Virtual Reality

What is Virtual Reality?

VR(Virtual Reality) is the use of computer-generated environments with realistic-looking scenes and objects to make the user feel as if they are in the real world. These environments are seen through a headset or helmet called a Virtual Reality device.

VR allows us to experience the world around us as if we are in it. Whether we are playing a video game, learning how to perform a heart surgery, or improving the quality of our sports training to get the most out of it.

It may seem far-fetched, but VR isn’t as new as we think. The first Virtual Reality device was called Sensorama. It was a 3D movie machine with an in-built seat that played movies, emitted odors, and created vibrations to make it as realistic as possible. It dates back to the mid-50s.

Over the years, there has been a gradual evolution in both devices and interface design.

Differences with Augmented Reality

Despite having been around for decades, many individuals still lack familiarity with the concept of Virtual Reality. It is also quite common for people to mistakenly interchange the terms Virtual Reality and augmented reality.

The primary distinction between the two lies in the fact that VR constructs an entire world that we can immerse ourselves in through a specialized headset.

It offers a fully immersive experience where everything we perceive is artificially created through visuals, sounds, and other sensory inputs. On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) overlays objects, images, or similar elements onto our real-world environment.

In AR, what we see is integrated into our actual surroundings, and wearing a headset may not be necessary. A prime example of AR that is widely known is Pokémon Go.

However, there is also a blend of both realities known as mixed reality. This hybrid technology enables us to witness virtual objects within the real world, creating an experience where the physical and digital realms seamlessly merge, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

top 3 applications of Virtual Reality

1. Automotive industry

VR technology enables engineers and designers to easily test out different designs and structures of a vehicle without the need to create costly prototypes.

Major companies like Honda, BMW, and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have been utilizing VR for quite some time now, especially during the pandemic when they had to explore new options to replace traditional clay models.

The automotive industry is benefiting greatly from VR, as it helps in saving millions of dollars in labor and materials by minimizing the production of physical prototypes for each vehicle model and allowing a more collaborative design approach with teams worldwide.

2. Healthcare

VR is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, with its impact being felt across various areas. In November 2021, the FDA granted approval for EaseVRx, a prescription-use VR system designed to alleviate pain in adults.

This innovative solution incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral principles like deep relaxation, attention-shifting, and interoceptive awareness to effectively reduce chronic pain. Additionally, VR has proven to be a valuable tool in providing pain relief for burn injuries.

Healthcare professionals are also utilizing VR to enhance their skills and knowledge. Whether it's a junior doctor explaining diagnoses and treatment plans or an orthopedic surgeon performing complex surgeries, VR offers a realistic and immersive environment for practice and preparation.

Companies like Osso VR are at the forefront of this technology, enabling surgeons to interact with virtual medical devices and simulate surgical procedures.

This not only enhances their familiarity with new devices but also improves their proficiency in implanting them. Furthermore, companies like Altoida are exploring the potential of XR and machine learning to develop digital biomarkers for neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

This cutting-edge technology platform enables earlier diagnosis, facilitates participation in clinical trials, and allows for precise monitoring of disease progression and treatment responses.

Beyond physical health, VR is proving to be a valuable tool in addressing mental health issues. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, in particular, has shown promising results in treating conditions like PTSD and anxiety. Moreover, spending time in VR can have therapeutic benefits in various other ways, offering a range of possibilities for improving overall well-being.

3. Education

VR is transforming the field of education by providing students with an immersive and experiential learning experience, regardless of their location. This technology has the potential to make education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, which was previously not feasible.

An excellent example of this is the collaboration between Victory XR and Engage, where they have created digital twin campuses that allow students to participate in live and interactive classes taught by experts from around the world.

Additionally, the RTC Antwerpen project stands as the largest XR education initiative to date, aiming to provide immersive learning opportunities to 150,000 students across 690 schools.

Other companies, such as Tech Row, are also leveraging VR to offer unique educational experiences. Students can embark on a virtual space mission to Pluto, explore the wonders of Antarctica, or even immerse themselves in the beauty of Machu Picchu. Furthermore, VR enables students to take virtual field trips to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, and they can even embark on a fascinating journey through the human body, experiencing it from the perspective of a white blood cell.

The Future of Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is a rapidly growing technology that holds immense potential for the future.

According to IDC Research (2018), investments in VR and Augmented Reality (AR) are projected to increase 21-fold over the next four years, reaching a staggering 15.5 billion euros by 2022. These technologies are not only crucial for companies' digital transformation plans but are also expected to surpass consumer sector spending by 2019.

In fact, it is anticipated that by 2020, more than half of the major European companies will have a well-defined VR and AR strategy in place.

The current market demands VR applications that extend beyond leisure, tourism, and marketing, while also being affordable for users. Improvements in virtual interfaces are necessary to eliminate issues like clipping, where solid objects appear penetrable.

Additionally, efforts must be made to minimize the adverse effects of VR on individuals, such as motion sickness caused by the disparity between body movement and the virtual world.

Leading technology companies are already working towards developing wireless headsets with high-definition visuals.

They are pushing the boundaries by creating VR headsets with 8K resolution and more powerful processors. There is even speculation that Artificial Intelligence integration may become a reality in the near future. Furthermore, the advent of the latest 5G standard presents exciting possibilities for the evolution of VR. This standard will enable a greater number of devices and larger user communities to connect seamlessly.

With its minimal latency, consumers will experience real-time image transmission, almost as if they were perceiving the visuals with their own eyes.

All these advancements indicate that Virtual Reality is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. It has become an integral part of our present and will continue to drive significant progress in the years to come.