From the biggest HoloDeck in the world to the #BCTECH Summit

Mar 14 2017, 1:49 am

Here’s a fact that will blow your mind – the biggest dedicated holographic design and development studio in the entire world is in Coquitlam, BC.

The HoloDeck covers 25,000 square feet and belongs to Finger Food Studios, which uses mixed reality to help companies see their products before they’re even built.

CEO and co-founder Ryan Peterson will be sharing some insight into his pioneering use of holograms, virtual reality and augmented reality at Tuesday’s #BCTECH Summit.

“We’re really focused on big industries and using mixed realities, we have full-size semi trucks, full-size holograms, so we need a big space to do that,” said Peterson.

Finger Food Studios, which began life as a video game company, has gone from blocking out sets for games creators to building life-size models for global industries.

The company uses mixed reality and artificial intelligence to create huge holograms, which clients are able to view, tweak and test out in the HoloDeck wearing headsets.

In just seven years, Finger Food Studios has catapulted from a basement startup, to a multi-million-dollar company with more than 100 employees.

As well, the company has a wide range of clients around the world, in everything from construction to clothing, including Lowes and Telus.

Peterson says he understands there is a lot of fear over new technology like this, with many worried “robots are taking over the world.”

But he says, that’s not true – and there are many advantages to using technology to streamline the production process.

“Because you get the productivity enhancement, it’s going to raise the standard of living for everyone,” said Peterson. “I think that’s going to be a real magical time for society.”

Finger Food Studio's CEO and co-founder Ryan Peterson (Finger Food Studios)

Finger Food Studio’s CEO and co-founder Ryan Peterson (Finger Food Studios)

Finger Food Studios isn’t all about product enhancement and workflow optimization however – the company is also a strong supporter of the STEM industries.

The company has worked with partners Sphero to create the SPRK Lightning Lab Education Platform, one of the largest programs teaching kids how to code.

Since then, Finger Food Studios has donated 180 SPRKs to the Coquitlam School District, which also receives $25,000 every year from the company.

The company was also one of the first in Canada to be ranked Carbon Positive, offsetting not only its own carbon footprint, but that of its employees’ households too.

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This pioneering approach seems unstoppable in Peterson, who says his talk at the #BCTECH Summit will address the historic moment the tech industry has reached.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity… You have an opportunity to be first, especially when it comes to industrial optimization,” he said.

“If you come up with an idea, especially after my talk, I guarantee you’re probably the first person ever to think about it – then it just comes down to the execution.”

For more on the #BCTECH Summit:

Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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