflows complement each other. Whether you’re a designer, brand leader, or tech enthusiast, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the future of product imagery and digital experiences. Join us as we uncover the magic behind creating visuals that captivate and the exciting possibilities for the next generation of rendering.