Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are technologies that were once considered primarily used for entertainment and gaming. However, because the technology has improved, its potential value to the broader economy has grow to be more apparent. The application of VR and AR tools has expanded beyond industries that require simulation, resembling aviation and manufacturing, to more "white collar" professions like sales, marketing, and training.
VR vs. AR
To understand the potential of VR and AR, it’s essential to make clear the difference between the 2 technologies. AR transforms how information is consumed by overlaying digital content and analytics onto the true world. For example, in a producing setting, AR may be used to view operational data, drawings, and documentation overlaid onto the machinery and plant floor. On the opposite hand, VR creates fully immersive experiences, simulating a virtual environment. The key difference between VR and AR is the extent of simulation versus reality, with AR being a partial simulation and VR being an entire simulation.
Nontechnical Uses for VR and AR
The training case for VR or AR in activities involving aviation or heavy machinery is clear, as mistakes may be expensive and cause serious injury or death. However, VR and AR even have nontechnical applications, resembling simulating in-person interaction, even when the people using the VR or AR are 1000’s of miles apart. This technology may be used to simulate real-world situations, making it an efficient tool for training, sales, and marketing.
Sales and Marketing
In sales efforts, there is a trade-off between in-person interaction with potential customers and cost-efficiency. VR and AR may also help bridge this gap by providing a more immersive experience than traditional video formats. According to Peter Padula, Experiential Content and Technology Lead for Cramer, a brand experience agency, "utilizing AR and VR solutions as storytelling devices has been essential in answering our client’s call for interactivity and engagement." By using these technologies, corporations can create a memorable experience for his or her audiences.
Telecommuting
Technologies supporting videoconferencing and cloud-based document sharing and collaboration have increased the power of employees to work remotely. VR and AR have the potential to take this to the following level, increasing each the provision and efficacy of distant working opportunities. According to Siddhartha Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer | Mettl, an HR technology company, "AR and VR present unlimited and seemingly unattainable opportunities to collaborate, discuss, and brainstorm from the comforts of anywhere, anytime."
Nontechnical Training
In addition to supporting marketing and telecommuting, VR and AR are showing emerging uses in nontechnical training. Traditionally, training has been conducted either in a classroom setting or as on-the-job training, each with its pros and cons. VR and AR can provide a sensible simulation of key situations on demand, making it an efficient tool for training. Companies like Walmart are using VR tools to coach employees in areas resembling latest technology, soft skills, and compliance.
Benefits of VR and AR Training
The application of AR and VR technologies in training may also help address concerns across the costs and dangers of coaching in the true world. These advantages can apply to AR and VR training in nontechnical industries as well. Additionally, AR and VR may also help extend the reach of trainers, marketers, and employees by giving realistic simulations to trainees, sales prospects, and coworkers anywhere on the planet. This technology also can help reduce the danger of mistakes, as trainees can practice in a simulated environment without the implications of real-world mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VR and AR technologies have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from sales and marketing to training and telecommuting. As the technology continues to enhance, its applications will expand, providing latest opportunities for businesses and individuals to collaborate, train, and interact in a more immersive and effective way. The advantages of VR and AR, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety, make them a vital tool for the longer term of labor and commerce.
