Augmenting Aerospace: Michael Hayat on AR and Digital Twins at Northrop Grumman

Augmenting Aerospace: Michael Hayat on AR and Digital Twins at Northrop Grumman

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.

Episode 26 - XR Goes Mainstream: Top Takeaways from AWE 2025

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.

Episode 25 - Unfiltered: The 2022 Truth About 3D in Fashion—And What Still Holds Up

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.

Episode 24 - The Real Value of a 3D Asset: How Walmart Scales 3D Across the Enterprise

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.

Episode 23 – Immersive at Scale: How Fortune 100s Are Using XR to Drive Business Impact

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.