by Introduction to Extended Reality
Extended reality, also known as XR, refers to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. It includes immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) and has applications in many industries. Let’s understand these XR technologies in detail and how they are enhancing human experiences.
Virtual Reality: A Fully Immersive Experience
Virtual reality provides a fully immersive experience by blocking out the physical world and replacing it with a simulated 3D environment that can be explored and interacted with. In VR, users wear a head-mounted display or headset that blocks out the outside world and replaces it with computer-generated imagery and audio. Popular VR headsets currently include the Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, and Sony PlayStation VR.
VR aims to convincingly replace the real world by using specialized headsets along with handheld controllers. Users can visually perceive and interact with the virtual world much like they do in the real one. Popular VR applications include gaming, simulations, virtual tours, video, and more. The technology is also being used for employee training, exposure therapy, designing architectural concepts, and more. The fully immersive experience makes VR well-suited for entertainment, education, and other applications where blocking out the physical world is beneficial.
Augmented Reality: Enhancing the Real World
While virtual reality aims to replace reality, augmented reality enhances it by adding computer-generated perceptual information to the real world. In AR, the virtual and real co-exist and interact in real-time. Popular AR displays include optical head-mounted displays as well as smartphone apps that use the device’s camera to overlay virtual imagery on top of the physical scene.
Pokémon Go is a widely known AR game where the real world becomes the gameplay board. But AR has serious applications as well in various industries. In manufacturing, AR smart glasses are used to overlay assembly instructions or repair manuals onto physical objects. The medical field utilizes AR for imaging, guided surgery, and more. Designers and engineers employ AR for visualization of concepts during creation and review. E-commerce is leveraging AR to allow virtual try-on of apparel, accessories, makeup and more before purchase. AR enhances rather than replaces real experience and is well-suited for applications requiring that.
Mixed Reality: A Balance of Real and Virtual
Mixed reality, sometimes called hybrid reality, represents a middle ground between fully augmented and virtual realities. In MR experiences, synthetic content blends with the physical world such that the boundaries between real and fake are obscured. Popular MR headsets like Microsoft HoloLens generate holograms that can be interacted with within physical space.
In MR, users are still firmly grounded in physical reality but can interact with and be impacted by digitally constructed environments, objects and information. Popular MR applications are training simulations for fields like aviation, space, and healthcare to safely expose users to virtual hazards. Manufacturing is using MR to bring 3D models and schematics into the assembly line. Entertainment is leveraging MR for gaming, remote collaboration and more. MR aims to seamlessly fuse together virtual and real content into one experience that takes place in physical space. This balance presents new opportunities for human experience across industries.
Applications of XR in Various Industries
XR technologies including VR, AR and MR are rapidly finding applications in diverse industries to drive transformation. Let’s explore how some key sectors are leveraging these immersive technologies:
Healthcare: In healthcare, VR and AR offer non-invasive solutions for exposure therapy, pain management, surgical training and more. Surgeons can review radiology scans and pre-operatively visualize procedures in mixed reality. Patients can utilize VR distraction during stressful procedures. Therapists employ VR exposures to treat phobias and PTSD.
Education: Virtual and augmented realities are enhancing education at various levels. VR field trips and virtual museums make distant learning immersive. Simulations based on medical, scientific and technical concepts let students replicate experiments virtually and iteratively learn by trial and error in a safe space. AR overlays information and context onto physical models for descriptive multimedia learning.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing industries leverage XR for employee training, remote collaboration, assembly processes and quality control. VR simulates hazardous tasks while MR overlays assembly instructions onto physical components for guided workflows. Quality inspectors use AR smart glasses to visually compare specifications. Factories use VR to review design concepts with clients for feedback prior to production.
Gaming: Immersive gaming with VR and MR headsets is providing new interactive experiences that transport players into virtual worlds. Popular titles span genres like action-adventure, puzzle and exploration games. Social VR enables multiplayer gaming and collaboration between remote users. E-sports events are also utilizing VR to enhance viewing experience of spectators. Advanced haptics are bringing realistic sensations to games.
Real Estate: The real estate industry employs VR and AR technologies for house and building tours to remotely experience properties. Clients can visualize proposed renovations, additions, landscaping and design choices before approving investments through immersive pre-visualization. Architectural walkthroughs in VR help evaluate space planning and flow.
Conclusion
In summary, extended reality represents the next evolution of human-machine interaction by enabling immersive experiences that fuse reality with simulated digital information. VR, AR and MR are supplementing traditional computing interfaces and driving transformation of industries and applications. As XR technologies mature further with 5G, edge processing, advanced sensors and display solutions, we can expect many more innovative use cases that uniquely leverage human perception and cognition to reshape how we learn, work and play. XR marks the beginning of a new frontier that blends physical and digital environments seamlessly.
