If we think back only a couple of decades, then the idea of virtual reality actually existing sounded space age to many of us, and at the very least futuristic to the rest. However, nowadays people are able to turn something as simple as their mobile phone into a virtual reality device. The potential for this technology initially seemed to be solely entertainment-based, including cinematic experiences and video gaming. It seems, though, that virtual reality technology has a far wider application than we first thought. Here are some of the areas where VR technology is really coming into its own.
Helping Disabled People
One of the most heartening areas in which VR technology is beginning to explore its full potential is the sphere of healthcare. Whilst we live in a world that sadly still does not cater adequately for disabled people, VR technology is being put to good use. Systems have been created which aim to recreate the challenges posed by the real world.
For example, a wheelchair user may use this VR system to navigate their way around a busy shopping center. The user can practice tasks like this from the safety of their home until they gain enough confidence to try out everything that they have learned in the real world. The technology uses a joystick as you would find on a wheelchair and requires the user to wear a simple head-mounted device. This sort of pioneering technology could help disabled people to navigate their way around the world more safely and confidently, eventually leading to people who would previously have relied on carers being able to lead a totally independent life.
Online Gaming
Another popular use for VR technology has been applied by online game providers. PokerStars recently launched a pioneering VR gaming experience, that sits alongside their casino vertical that offers more traditional online slots games, as well as other casino games. Offering different playing experiences means that their platform is accessible for users who perhaps don’t own a VR headset, but still want to enjoy the fun of an online casino. Those who do own a VR headset can settle into an even more realistic slots experience. This technology enables people to handle their chips and experience a 360-degree view of the space that they’re playing in.
The emergence of VR technology being used in the online gaming sphere is relatively new, but thanks to ever-increasing internet capabilities it looks like this trend could be a sound investment for the future. As gamers increasingly turn to cloud gaming formats, it is likely that the reaches of the newest technology will filter into the online field, as well as consoles where they are already comfortably at home.
The Automotive industry
Caption: Land Rover have been saving millions by using VR to reduce their prototyping costs.
There’s no shortage of money to be made in the automotive industry but VR is allowing companies to reduce their expenses massively, creating more potential profit. VR technology allows the engineers at large automotive companies to easily, quickly, and, perhaps most importantly, cheaply experiment with the build of a vehicle before beginning the expensive prototyping stages.
Land Rover was an early adopter of this technology and has successfully used VR technology to explore the driving experience from inside their cars, before manufacture. Being able to experiment with different windshield shapes, placement of panels and even wheel heights before prototyping could save a company like Land Rover millions over the course of a project. Already several other manufacturers have adopted this technology, so it won’t be long before it becomes the industry standard.
Health and Wellness
Another industry that is using VR technology for good is the health and wellness industry. It used to be that having a personal trainer, or being guided through morning meditations, was something that only the wealthy could look forward to. Now with virtual reality technology, it is possible for anyone with a mobile phone to reap the benefits of a wellness coach. Guided meditation VR apps saw a huge spike in growth over recent years, with apps like Calm being used by millions to help them to cope better with stresses, improve their sleep and even heighten productivity. This sector is still in its infancy, but the huge interest shown by consumers should be more than enough to spur on developers.
