Four uses of virtual reality and augmented reality in businesses and industries

Mauricio Pargman, Sales Manager.

Mauricio is a Telecommunications engineer from the Universidad Católica. He has over 20 years of experience in commercial team development. Between 2009 and 2012, he was one of the people responsible for opening and leading the Isbel office in the Dominican Republic.

In the digital age, technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and one of the most exciting innovations is the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets. These devices have not only changed the way we entertain ourselves, but they are also revolutionizing the way businesses and industries operate, and even how their employees interact.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of incorporating VR and AR, or a combination of both, in industrial and business environments, and how these technologies can drive efficiency and productivity.

What is virtual reality and augmented reality?

For those who are not familiar with these terms, in broad terms, VR creates an entirely new and immersive environment, while AR overlays virtual elements onto the physical world. These technologies offer unique and valuable experiences, and their application in the business world is becoming increasingly relevant.

A prime example of this in recent years are the commercial releases of the Meta Quest headsets and, more recently, the Apple Vision. Both combine the two technologies to provide an immersive experience while still keeping the real world around us in view.

Much more than a game.

When many think of virtual or augmented reality headsets, the first image that comes to mind is that of exciting games and immersive experiences. However, the potential of these devices goes far beyond entertainment.

In business environments, their applications are so varied that they even extend to mental health initiatives for employees. Among other things, VR headsets allow users to immerse themselves in realistic simulations of work situations, resulting in more effective and safe training.

1. Training and realistic simulations

One of the main advantages of VR in the business world is its ability to provide hands-on training without risks.For example, in the manufacturing industry, employees can practice operating complex machinery in a virtual environment before facing real-life situations.

In the agricultural sector, the use of immersive technologies has been documented for training on livestock and large animal handling, biosecurity, disease identification (with AR), among others.

Another example is in healthcare, where performing certain procedures without the proper experience can be risky. Specifically, AR can be combined with mannequins equipped with sensors to practice certain maneuvers (such as those related to childbirth or intubations). The headset allows for 3D visualization of the internal anatomy's dimensions, serving as a guide for doctors and future professionals.

The use of headsets perfectly complements this type of skill development, as it allows students to first engage with procedures theoretically, then move on to mannequins as a second stage, and finally, work with real patients. This process provides a smoother, faster transition from theory to practice, resulting in fewer mistakes.

Having this technology, then, reduces the risk of accidents and accelerates the learning process.

2. Remote collaboration with augmented reality

On the other hand, AR excels in real-time collaboration. Imagine being able to work on a project with colleagues in different geographical locations, all viewing the same virtual object overlaid in their real environments.

Another example is remote training: let’s consider a multinational company that specializes in machinery manufacturing. A group of specialists can train another located in a different country or city, for example, to assemble an engine using holograms of each step, with real-time feedback, while working in their own environments.

3. Process optimization and maintenance.

In the industrial sector, AR has proven to be an invaluable tool for process optimization and equipment maintenance.

Similar to the training example, technicians can use AR headsets to visualize relevant information about a machine while repairing it, such as user manuals, performance data, and technical diagrams. This streamlines maintenance processes and reduces downtime.

In fact, if an expert is needed in another location, they can assist the on-site person in real-time by seeing the same thing (through the headset), providing audio instructions, or making annotations on the screen that will appear in the visor.

In more corporate settings, the use of collaboration tools (such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, among others) combined with this type of technology allows for more immersive meetings, reducing distractions or interruptions.

4. Improvement of efficiency and reduction of errors.

Both VR and AR have the potential to improve operational efficiency by reducing human errors. By providing workers with accurate information and detailed visualizations in real-time, the possibility of misunderstandings is minimized, improving decision-making and eliminating downtime caused by travel (for example).

It also facilitates remote access to diagnostics on the condition of machines and enables receiving precise instructions to troubleshoot issues.

A transformed business future.

The application of VR and AR technologies is accelerating digital transformation by making the way businesses and industries operate and make decisions more efficient.

The use cases are still growing, and the possibilities are almost endless. From safe training to remote collaboration and process optimization, these technologies offer numerous benefits, making their rapid adoption a necessity in order to maintain competitiveness in the market.

In turn, for successful implementation, businesses and industries will need to adapt their infrastructure (e.g., connectivity capacity) and train their workforce.

As we continue moving toward a digital future, it's worth keeping an eye on the opportunities that VR and AR offer and how they can benefit the industry in which each of us is immersed. The future is already here!