virtual reality

XRHealth Merges With Amelia Virtual Care

Healthcare/Medicine, News, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / May 16, 2023

XRHealth is an enterprising company that combines telehealth with VR gaming for remote physical and occupational therapy solutions. Amelia Virtual Care also pioneers VR telehealth, but prioritizes a different kind of therapy by focusing on mental wellness.

The two companies recently announced a merger. The resulting company will offer both physical and mental therapy through the combined teams, skills, and software of both companies. Eran Orr, current CEO of XRHealth (which will be the name of the new combined company) will remain CEO.

What Amelia Virtual Care Brings to the Table

“We’re thrilled to join forces with XRHealth at a time when clinicians are adopting virtual reality as a mainstream tool for delivering high-quality care and engaging patient experiences,” Xavier Palomer said in a release shared with ARPost.

XRHealth Laptop and external control

Palomer is the founder and current Executive Chairman of Amelia Virtual Care but will pivot to Chief Growth Officer of the new combined company. “While VR is still novel to many patients, it’s a well-proven solution grounded in more than 30 years of research and experience,” said Palomer.

ARPost hadn’t crossed paths with Amelia Virtual Care prior to the merger, but we’re looking forward to seeing all that they bring to the new combined company. Of particular interest, Amelia’s solution incorporated a finger-worn electrodermal response sensor for recording the participant’s galvanic skin response.

Joining Forces With XRHealth

“We’re ready to introduce the XR platform that any hospital and clinic can use,” Orr said in the release. “The merger enables us to offer a one-stop shop to diverse players and streamline the technology in a way that will see XR devices adopted for a variety of treatments, with XRHealth leading the way for the entire industry.”

Eran Orr XRHealth with VR headset — *Eran Orr*

Orr’s company has already achieved a number of significant accomplishments in both the technology and adoption and infrastructure. The Medicare-covered platform runs on a number of devices including Pico headsets and the VIVE Flow. Both headsets offer adoption venues for users as well as different hardware and software capabilities.

“With our merger, we now have an end-to-end product that addresses privacy and security, multiple use cases with a variety of content, compliance and regulation, and operational tools to support scale,” XRHealth co-founder and CTO Miki Levy said in the release. “We have a growing number of content partners today and expect this to increase dramatically after this merger.”

Better Together

Amelia Virtual Care brings its own experts, a different branch of medicine, and some hardware innovations. XRHealth brings greater hardware accessibility, greater patient accessibility, and its own branch of medicine. Between the two, this merger seems like a win for the growing number of individuals pursuing healthcare through VR appointments and practices.

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Expanding the Applications of VR Training for Mental Health Awareness and Wellness at Work

featured, Healthcare/Medicine, Mental Health, training, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / May 13, 2023

The use of VR training for mental health awareness is not a new concept. This technology has become a powerful tool that enhances the professional development and overall well-being of employees in the workplace.

With Mental Health Awareness Month serving as a crucial reminder of the importance of addressing mental health concerns, we once again go through the role immersive technologies play in promoting mental health awareness and providing support.

The Prevalence of Mental Health Issues

In the United States alone, approximately 50 million adults are experiencing a mental illness. But what’s more alarming is that over 55% of them receive no treatment. That’s 28 million individuals struggling with mental health issues on their own.

In the workplace, employees experiencing poor mental health are more likely to face absenteeism, lower job satisfaction, and burnout. The impact of these issues extends beyond individual employees, affecting overall productivity, morale, and employee retention within organizations. Fortunately, business leaders are now realizing the need to address mental health concerns in the workplace.

Harnessing Immersive Technologies for Mental Health Support

XR technologies, including VR training, have emerged as powerful tools for addressing mental health concerns and fostering a supportive workplace environment. Companies like Moth+Flame have been at the forefront, developing immersive training solutions that promote mental health in the workplace.

Moth+Flame Mental Wellness library

This month, they launched a Mental Wellness library to facilitate open conversations on mental health concerns. Through this library, individuals can engage in realistic scenarios, practice meaningful conversations, and acquire the necessary skills to provide appropriate support.

According to Kevin Cornish, founder and CEO of Moth+Flame, developing the library was a big commitment they made in support of mental health awareness. Their goal is to get more people comfortable with talking about mental health at work so that, ultimately, people know how to ask for help and how to offer help. “We believe that the more people who are trained on how to handle these conversations, the more people will ultimately get help,” says Cornish. “If one person gets the support they need by using this conversation and being prepared for a tough conversation, then we have succeeded.”

Collaborative Efforts in VR Training for Mental Health Awareness

Moth+Flame is not alone in recognizing the potential of XR technologies for mental health training. Several companies and organizations are utilizing VR to improve mental health awareness and support in the workplace.

PsyTechVR is also empowering organizations by giving them access to VR apps with guided meditations and art therapies that enhance mental wellness. The company, which launches new therapy content every two weeks, offers both self-guiding VR courses as well as courses with a specialist, where the doctor has access to user’s training in real-time and guides them through all the training.

Penumbra’s REAL Vision VR Wellness offers over 100 immersive experiences designed specifically for improving employee mental wellness. The company’s REAL i-Series is designed to offer VR-enabled tools for cognitive activation, distraction therapy, reminiscence therapy, mindfulness therapy, and relaxation therapy.

Collaborations among tech, health, and business sectors are paving the way for better VR experiences tailored to mental health. The National Institute of Mental Health for one has been funding research on virtual reality exposure therapy and other immersive applications.

The Impact of VR-Based Mental Health Training Programs

Although specific case studies on VR-based mental health training programs are still emerging, the potential impact is significant. Moth+Flame, for instance, partnered with the US Air Force to provide VR training specifically for suicide prevention, demonstrating the efficacy of immersive experiences in sensitive topics.

They have seen firsthand the transformative effect of VR in military suicide prevention training. By expanding access to these training programs and empowering more individuals to handle difficult conversations, the hope is that more people will feel comfortable seeking help and offering support.

Looking Ahead: Empowering a Supportive Work Environment

VR training for mental health awareness has the potential to revolutionize workplace well-being. As more organizations recognize the significance of addressing mental health concerns, the demand for immersive XR experiences will continue to grow.

As Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of open dialogue, companies across various industries are embracing VR training as part of their mental health initiatives. By incorporating XR technologies into their employee development programs, organizations demonstrate a commitment to fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental well-being.

It’s not just Moth+Flame, PsyTechVR, and Penumbra leading the way in utilizing XR technologies for mental health support. Other companies have also recognized the value of immersive experiences in promoting mental health awareness. From mindfulness apps to virtual therapy sessions, the potential applications of XR in mental health care are vast. Collaborative initiatives between industry leaders and mental health professionals further amplify the impact of XR in promoting mental health awareness.

Expanding the Applications of VR Training for Mental Health Awareness and Wellness at Work Read More »

Wonderland Engine Is Here to Make WebXR Development Faster and Easier

augmented reality, developers, Development, extended reality, featured, News, virtual reality, webXR / Rejus Almole / May 9, 2023

WebXR development is increasingly popular. Developers want to create content that users can enjoy without having to install apps or check the compatibility of their devices.

One of the companies working for the advancement of immersive technologies, Wonderland GmbH, based in Cologne, Germany, has recently announced one giant leap forward in this process. They have recently released Wonderland Engine 1.0.0, a WebXR development platform already vouched for by top content creators.

Wonderland Engine 1.0.0 – Bringing Native XR Performance to WebXR Development

What is special about the new engine launched by Wonderland? Its first benefit is the ability to mimic native XR performance. Before its launch, Wonderland Engine 1.0.0 passed the test of content creators.

WebXR development platform Wonderland Engine editor vr website with browser

Vhite Rabbit XR and Paradowski Creative, two companies creating XR games, used the engine to develop content. The Escape Artist, an upcoming title by Paradowski Creative, is created with Wonderland Engine 1.0.p0, and its developers say that it matches native games in terms of polish and quality.

“We’re excited to announce this foundational version of Wonderland Engine, as we seek to bridge the gap between native XR app development and WebXR,” said the CEO and founder of Wonderland, Jonathan Hale, in a press release shared with ARPost. “We see a bright future for the WebXR community, for its developers, hardware, support, and content.”

Top Features of Wonderland Engine 1.0.0

The developers who choose Wonderland GmbH’s WebXR development platform to create content will be able to use the following:

Full 8th Wall integration – complete integration of 8th Wall AR tracking features such as face tracking, image tracking, SLAM, and VPS;
Runtime API rewrite – better code completion, static checks for bugs before running the code, and complete isolation for integration with other libraries;
Translation tools – necessary for the localization of WebXR content;
Benchmarking framework – to check for content performance on various devices.

Developers can find the complete list of features and bug fixes on the official release page.

According to the company, Wonderland Engine users can launch their first running app into the browser in less than two minutes. With a bit of experience, users can build a multi-user environment that supports VR, AR, and 3D in 10 minutes, as demonstrated in this video.

The XR Development Platform Is Optimized for VR Browsers

To indicate their commitment to helping content creators, Wonderland GmbH is optimizing their tool specifically for the most popular VR browsers: Meta Quest Browser, Pico Browser, and Wolvic.

Wonderland Engine WebXR meta browser

Wonderland Engine-based apps support any headset that has a browser available. Also, any headset released in the future will automatically be supported, if it has a browser. Apps created with Wonderland Engine can also run on mobile devices through the browser, as Progressive Web Apps (PWA), which also allows them to run offline.

Apart from the two game development companies mentioned above, the company is also working with various content creators.

“It was crucial to bring the whole ecosystem with us to test and validate the changes we made. This resulted in a highly reliable base to build upon in upcoming versions,” Hale said. “By making it easier to build XR on the web we hope to attract developers and content creators to WebXR. We see WebXR truly being able to rival native apps and offer consumers a rich world of rapidly accessible content to enjoy.”

Meet the Wonderland Team at AWE USA 2023

The creators of Wonderland Engine 1.0.0 will present the WebXR development platform at AWE USA 2023 (use ARPost’s discount code 23ARPOSTD for 20% off your ticket), which is taking place in Santa Clara, CA between May 31 and June 2.

The company is one of the sponsors of the event and will also be present at the event in booth no. 605.

Wonderland Engine Is Here to Make WebXR Development Faster and Easier Read More »

Talespin Releases AI-powered, Web-Accessible No-Code Creator Platform

AI, featured, News, talespin, training, virtual reality, VR Content Creation, VR platform / Rejus Almole / May 8, 2023

To prepare professionals for tomorrow’s workplace, you need to be able to leverage tomorrow’s technology. Talespin was already doing this with their immersive AI-powered VR simulation and training modules.

Now, they’re taking it a step further by turning over a web-based no-code creator tool. To learn more, we reconnected with Talespin CEO Kyle Jackson to talk about the future of his company and the future of work.

The Road So Far

Talespin has existed as an idea for about ten years. That includes a few years before they started turning out experiences in 2015. In 2019, the company started leveraging AI technology for more nuanced storytelling and more believable virtual characters.

CoPilot Designer 3.0 Talespin

CoPilot Designer, the company’s content creation platform, released in 2021. Since then, it’s gone through big and small updates.

That brings us to the release of CoPilot Designer 3.0 – probably the biggest single change that’s come to the platform so far. This third major version of the tool is accessible on the web rather than as a downloaded app. We’ve already seen what the designer can do, as Talespin has been using it internally, including in its recent intricate story world in partnership with Pearson.

“Our North Star was how do you get the ability to create content into the hands of people who have the knowledge,” Jackson told ARPost this March. “The no-code platform was built in service of that but we decided we had to eat our own dogfood.”

In addition to being completely no-code, CoPilot Designer 3.0 has more AI tools than ever. It also features direct publishing to Quest 2, PC VR headsets, and Mac devices via streaming with support for Lenovo ThinkReality headsets and the Quest Pro coming soon.

Understanding AI in the Designer

The AI that powers CoPilot Designer 3.0 comes in two flavors – the tools that help the creator build the experience, and the tools that help the learner become immersed in the experience.

More generative 3D tools (tools that help the creator build environments and characters) is coming soon. The tools really developing in this iteration of CoPilot Designer are large language models (LLMs) and neural voices.

Talespin CoPilot Designer 3.0

Jackson described LLMs as the context of the content and neural voices as the expression of the content. After all, the average Talespin module could exist as a text-only interaction. But, an experience meant to teach soft skills is a lot more impactful when the situations and characters feel real. That means that the content can’t just be good, it has to be delivered in a moving way.

The Future of Work – and Talespin

While AI develops, Jackson said that the thing that he’s waiting for the most isn’t a new capability of AI. It’s trust.

“Right now, I would say that there’s not much trust in enterprise for this stuff, so we’re working very diligently,” Jackson told ARPost. “Learning and marketing have been two areas that are more flexible … I think that’s going to be where we really see this stuff break out first.”

Right now, that diligence includes maintaining the human component and limiting AI involvement where necessary. Where AI might help creators apply learning material, that learning material is still originally authored by human experts. One day AI might help to write the content too, but that isn’t happening so far.

“If our goal is achieved where we’re actually developing learning on the fly,” said Jackson, “we need to be sure that what it’s producing is good.”

Much of the inspiration behind Talespin in the first place was that as more manual jobs get automated, necessary workplace skills will pivot to soft skills. In short, humans won’t be replaced by machines, but the work that humans do will change.

As his own company relies more on AI for content generation, Jackson has already seen this prediction coming true for his team. As they’ve exponentially decreased the time that it takes for them to create content, they’re more able to work with customers and partners as opposed to largely serving as a platform to create and host content that companies made themselves.

Talepsin CoPilot Designer 3.0 - XR Content Creation Time Graph

Solving the Content Problem

To some degree, Talespin being a pioneer in the AI space is a necessary evolution of the company’s having been an XR pioneer. Some aspects of XR’s frontier struggles are already a thing of the past, but others have a lot to gain from leaning on other emerging technologies.

“At least on the enterprise side, there’s really no one doubting the validity of this technology anymore … Now it’s just a question of how we get that content more distributed,” said Jackson. “It feels like there’s a confluence of major events that are driving us along.”

Talespin Releases AI-powered, Web-Accessible No-Code Creator Platform Read More »

Why Your Next Workplace Training Session Might Be in the Belly of a Volcano

Education & Training, featured, Guest Post, training, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / May 4, 2023

Whoever said workplace training had to be boring? Thanks to advances in virtual reality, the world of workplace learning and development might finally be something to get excited about…and not a moment too soon.

In the world of training, education, and development, what’s fun and what’s effective are often one and the same. Educators have understood for quite some time that engagement is critical to the learning process. And there’s no quicker way to lose someone’s interest than boring them or lulling them to sleep.

A disengaged student is a student that isn’t learning, and that’s why we find that fun is very much an essential ingredient to the learning process. However, while educators have known this to be true for quite some time, it seems that, in the corporate world, this lesson has yet to truly sink in.

Can you remember the last time you took part in workplace training? If not, that might be because it wasn’t very memorable. If you’re like most people, your experience with workplace training probably amounts to sitting in a drab, windowless room and struggling to keep your eyes open as a grainy video drones at you from a television set in the corner.

Workplace Learning and Development Don’t Have to Be a Drag

Thanks to the emergence of technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality, however, this drab form of corporate training may soon be a thing of the past. Companies are realizing that they can save a considerable amount of time, money, and other resources on training and development. With these portable, cost-effective technologies, organizations can upskill a distributed workforce in a way that’s interactive, inclusive, and sustainable.

In my time working with Gemba, we’ve worked with the companies like Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, and Pfizer to deliver immersive, impactful VR training programs, all while eliminating up to $2M in travel costs and over a ton of CO2 per trainee.

For organizations big and small, that’s a real, meaningful step towards sustainability — and, unlike most other sustainability initiatives, this transition doesn’t entail sacrifice. On the contrary, we’ve found that VR-based training is not only cheaper and more sustainable than traditional forms of training, but it’s actually more effective.

Fun and Efficiency Make VR Training an Inevitability

In our experience helping companies train and develop their employees, we’ve found that the use of VR is associated with significant improvements in educational efficacy.

While many might intuitively understand this, independent research has shown that making the learning process fun or enjoyable not only improves students’ willingness to engage in learning, but also improves their ability to retain information — even if the information itself is dull.

And this phenomenon isn’t unique to students. In fact, we’ve seen the same effect being borne out time and time again in our own work with professionals. An assessment of Gemba’s VR-enabled training with automotive technology supplier, Aptiv, found that a more immersive, engaging, and enjoyable learning experience led to faster, more effective training.

An independent case study of the program, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), found that Aptiv was able to reduce what was originally two days of in-person training to just four hours of VR-enabled training. The study concluded that, overall, the use of Gemba’s VR-enabled training allowed Aptiv to upskill its workforce with 80% greater efficiency, compared to real-world training.

And there’s a very real need for more efficient, effective workplace training. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), over one billion workers globally will need to be upskilled by the year 2030. As technological advancements continue to reconfigure our world, organizations will be hard-pressed to find fast, effective, and scalable means of upskilling such a sizable portion of the workforce.

With VR, The Sky’s No Limit

It’s for these reasons that VR-enabled training’s mainstream adoption is all but an inevitability. Already, leading global enterprises like Unilever, Volvo, L’Oreal, and Nike are making use of VR-enabled training to optimize workforce development. And at the same time, advances in both hardware and software are making virtual and augmented reality platforms more impressive by the minute.

This begs the question — if you can hold a virtual meeting anywhere, why do it in a virtual recreation of some drab, lifeless conference room? Why not in the belly of a volcano? Or a castle floating above the clouds? Or at the bottom of the ocean? Why create a pixel-perfect digital twin of your cramped office space when you can convene anywhere on (or off) Earth?

I know what some of you are thinking — “That sounds rather childish,” or “That seems unprofessional.” To which, I’d respond, is being boring a prerequisite for professionalism?

I’ve had the luxury of working with a wide range of people and professionals throughout my career. I’ve worked in the gaming industry, been a university lecturer, and worked extensively with corporate leadership from around the world. Across all these spaces and demographics I’ve found one thing to be true — people like having fun. As a CTO myself, I can tell you from first-hand experience that you don’t magically become a dullard the moment they put a “C” in front of your title.

And we can expect businesses to be on board as well. Given enjoyment’s proven ability to make learning more effective, you can rest assured that organizations will be eager to inject VR training with all manner of fanciful, gamified fun. And I, for one, can’t wait.

Guest Post

About the Guest Author(s)

Frankie Cavanagh

Frankie is a visionary leader, an innovative technologist, and a game-changer in the world of virtual reality and learning. His background in teaching, combined with his passion for game design and XR technology and his skills as an artist, designer, and coder, gives him a unique ability to create immersive and engaging experiences that revolutionize how businesses train and develop their workforce.

Why Your Next Workplace Training Session Might Be in the Belly of a Volcano Read More »

The Park Playground’s Newest VR Experience for Battle Game Fans Is Here

Entertainment, gaming, Location Based VR, News, virtual reality, VR experiences, VR games / Rejus Almole / May 2, 2023

Europe-based virtual reality experiences provider The Park Playground recently launched its latest offering, a new esports-inspired VR experience called NanoClash Focus. A first in the industry, this new virtual reality game allows two opposing teams to battle it out simultaneously on two independent fields. It’s a fully mobile, free-roam game that aims to provide an immersive and engaging VR experience for players.

An Exciting Combo of VR Experience and Esports

For NanoClash Focus The Park Playground partnered with HTC and Triangle Factory. The company was encouraged by the success of one of its past VR experiences that allowed players to compete remotely in a virtual battlefield in separate cities. This led to the development of NanoClash Focus, which used elements from esports in its design and artificial intelligence technology to ensure an enhanced user experience.

VR experience NanoClash Focus The Park Playground

Players of NanoClash Focus are virtually transported to a hanging platform in a futuristic setting, where they compete against another team in a laser shoot-out, sports battle-style. Each team consists of four to eight people, and the goal is to be the first to reach the arena floor and prevent opponents from doing so by shooting with either laser guns or laser cannons.

Using HTC VIVE Focus 3 wireless headsets that offer greater mobility, players can freely roam the playing field. “Power-ups” are up for grabs in the game, giving teams a solid advantage when they utilize them strategically. The game is a VR experience combined with the exciting features of esports, a move that The Park Playground wants to pursue.

NanoClash Focus VR experience The Park Playground

“With two teams positioned on two independent free roam fields and rewards given for teamwork and strategic thinking, NanoClash Focus is an exciting example of how we’re driving technological innovations in LBE VR alongside our partners,” The Park Playground CEO Peter Vindevogel said in a press release shared with ARPost.

According to Vindevogel, the company plans to develop more experiences that use elements of other gaming formats. NanoClash Focus is an example of a location-based VR experience that is inspired by esports for a more immersive, interactive, and inclusive experience. “We’ll be seeing this cross-pollination between LBE VR and elements more traditionally associated with gaming surfacing much more frequently in the future,” Vindevogel further explained.

Developing More VR Experiences with AI

The release of NanoClash Focus is an exciting achievement for The Park Playground. The company has only recently begun experimenting with AI technology and data management in its game development process. The result is a more efficient way of developing seamless and innovative VR experiences that The Park Playground aims to achieve.

“Tapping into emerging technologies like AI is something LBE VR providers must consider doing to remain relevant and drive innovative VR experiences that keep people coming back for more,” said the company’s CTO Gilles-Adrien Cenni.

With the launch of NanoClash Focus, The Park Playground seems poised to enter more markets in Europe, Australia, and the US. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the VR experience company currently has 13 owned and franchised locations around the world.

It recently opened two new locations in Brisbane, Australia, and Leeds, UK, and is set to open another venue in Birmingham this year. NanoClash Focus is available for players to try out in all of The Park Playground’s locations globally.

The Park Playground’s Newest VR Experience for Battle Game Fans Is Here Read More »

What Roles Does VR Training Play in the Growing Job Market

Education & Training, featured, training, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / April 26, 2023

Is VR training going to be a necessity for businesses today? With the job boom early this year, it appears to be so.

2023 started off well for the job market. Based on the job market report in January 2023, the total nonfarm payroll employment skyrocketed to 517,000, way above the Dow Jones estimate of 187,000 and December’s 260,000 gain. As of March 2023, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that the unemployment rate still remains stable at 3.5% with widespread job growth, especially in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and healthcare.

While one report is not indicative of a trend, job growth, and low unemployment rates are positive indicators of a strong market. To keep up with this growth, businesses must implement solutions that streamline recruitment processes and facilitate faster onboarding.

According to David Chen, CTO and co-founder of a company that makes 3D cameras and depth sensors, Orbbec, VR training is going to be critical to the continued growth of the job market. We talked to him about the role VR training will play in the growing job market and how businesses can leverage this technology to their advantage.

The Role of VR Training in the Growing Job Market

VR training has gained popularity in the business world due to its ability to help new employees acquire skills quickly and efficiently. According to Chen, traditional training methods can be complex with multi-step operations, which are harder to remember and even dangerous in certain industries.

However, VR enables hands-on experiences that are safe and engaging. “VR enables hands-on experiences that risk neither raw materials, equipment nor personnel. Headsets and projectors give trainees real, immersive guidance on what to do, and what not to do,” Chen told us in a written interview. “Unexpected scenarios can be posed at will and because there is no incremental cost for repetition, skills are learned faster.”

In fact, a PwC study found that employee training can be up to four times faster when using VR courses rather than traditional classroom training. What takes two hours in a classroom setting can be learned within 30 minutes using VR.

Chen continues that compared to other emerging training technologies such as augmented reality and gamification, VR training provides a more holistic experience that combines hard and soft skills training. AR training may be more suitable for businesses looking to perform micro-training, focusing on one definable concept, idea, skill, object, or process. On the other hand, VR training puts trainees in a completely digital world, allowing for less repercussion in the physical space while learning a new task.

Honeywell, for instance, has been using VR training for years to train plant operators and field technicians. Its VR training simulator, the Immersive Field Simulator, generated skills retention that is twice as high as previous training methods, leading to a more engaging training program for younger generations of workers. Last year, the simulator was enhanced with new capabilities to meet a broader spectrum of training and development requirements.

Bank of America also launched a VR training program in 2021 to simulate client interactions and practice routine tasks. The pilot program reported that 97% of the employees who went through the simulations felt more comfortable performing their tasks afterward. Now, the VR program is being used by around 50,000 employees in nearly 4,300 financial centers across the country.

These and more examples show that VR training is proving to be a valuable tool in helping businesses train new employees quickly and efficiently while minimizing risk and increasing skills retention.

Challenges Businesses Face in Implementing VR Training

Implementing VR training in businesses is not without its challenges. According to Chen, content creation is one of the primary challenges businesses face when implementing the technology. “Some scenes can be very difficult to recreate in the virtual realm and not everything can be operated with a VR headset controller,” he explained.

Upfront costs can be another obstacle that business leaders have to overcome. One study by PwC shows that VR content initially requires up to 48% greater investment than classroom or e-learning courses.

To address the challenges businesses face when implementing VR training, Chen suggests that businesses consider the long-term benefits of the technology. They should also be aware of the advancements in VR technology, which have made it more affordable than before. By doing so, businesses can improve their training processes, save time and resources, and achieve a higher ROI.

How Businesses Can Implement VR Training

To successfully implement VR training, businesses should consider starting with a pilot program and selecting a platform with features tailored to their specific needs. “Testing VR training in small batches can help determine what jobs can best be improved upon with the use of VR and how these programs may need to be adjusted to fit participants’ specific needs,” Chen said.

As a 3D camera manufacturer, Orbbec offers necessary solutions that support VR training programs.

3D camera technology helps capture the real environment and quickly transfer it into VR content, providing a more realistic training experience without the need for a controller. By using solutions like this, companies can optimize their training processes and provide their employees with a more effective and engaging learning experience.

Indeed, the future of VR training looks promising, with new applications and use cases that are expected to emerge in various industries and continued advancements in processing power, rendering engines, and display technologies.

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Virtex Stadium Adds Counter-Strike to Its Virtual Esports Titles

esports, featured, gaming, News, Sports & Fitness, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / April 24, 2023

Esports fans are in for a new experience at the Virtex Stadium. Aside from EchoVR, users can now watch live gameplays of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2.

Virtex has partnered with Skybox Technologies to bring this unique spectator experience to gaming enthusiasts. With Counter-Strike as the first significant esports title at the Virtex Stadium, the virtual esports fan base on the platform is bound to grow faster.

An Immersive Experience for Counter-Strike Gamers and Fans

Following the launch of the Echo VR title on the platform, Counter-Strike allows fans to enjoy more top-level gameplay. “As the third most watched esport last year, CS: GO already has an enormous following, and we’re excited to be working with Skybox to deliver a 360° spectating experience unique to every fan,” said Virtex CEO and co-founder, Tim Mcguinness, in a press release shared with ARPost.

virtex stadium esports title counter-strike

Using their desktop and compatible VR headsets, users enter the Virtex Stadium, which is still in closed beta, where they can watch live gameplays recreated in 3D. They can customize their Ready Player Me avatars, meet other fans in the lobby, and enter the virtual arena. They can sit on the stadium seats to watch gameplay in full view or immerse themselves in the battle by diving into the map.

They can see opening duels, site retakes, and clutches up close. Dynamic map controls allow them to maneuver easily and spectate at any site they want. The epic virtual effects and sounds create a deep 3D spectator experience that’s like no other.

Collaborating to Make Fan Experiences More Meaningful

Virtex, a London-based software development company, has been at the forefront of esports. Its Virtex Stadium provides sports and gaming enthusiasts with an innovative VR platform where they can experience esports at a whole new level.

Founded in 2020, Virtex brings together the expertise of tech entrepreneur Christoph Ortlepp and seasoned VR player Tim Mcguinness. Sharing a vision to redefine the esports fan experience, they are collaborating with partners across the tech and esports space to bolster the capabilities of the Virtex Stadium.

virtex stadium esports event

In the past year, the company worked with Skybox Technologies to integrate Counter-Strike maps into the virtual stadium. A provider of spectator and analysis solutions, Skybox helps ensure that in-game models, key modes, and spectator tools are functioning smoothly at the Virtex Stadium.

It provides real-time data and 3D game recreations that allow users to view Counter-Strike gameplay from every angle. It also ensures that map control and all gameplay features work seamlessly to make the 3D viewing experience more enjoyable.

According to Ethan Cooper, CEO of Skybox Technologies, Virtex has done an outstanding job at building out the Virtex Stadium. “We are proud that via the Skybox and Virtex partnership, fans can soon experience live Counter-Strike in a whole new way. It’s an exciting time for our respective companies, and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with additional game titles and new experiences,” he said.

This collaboration paves the way for more meaningful fan experiences across the globe. Fans can dive into the map and watch the players they follow in action. They can explore different areas during the matches or meet other fans in virtual hangout spaces.

More to Come From The Growing Virtex Community

The partnership between Virtex and Skybox has just begun. Through their continued collaboration, we can expect more tournaments and esports titles at the Virtex Stadium in the next few months. Virtex is also pitching to more partners to widen its offerings and make the platform even more engaging. It wants to collaborate with tournament organizers, teams that want dedicated stadiums for their fans, and brands that want to run activations on virtual platforms.

A die-hard esports fan, Tim Mcguinness is eager to announce more upcoming tournaments they are set to feature in the Virtex Stadium. But, for now, fans can enjoy the closed beta program and be among the first to experience this virtual esports stadium.

Virtex Stadium Adds Counter-Strike to Its Virtual Esports Titles Read More »

Virbela Launches Updated Avatar System

featured, News, remote work, virtual reality, VR platform / Rejus Almole / April 18, 2023

Virbela has grown a lot over time but they’ve had the same avatar system for nearly a decade. If you open the app today, you’ll see a whole new avatar system. As impressive as it is, it might still have some growing to do.

Long in the Making

Virbela is a platform for remote work, education, and events. The platform consists of an open campus that anyone can download and use for free, and private campuses co-created with clients.

There was nothing wrong with the old campus, but it got a whole lot of new features as well as a beautiful graphics upgrade showcased at the Hands In Enterprise Metaverse Summit last year. An upcoming avatar system was teased at the summit, but no release date was given.

“Avatars are important to the virtual experience because they add fidelity to the world,” Virbela Art Team Manager Nicole Galinato said at the event. “Our users love the playfulness of the current avatars, but they want more features that they can identify with.”

Since the summit, the old avatars roamed the new world. It wasn’t a glaring mismatch, but the avatars were definitely from a different generation. The new avatars certainly fit into the graphically updated virtual world a lot better.

Old avatar (left) vs new avatar (right)

The New You for the New Virbela

The next time that you boot up Virbela, whether you’re a first-time user or just returning after a while, you will be greeted by the first page of the new avatar generator. Just like with the old system, you can join immediately with a default avatar and personalize it later if you want. If you’re not in that much of a hurry, you have a lot of playing to do.

Virbela new avatar system

You select one of three “body types” rather than gender, so all clothing and cosmetic options are open to all users. There’s also a custom gradient for specific skin tones and a number of features have an “advanced settings” button that opens up menus of highly customizable sliders. The update also brings several more hair and facial hair options.

Virbela new avatar system

“What really pushed us to create this new avatar system was more about this idea of inclusion and equity,” Virbela co-founder and President Alex Howland told me on the XR Talks podcast. “We are working with a very global population of users and we know the importance of the avatar for people to express themselves and explore their identity through their avatar.”

The update also brings new clothing options and customizations. Many outfits consist of a “top” and a “bottom,” with the top consisting of several layers each with their own color combinations, similar to the system that AltspaceVR used (RIP Altspace). I went with the three-piece suite, which means color options for the jacket, vest, and shirt. (Neckties are under “Accessories”.)

Virbela new avatar system

“We also wanted much more variability in terms of the ability to customize the avatar because we sometimes have populations of many thousands in the same space and you’d find too many avatars that looked too similar to one another,” said Howland.

Even after you’ve toured your new avatar through the campus, you can change it at any time by selecting the gear icon in the upper right corner to open the settings dropdown menu and selecting the “change avatar” item at the top. And do keep checking back. According to Howland, more is coming.

“This is what I’ll call the [minimal viable product] of this new system. It’s a system that we can build upon and continue to add assets to, whether that be more hairstyles, more clothing options, more cultural garb, that folks can use over time – eventually leading to things like more facial expressions,” said Howland.

The Complete Package

To return to Galinato’s concept that the avatars contribute to the immersion of the world itself, the more detailed and more personal avatars do seem more at home in the more detailed and responsive Virbela campus. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to attend a large event with the new avatars, but I’m sure that they’ll be a lot more colorful now.

Virbela Launches Updated Avatar System Read More »

The Most Important Upcoming AR/VR Events This Year

AR/VR events, augmented reality, AWE, Events, extended reality, featured, trending, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / April 17, 2023

After the COVID-19 pandemic made most event organizers cancel their live AR/VR events or host them virtually, in the past year more and more live events are making a comeback. Even the immersive industry needs a real-life environment to discover gadgets and try AR/VR content.

And we will tell you exactly where you should go if you want to try the most exciting discoveries and devices. Also, we know that if you work in this industry, you should not miss these AR/VR events, either. You have the great opportunity to network with peers or even discover new business or employment opportunities.

The Most Relevant AR/VR Events in 2023 You Should Not Miss

Here are some of the most important AR/VR events that are taking place until the end of this year.

1. AWE USA 2023

When: May 31 – June 2

Where: Santa Clara, CA, US; and virtual

AWE USA 2023

Late spring/early summer is a great time to be in California. This year, it is made even better by one of the top AR/VR events: AWE USA. This is one of the most comprehensive fairs for professionals, stakeholders, and tech enthusiasts focused on immersive technologies.

They will be able to test various gadgets, discover content trends, and attend insightful keynote presentations. Attendees will be able to hear from a vast number of XR professionals, such as Peggy Johnson (the CEO of Magic Leap), Hugo Swat (Vice-President and General Manager of XR at Qualcomm), Chi Xu (CEO of Nreal), Elizabeth Hyman (CEO of XR Association), John Riccitiello (CEO of Unity), Kavya Pearlman (Founder & CEO of XR Safety Initiative), and many more.

For those who can’t attend in person, there’s also the option to access some parts of the event online through the awe.live platform.

As AWE USA 2023 media partner, ARPost offers its readers a 20% discount code. Use the code 23ARPOSTD during registration.

2. XR Expo 2023

When: June 15-16

Where: Stuttgart, Germany

XR Expo 2023

If you happen to be in Germany this summer for business, you can also put aside two days to attend XR Expo 2023. This B2B event will bring together industry users, technology providers, content service providers, and XR researchers, and will focus on professional applications of extended reality technologies in health, industry, architecture, and trade and craft.

Right now, registration for XR Expo 2023 is open, but the event’s program is still under development.

3. Enterprise Metaverse Summit

When: June 28-29

Where: London, UK; and virtual

Enterprise Metaverse Summit 2023

Another AR/VR event taking place in Europe, Enterprise Metaverse Summit is hosted by the British weekly newspaper The Economist. The event audience includes senior executives focused on XR, automation, IoT, 5G, the future of work, AI, machine learning, and edge computing.

This year’s event will cover a vast number of topics, from how the metaverse is expected to replace or improve human experiences at work, and how VR is making surgeries safer, to how the metaverse can help businesses become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint, and the benefits of VR as an engine to catalyze diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Attendees will be able to hear from speakers such as Meta Reality Labs’ VP Christine Trodella, Wallart’s Head of 3D Creative Technology Cynthia Maller, MetaVRse co-founder Alan Smithson, and EndeavorXR founder and CEO Amy Peck.

For all those who cannot attend, the event organizers offer a free virtual pass for full access to all virtual sessions on the first day of the event.

4. XR:WA

When: July 20-23

Where: Perth, Western Australia

XR:WA 2023

Australian winter is mild compared to the summer heat in many parts of the US, so it’s a great moment to attend one of the best AR/VR events of the year. XR:WA is for everyone, from those curious to try immersive experiences for the first time to seasoned professionals.

The event aims to discuss the impact and opportunities for XR across a number of industries including architecture, design, medicine, education, training, science, art, and entertainment.

Back for its fifth edition, the event activities include talks, panels, various AR and VR experiences, workshops, a trade floor, and exhibition.

5. Industrial IMMERSIVE Week

When: August 28-30

Where: Houston, TX

Industrial Immersive Week 2023 event

Industrial IMMERSIVE Week is one of the AR/VR events for professionals interested in XR, spatial computing, digital twins, AI, IIoT, 5G, 3D models and simulations, and connected workforce solutions.

Touted as the event “where industry goes for real-world use cases, best practices and emerging tech for your enterprise to launch, pilot and deploy metaverse programs,” Industrial IMMERSIVE Week is intended for professionals from diverse industries, including manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, engineering, mining, automotive, aerospace, and logistics.

From C-suite leaders, to department leaders and professionals, Industrial IMMERSIVE Week brings together seasoned specialists and decision-makers. Some of the most important Fortune 500 companies will be represented at the event, including Boeing, Canon, Shell, Amazon, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

6. Augmented Enterprise Summit

When: October 24-26

Where: Houston, TX; virtual

Augmented Enterprise Summit 2023

As its name suggests, this AR/VR event is aimed at enterprises. Augmented Enterprise Summit is dedicated to the business and industrial applications of XR and other metaverse-related emerging technologies.

This year, the event boasts an impressive line-up of speakers including NASA’s Simulation and Graphics Capabilities Manager Angelica Garcia, CocaCola’s Director of Technical Training and Development Michael Whatley, Airbus Head of Augmented Worker Product Andreas Oeder, and Amazon Web Services Principal Spatial Computing Solutions Architect Kurt Scheuringer.

Among the sponsors and exhibitors, you can find a number of XR companies such as Mytaverse, RealWear, Strivr, and Vuzix.

Aside from more than a thousand expected attendees, the 10th Augmented Enterprise Summit will also feature over 50 exhibitors and sponsors, and more than 50 educational sessions.

The event also offers a virtual pass, with access to a virtual event app, digital exhibitor zone, exclusive post-event resources, and all sessions and on-demand recordings. As Augmented Enterprise Summit media partner, we can offer our readers 15% off for event tickets with the code arpost15.

The Most Important Upcoming AR/VR Events This Year Read More »

Top 5 E-Commerce AR and VR Trends To Follow in 2023

augmented reality, e-commerce, featured, Guest Post, Retail & E-Commerce, virtual reality / Rejus Almole / April 11, 2023

AR and VR are two of the most promising technologies of the modern era. Both can potentially revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. However, these technologies have taken a long time to reach their full potential.

While AR and VR have been around for decades, it wasn’t until recently that they offered a quality experience without being too limited by technological constraints or not being portable enough for widespread use.

Nevertheless, they’ve been making waves in many industries. And now, the e-commerce industry is hopping on board. Statista reports that by 2023, there will be 1.4 billion AR devices worldwide, projected to rise to 1.73 billion by 2024.

Number of mobile augmented reality (AR) active user devices worldwide from 2019 to 2024 - Statista — *Source:* *Statista*

What should we expect from AR and VR in 2023 and beyond? In this article, we will explore the potential of AR and VR for e-commerce and how they can enhance your shopping experience.

1. Increased Adoption of AR in E-Commerce

According to a recent survey, 38% of marketers reported using AR in 2022. It’s a significant increase from the 23% reported in 2017. And it’s understandable, given AR technology’s benefits to e-commerce customers.

For example, it allows them to feel like they’re physically interacting with products in a brick-and-mortar store while being online. AR can also help consumers visualize how products will look in their homes or on their bodies, improving the shopping experience and leading to more informed purchasing decisions and fewer returns.

Looking ahead to 2023, there are six exciting trends in the AR shopping space to keep an eye on. They are:

1. Social Media Apps and Camera Filters

Social media apps and camera filters, with Snapchat and Instagram leading the charge by incorporating AR into their platforms. Brands can use SnapAR Lens Studio or Meta Spark to create engaging AR filters and lenses that bring products to life. A case in point is Gucci.

Gucci AR instagram filter — *Screenshots taken on the official Gucci Instagram account*

2. Virtual Try-On Technology

Virtual try-on technology to see how products look on shoppers like on the Sephora Snapchat page.

Sephora Snapcaht Lens — *Screenshots taken on the official Sephora Snapchat account*

3. Virtual Showrooms

Virtual showrooms are similar to try-on but involve the buyer flipping the camera around. For example, it’s popular among furniture stores like EQ3.

virtual showroom EQ3 — *Screenshots taken on the official EQ3 website*

4. Better AR Hardware Options

Better AR hardware options, caused by innovations in mobile technology, such as LiDAR and ToF (depth sensing hardware). Companies like Google, Microsoft, Lenovo, and Vuzix are developing smart glasses to enhance the AR experience.

5. AR Mirrors

AR mirrors for in-store shopping, assisting buyers who are in-store and either don’t want to test various alternatives or can’t for whatever reasons.

6. Gamifying

Gamifying in-store shopping to connect physical products with apps, creating a fun and interactive shopping experience.

2. VR-Enabled Online Shopping Experiences

VR creates an immersive visual environment, including 360-degree videos, photos, product demos, and complex experiences using devices such as the HTC Vive or Oculus Quest.

Unlike AR, VR is entirely simulated and disconnected from the physical world. VR can benefit businesses in various ways, such as:

virtual tours of showrooms and stores;
visualization of products;
greater user engagement;
increased consumer trust;
enhanced conversion rates;
better retention rates;
improved customer service.

However, it’s essential to remember the “shiny toy syndrome” and avoid it. Ensure that VR experiences align with your business goals and customer needs before opting for them. E-commerce stores can use VR for the following purposes:

virtual stores with virtual clothing racks, an opportunity to meet with friends and shop together online;
“try before you buy”;
in-store experiences;
live events;
interactive education.

3. Introducing AI Into AR and VR Solutions

Artificial intelligence can integrate with AR and VR technologies to revolutionize the shopping experience. AI-powered 3D representation of products in a user’s environment can increase conversions. How? Here is how AI can enhance virtual experiences:

1. Object Recognition

AR and VR experiences can adjust to the user’s movements and actions thanks to AI algorithms’ ability to detect and track things in real time.

2. Computer Vision

It involves image recognition and tracking, enabling the system to respond to the environment.

3. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP is about using voice commands for people to explore and interact with virtual worlds.

4. Predictive Analytics

As AI can predict user behavior, merchants can build personalized and proactive experiences.

5. Usage Analytics

AI can also help analyze usage data and client feedback. You can optimize your AR/VR services and boost buyer satisfaction based on the results.

6. Personalized Experiences

One of the ways to employ customer insights is to tailor offers to their tastes. It can boost satisfaction and sales.

4. Creating Digital Twins

The past year has seen an increase in AR and 3D technology use by fashion brands to boost sales and brand recognition in physical and virtual worlds. And in 2023, we can expect more brands to utilize AR innovatively.

It includes the ability to try on digital versions of physical clothing on your avatar. Another example is unlocking special effects for physical apparel. Some brands create digital-only looks that users can capture on camera and share on social media.

This trend becomes possible thanks to avatar platforms and AR features such as image targets and body tracking. So brands can offer and sell virtual goods. And with NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR codes embedded in physical apparel, you can transform one thing (for example, a T-shirt) into infinite designs.

5. Security Concerns Over the Usage of AR and VR

Consumers are increasingly concerned about privacy, security, and safety in computing. The metaverse, new headsets, and more AR and VR content have made safety a greater focus. Devices can now gather more information through eye and hand tracking. AR also relies on spatial data to immerse users. That’s why customers remain skeptical about using such devices daily.

How can people safely enjoy digital realities? We need new frameworks, regulations, and social contracts prioritizing safety. All these require collaboration through working groups, policy and standard discussions, and new software solutions for moderation and cyber threats.

Final Word

To sum up, AR and VR can enhance the e-commerce industry by improving the customer experience, driving more engagement, and cutting costs. But there are many challenges to overcome before these technologies can become mainstream.

For example, some websites are incompatible with VR headsets or AR apps. Why? The reason is that they were not built with those devices in mind. And not everyone owns a headset or smartphone capable of using these technologies.

That’s why e-commerce merchants should take advantage of these new opportunities to not lose potential clients due to incompatibility issues. As these technologies get better, more online stores will use AR and VR to give shoppers immersive shopping experiences. The future of e-commerce is exciting. And augmented and virtual reality are sure to play a significant role in shaping it.

Guest Post

About the Guest Author(s)

Art Malkovich

Art Malkovich is CEO and co-founder of Onilab, an e-commerce development company. He has about 10 years of experience in team management and web development. He is passionate about keeping up with recent technologies and working on innovative projects like headless commerce solutions and PWAs in particular.

Top 5 E-Commerce AR and VR Trends To Follow in 2023 Read More »

Catching Up With Varjo Partnerships and Experiences Around the World

extended reality, featured, Mixed Reality, News, varjo, virtual reality, XR experiences / Rejus Almole / April 10, 2023

Varjo hasn’t been hibernating over the winter but they’ve definitely had a very active spring. ARPost typically reports on the Finnish XR company’s groundbreaking hardware and software developments, but the company also helps develop and distribute XR experiences and solutions ranging from operas to flight simulations.

An Opera Produced Entirely Through XR

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet (FNOB) spent two years producing Turandot opera with Sweden’s Malmö Opera. The ambitious international product involved designing complex sets and orchestrating intricate scene transitions. FNOB has commented before that Varjo is the only headset manufacturer that matches their high-quality requirements.

Varjo x FNOB and Sweden’s Malmö Opera - Digital Twin vs real-world comparison — *Varjo partners with FNOB and Sweden’s Malmö Opera – Digital Twin vs real-world view comparison*

FNOB, which has been gradually implementing XR production tools over the last three years, started with two things: the in-house Unreal Engine-driven “XR Stage” visualization tool, and a 3D model of the main stage created by ZOAN – a 3D content agency that uses the same hardware to bring employees into their virtual headquarters.

“Our artists were only open to using virtual tools if models would be photorealistic and it was an intuitive user experience,” FNOB Production and Technical Director Timo Tuovila, said in a release shared with ARPost. “We have been able to create a digital twin of our stage that actually is true to life, matching the expectations of our ambitious artistic and technical teams.”

The virtual stage was used collaboratively between the two opera houses to virtually design and redesign sets – a process that would normally have taken tremendous time, resources, and materials. It is estimated that using XR preproduction instead saved over $82,000 and 1,500 hours of production time, not to mention enhanced crew safety.

Varjo x FNOB and Sweden’s Malmö Opera.png — *Varjo partners with FNOB and Sweden’s Malmö Opera for Turandot*

This is the eighth FNOB production using XR preproduction, but this is the first time that they – or anybody – have used the technology at every step from proof-of-concept to final production, according to the release. It would be interesting to see XR also being used in recording and distributing live content at this level.

Twinmotion Programs Come to Varjo Devices

The virtual production of Turandot is a highly artistic example of using Varjo for architecture and design. That use case is about to get a big leg up as the company recently announced support for its hardware on Twinmotion. Users of the real-time visualization platform’s most recent update will be able to view its high-fidelity models on Varjo devices.

According to the hardware manufacturer, Twinmotion works with all headsets including Aero – the closest thing that the company offers to an entry-level headset. The headset, priced below the company’s other offerings but still within the almost exclusively enterprise range, comes without mandatory software subscriptions making compatibility with other solutions crucial.

Advancing Brain Health With MachineMD

Aero also plays an important part in a partnership with Swiss medical device company machineMD. The partnership’s goal is the development of “neos™” – a proposed device that would use eye-tracking technology for earlier diagnosis of brain disorders. In addition to helping specialists, the device could also be more accessible to doctors that aren’t neuro specialists.

“As a neuro-ophthalmologist, I use the eye as a window to the brain,” said michineMD Medical Director Professor Mathias Abegg in a blog post announcing the partnership. “The Varjo Aero provides me with the most powerful and precise view through this window.”

Varjo and machineMD — *machineMD’s solution will be based on Varjo Aero to perform comprehensive eye exams for the diagnosis of brain disorders*

Between the advancement of the technology and healthy financial support, machineMD expects neos to be ready by the end of this year. Of course, Varjo is also excited to be a part of the important work which could have far-reaching benefits in the brain health world.

“VR-based eye tracking in combination with ophthalmology and neuroscience is opening up important new avenues for researchers and the larger medical community,” co-founder and CTO of Varjo, Seppo Aaltonen, said in the post. “A rare window into the brain is possible with the Varjo Aero headset and we are proud to partner with machineMD to make this technology a reality.”

Hardware Built for Flight Simulation

Varjo is also a leading player in the simulation world, particularly automotive and flight simulation. In fact, one of its premiere headsets, XR-3, was recently released in a specially-tooled edition with cockpit simulations in mind. The variable-passthrough headset has a specially calibrated focal plane to optimize the display of the user’s immediate surroundings.

More recently, Varjo partnered with Leonardo – an aerospace, defense, and security developer. The relationship is intended to “enhance the capability of Leonardo’s aircraft training devices.” The above-mentioned XR-3 Focal Edition headset is already being used.

*Varjo and Leonardo partner in developing and deploying immersive solutions for flight training*

“Leonardo simulation and training experience, coupled with advanced Varjo technology, will allow our products to increase pilots’ training experience, bringing it into a more immersive environment, both within the specific customer training pipelines and within the scope of International Flight Training School,” said Leonardo Aircraft Division’s Head of Simulation and Training Systems Giuseppe Pietroniro.

Jumping Off of Virtual Cliffs

Simulation has a special place in the consumer space as well, where it allows individuals to experience convincing replications of activities that are costly, dangerous, or both. A recent experience offered by Varjo and Red Bull recreates diving from an 80 ft cliff.

“The VR cliff diving experience is really something that you cannot miss,” real-life cliff diver Orlando Duque said of the activation. “It places you right there in the location, in the middle of the action. It’s probably the closest thing to the real deal.”

Varjo and Red Bull - mixed reality watersports experience — *Varjo and Red Bull partnership – Mixed reality watersports experience “Water – Breaking the Surface”*

The experience is still not coming to a living room near you anytime soon. In addition to using the XR-3 rather than the more consumer-available Aero, the experience is currently only being offered as part of an exhibit at the Swiss Museum of Transport. The complete exhibit also uses AR technology and virtual production to replicate activities like surfing.

While available materials don’t mention plans for a more widely available version, it sure sounds like it would be a step up from Richie’s Plank Experience.

A Virtually Imagined Real World

Varjo is still pushing the limits of extended reality technology – and that means that a lot of its experiences and hardware aren’t available to just anybody. While some people get to put on the headset and jump off of a cliff, the benefits of the technology are definitely benefiting more and more people through the ramifications of work in design, defense, and the arts.

Catching Up With Varjo Partnerships and Experiences Around the World Read More »