Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality
The world of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) is rapidly growing, and its impact is being felt in various industries, from entertainment and education to healthcare and national defense. The VR/AR Association’s Global Summit, held in Vancouver, BC, brought together industry leaders to debate the newest developments and advancements on this field. According to Nathan Pettyjohn, Founder and President of the VR/AR Association, "Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies are relevant to each facet of the world as we understand it."
Virtual Reality Takes to the Skies
One of probably the most significant announcements on the summit was the successful test of airborne virtual and augmented reality for military training purposes. Red6, an organization specializing in AR technology, demonstrated the first-ever airborne multiplayer AR experience, which was created for the US Air Force. This prototype enables pilots to make use of augmented reality to simulate and reply to threats within the air. Meanwhile, the US Navy is using virtual reality tools for defense training and cultural immersion, which has the potential to avoid wasting lives on the frontlines.
The Impact of 5G on VR and AR
The advent of 5G technology is ready to revolutionize the best way we experience immersive technology. Terry Schussler, Senior Director of Spatial Computing at Deutsche Telekom, explained how 5G and Edge Computing can enable seamless and constant connectivity, allowing users to maneuver effortlessly between reality and AR. This technology has the potential to create a safer and more aware society, where individuals are now not glued to their screens.
Art and Virtual Reality
Virtual and augmented reality will not be just limited to gaming and entertainment; also they are getting used to create modern art installations. Artist Nancy Baker Cahill uses augmented technology to hold her art anywhere on the earth, making it accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Her desert installation, "Revolutions," depicts the impact of human interference with the natural environment, while her series "Battlegrounds" in New Orleans uses technology to commemorate historically significant sites.
Empowering Women in VR and AR
The VR/AR Association’s Global Summit also saw the launch of a global women’s committee dedicated to closing the industry’s gender gap. The committee goals to discover, encourage, and empower women within the traditionally male-dominated industry of VR and AR. Cathy Hackl, a number one tech voice on LinkedIn, unveiled her personal commitment to empowering women within the space through a fund that can spend money on women and offer them coaching and mentorship.
The Future of VR and AR
The VR/AR Association has announced several newly formed committees to speed up the market’s best practices, guidelines, and standards. These committees include the Privacy & Security Committee, the VR for Good Committee, and the Sports Committee. The association plans to implement projects that can further explore the vast and potentially life-changing applications of VR and AR technology.
Conclusion
The VR/AR Association’s Global Summit highlighted the rapid growth and potential of virtual and augmented reality technology. From military training and healthcare to art and entertainment, VR and AR are set to revolutionize various industries and features of our lives. As the technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to deal with the industry’s gender gap and be certain that women are empowered to participate and contribute to its development. With the formation of recent committees and the launch of modern projects, the long run of VR and AR looks promising, and its impact is prone to be felt for years to return.
