Most of us are familiar with the term “virtual reality,” but how is this technology actually being used today? Gaming is among VR’s most well-known applications, but in fact, there are numerous other applications that are either in-development or already being used in domains such as media, science, sports, education, military, telecommunications, film, education, healthcare, and business.
Read on to find out how virtual reality technologies are changing how we work and play.
Personal Virtual Reality Applications
Individuals can choose to use virtual reality applications for recreational, therapeutic, or health-related goals. Some of the most exciting virtual reality applications available for individuals include:
- Video games. When it comes to making video games even more realistic, VR is the next frontier. Headsets that can be used for VR gaming include HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. Other systems in development include the Sony Playstation VR, the Magic Leap, the StarVR, FOVE, and others. Some of the world’s largest video game developers are currently at work creating VR versions of best-selling and new games.
- Entertainment. Virtual reality may also make it possible to experience films in a 360-degree environment. Multi-national production companies, such as Skybound and Fox Searchlight Pictures, are among those currently using VR cameras to develop interactive VR films and series. In addition, pornographic studios are also starting to develop VR clips and videos.
- Pain and anxiety management. Pain and anxiety management is a therapeutic application of VR that’s currently in development. Research has shown that Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) can help to treat anxiety-related disorders, including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Fitness. Similar to video games, VR-based fitness requires the use of a VR headset and applications designed to get the wearer to burn calories. These applications can include games, activities, or classes.
Corporate Applications
How can businesses make use of virtual reality technology and applications? It depends on the business. Organizations in fields as diverse as healthcare, military, engineering, architecture, archaeology, urban design, marketing, and telecommunications can benefit from VR applications in different ways. The following are just a few of the possible corporate applications of VR:
- Business. For businesses, VR will soon be a powerful tool used to train new employees, advertise products, and give virtual tours of a workspace or storefront.
- Education. VR can help to make education more interactive and accessible to students. Applications could help instructors to present complex data in ways that are engaging and stimulating to the learner.
- Healthcare. The healthcare industry is one of the most significant adopters of virtual reality, with applications including surgery simulation, diagnostics, pain treatment, and robotic surgery.
- Engineering. Engineers and architects can use 3D modelling tools and visualization applications when developing designs. This technology can help them to identify flaws in designs before they are constructed. It’s also an excellent way to present plans to clients.
- Military. Militaries around the world have already adopted VR technology in order to simulate flight, battle, driving, and medical emergencies. The military uses VR as an integral training tool for new recruits, and it has proven to be both safer and less costly than other training methods.
