Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), Beyond Gaming
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies often associated with gaming, but their applications extend far beyond entertainment. These immersive technologies are revolutionizing various industries, from healthcare and education to retail and real estate. This blog will explore how AR and VR are being used in diverse fields.
What Are AR and VR?
Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements to the real world using a device like a smartphone or AR glasses. For example, Pokémon GO, Zombies, Run! , a popular AR game, overlays virtual creatures onto real-world surroundings.
Virtual Reality (VR), on the other hand, creates a completely virtual environment that users can interact with, typically using VR headsets. This technology immerses the user in a simulated world, blocking out the physical environment.
AR and VR in Healthcare
Training and Education
AR and VR are transforming medical training. Instead of using cadavers, medical students can now practice surgeries in a virtual environment. This not only provides a safe space to make mistakes but also allows for repeated practice.
A study by Stanford Medicine found that VR-trained surgeons had a 230% increase in their overall performance compared to those with traditional training methods.
This significant increase highlights how effective VR can be in medical training. VR allows surgeons to practice complex procedures in a realistic, risk-free environment, leading to better skills and greater confidence. By using VR, surgeons can repeat difficult techniques as many times as needed without any risk to patients. This type of immersive, hands-on training ensures they are better prepared when performing real surgeries.
Therapy and Rehabilitation
VR is used for physical therapy and rehabilitation, helping patients regain movement through virtual exercises. It's also being used for mental health therapy, treating conditions like PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and anxiety.
The size of global metaverse in Healthcare market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $9.5 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $79.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 52.9% from 2023 to 2028. The Research study consists of industry trends, pricing analysis, patent analysis, conference and webinar materials, Key Stakeholders, and buying behaviour in the market.
AR and VR in Education
Interactive Learning
AR and VR create immersive learning experiences. Students can take virtual field trips, explore the human body, or even travel through history. This interactive approach makes learning more engaging and effective.
- 50% of surveyed US educators stated a positive expressed interest in using AR/VR in their classrooms, according to a study by Lenovo.
- EON Reality found that VR in education increases student motivation by 92%.
- 85% of teachers in America feel that VR would have a positive impact in their classroom, according to a survey by Samsung.
- The immersive education market size which includes VR is forecasted to grow from $4.5 billion in 2020 to near $12 billion by 2024. Learn from this article
AR and VR in Retail
Virtual Shopping
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming the shopping experience in exciting ways. With AR, customers can try on clothes virtually, using their smartphone or AR glasses to see how a dress, jacket, or pair of shoes looks on them without actually wearing it. This technology superimposes the clothing item onto the customer’s image, providing a realistic preview and helping them make better purchasing decisions. Similarly, AR can show how furniture and home decor items will look in a customer's home. By simply pointing their phone at a room, customers can see a digital version of a sofa, table, or painting placed in their actual space, ensuring it fits perfectly with their decor and spatial dimensions before they buy it.
On the other hand, VR takes shopping to an entirely new level by creating virtual stores that customers can visit from the comfort of their homes. By wearing a VR headset, shoppers can immerse themselves in a digital shopping environment that mimics a physical store. They can walk through aisles, browse products on shelves, and even interact with virtual sales assistants. This experience is especially valuable during times when in-person shopping is challenging or inconvenient, offering a safe and engaging alternative. Additionally, VR stores can offer a wide range of products and a personalized shopping experience tailored to individual preferences, making online shopping more interactive and enjoyable. These technologies not only enhance convenience but also provide a fun and innovative way to shop, bridging the gap between online and in-store experiences. According to a report by Gartner, by 2022, 100 million consumers were expected to shop in AR online and in-store, showing a significant shift in retail strategies.
AR and VR in Real Estate
Virtual Tours
Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing the real estate industry by enabling potential buyers to take virtual tours of properties from anywhere in the world. This technology offers a fully immersive experience, allowing buyers to explore homes and commercial spaces as if they were physically present. By wearing a VR headset, users can walk through each room, view the layout, and get a sense of the property's size and feel. This detailed, 360-degree perspective helps buyers make informed decisions without the need to travel long distances.
For real estate agents, VR expands their market reach significantly. Instead of being limited to local clients, agents can showcase properties to international buyers and investors, opening up a global market. This technology also saves time for both buyers and agents. Buyers can quickly narrow down their options by virtually visiting multiple properties in a short period, eliminating the need for numerous in-person visits. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for high-demand or remote locations where physical visits can be logistically challenging and time-consuming.
Moreover, VR tours provide a unique advantage in presenting properties that are under construction or in pre-development stages. Developers can create virtual models of planned buildings, allowing potential buyers to visualize the finished product. This capability can drive early sales and investment, as buyers are more likely to commit to a purchase when they can see a realistic representation of the future property. Overall, VR is transforming real estate by making the buying process more convenient, efficient, and accessible, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience and boosting sales for agents and developers alike.
Realtors can provide remote tours to potential buyers and let them decide faster without having to physically visit multiple properties and a more realistic experience, customers prefer property listings that offer 360 tours. Studies have shown that property listings with virtual tour options get 87% more views than regular listings. And, the reasons are pretty obvious. With virtual property tours, buyers can explore multiple properties in a day while staying within the comfort of four walls. detailed explanation in this blog
Conclusion
AR and VR are no longer confined to the realm of gaming. These technologies are making significant impacts across various sectors, enhancing experiences and improving efficiency. As AR and VR continue to evolve, their applications will only expand, creating new opportunities and transforming how we interact with the world.
Imagine a world where you can try on clothes without leaving your house, practice surgery without needing a cadaver, or take a field trip to ancient Rome without stepping outside your classroom. This is not science fiction; it's the power of AR and VR, technologies that are reshaping our reality in extraordinary ways. Ready to explore the future of innovations with us.
