AR and VR are two of the most talked-about technologies in recent years. Many people believe that it will profoundly impact the way we live, work, and play. The potential of AR/VR is enormous, and the possibilities are limitless.
Today, we are starting to see a number of businesses utilizing AR/VR in various ways, from training and education to marketing and product development. However, the industry is still waiting for that one 'killer app' that will make the technology mainstream. But there are already some interesting examples of how AR and VR can be used to give you an edge.
Safety Training
One of the most important applications for AR/VR is in safety training. When workers are trained in a virtual environment, they can be put in dangerous situations without any risk to themselves. For example, firefighters can be trained to enter burning buildings and rescue people without having to endanger anyone in the process.
The model is currently being used by CertifyMe.net, an online and VR forklift training firm, led by its founder Tom Wilkerson. He noted that VR allows for hands-on exposure without putting employees' safety or equipment at risk. It saves time and money by eliminating in-person education, which can take days or weeks.
Unlike traditional training, VR provides an active experience in which the user may alter the scene in front of them and execute certain tasks. When learning a new task involves too much risk, such as operating heavy machinery, virtual reality (VR) can provide the hands-on teaching pupils require without the inherent risks.
Tourism and Travel
Tourism encompasses a variety of transportation systems, hotel reservations, excursions, and sightseeing activities. Because of this, the sector is likely to benefit from virtual and augmented technology, allowing hotels and tour operators to create a digital experience for their likely customers.
Using VR to provide hotel tours is nothing new. Marriott Hotels has been using VR for a while now as a way to give guests a sneak peek of their upcoming hotel stay. They have even partnered with Oculus Rift to provide this service. But what about going beyond the hotel room?
British Airways has also created an AR experience to promote their new Club World Suite. Customers can use the app to see what the suite looks like and even take a virtual tour. Both of these examples show the potential and opportunities that AR and VR can bring to the tourism industry. It provides a chance for businesses to interact with their customers in a new and innovative way by providing them with a more personalized and immersive experience.
E-commerce
The e-commerce sector is another industry that can benefit from AR and VR. Online retailers are always looking for new ways to engage and involve their customers in the buying process.
One way they are doing this is by using VR as a tool for product visualization. Customers can use VR to view a product from all angles, making it easier to decide if they want to buy it. They can also see how it would look in their home, which can help with the buying decision.
In addition, VR can create a more interactive shopping experience. For example, customers could use VR to try on clothes or accessories before buying them. This would eliminate the need for customers to go to a physical store and try on the clothes themselves.
IKEA has been leading in the application of VR technology recently by providing an app that allows customers to preview what their furniture will look like in their home. This is an interesting application of the technology, as it allows IKEA to bypass the need for physical showrooms.
Conclusion
AR and VR are still in their infancy, but there are already some interesting examples of how they can be used. The potential applications for these technologies are endless, and it will be interesting to see how they are used in the future.