Immersive technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality are gaining traction and popularity. Statistics show that its market value grew exponentially from $6.1 billion in 2016 to $18.8 billion in 2020. Experts expect it to grow to an impressive sum exceeding $500 billion by 2025. But there is more to it than just remarkable figures. Augmented and virtual reality can be a turning point for different business areas and elevate operations in multiple ways.
1. Manufacturing
This business sector is one of those that can employ both technologies at almost any stage of product design and development through later repairs and maintenance. Engineers and designers can use AR and VR to emulate the intended environment, test their projects for possible shortcomings and make necessary adjustments.
Designed products can be subjected to simulations that examine different factors affecting the product over time and anticipate the effects of long-term use. Modern products are increasingly complex and require a more careful manufacturing process. AR can provide important information at any stage of development. Digital content added to actual elements improves work and production efficiency.
2. Automotive
We can already see how augmented reality changes the way we drive. However, new technologies and complex hardware pose a new and unique challenge for car mechanics, who may only sometimes be up to date with the latest servicing techniques.
Remote assistance with AR helps more experienced experts show the ropes to those who still need to learn about the mechanisms of new vehicle technologies. Mercedes-Benz US adopted remote assistance to support the technicians with maintenance work and repairs remotely.
3. Healthcare
The healthcare industry is where we can broadly adopt augmented and virtual reality technologies. The most recognizable purposes include:
Staff training: AR and VR technologies allow us to integrate interactive digital components into the real-life environment. VR solutions transform the environment and enable the simulation of actual situations like surgery to help them improve and increase the success rate.
In-house and remote surgery: Various sensors processing real-time imagery from video streaming and patient navigation apps aid in controlling real-life and remote surgeries.
Mental health issues treatment: Augmented and virtual reality methods can help resolve various mental health disorders and phobias. These techniques allow patients to better understand their ailments by making them visible. For example, the fear of flying can be explained and reduced by walking the patient step-by-step through a life-like simulation.
4. Logistics
There are many ways in which logistics businesses can apply AR and VR to their operations. For example, AR and VR-enabled devices can:
Enhance productivity: dedicated wearables like smart glasses are a handy solution for staff to gain instant access to data, instructions and insights. It allows workers to complete the order faster, spending less time on some tasks. Augmented reality can also automate assignments like picking to save time and resources.
Improve security: security is one of the essential components of logistics operations, especially when dealing with vast data quantities. AR-enabled devices can aid in this area by, for example, tracking and monitoring goods from shipment to delivery to ensure they reach their destination safely.
Training and collaboration: Virtual reality can be an excellent tool for training and cooperation, allowing one to participate in simulations that accurately imitate real-life scenarios. This technique can help engineers collaborate with other departments and adjust the product as needed.
5. Architecture And Design
This branch of business can greatly benefit from adopting the possibilities offered by AR and VR. The solutions and benefits include the following.
Improved project planning: Virtual overlays can help visualize the expected result and enable experimenting with form. It also helps the non-design part of the staff understand the workings of architectural compositions, space proportions or site orientations. AR tools allow the placement of whole digitally designed models within natural environments.
Underground construction project management: Augmented reality solutions take blueprints to the next level. When it comes to underground construction, using AI tools, we can build dynamic and accurate 3-D models of the underground landscape. Using mobile devices during work can help flag elements required to refine the virtual model as work progresses.
What Next? AR, VR And Digital Twins
The trends mentioned in the beginning show us that AR and VR are proliferating and don’t plan to stop anytime soon. The combination of augmented and virtual reality with digital twin models can be a game changer in the future of business operations and development. It will visibly help in planning expenses and staff resources, as it will automate some tasks and enhance others so that the staff can focus on more important matters, which is why they are among the fastest-growing technologies of our time.
Prepare your business to embrace AR and VR.
How can you prepare to adopt these technologies? Should you adjust the business infrastructure? Are there any cultural shifts necessary? These are all essential questions, and there is no one correct answer.
Adjusting the infrastructure might be necessary for adopting specific solutions, for example, a comfortable and well-equipped space for VR training to ensure the best training environment. When it comes to staff adoption, it might be necessary to help them understand the benefits of new technologies and how they can elevate or replace traditional methods.
There are also challenges that business leaders need to face while adopting such rapidly growing technology. Although it may ultimately contribute to saving money, initially, it requires investing, which may strain the budget. Moreover, since AR and VR advance rapidly, updating solutions and staying updated with state-of-the-art developments will require time and resources.
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