Virtual Reality is ‘likely’ coming to your work and in the most unexpected ways

There is no denying that I have a particular interest in the evolution of technology to enrich our lives. My robot virtual assistant, ARchie keeps reminding me of all the wonderful products among the internet of things. In particular, the work world is abuzz about Virtual Reality applications.

At Construction Worksites

Virtual reality has become an essential part of the building industries like construction, engineering, and architecture. This is no surprise to those that understand the industries workflow has relied on CAD ( computer generated design) to ensure teams are working synergistically on all aspects of the project. The ability to create real-time 3D models inside physical spaces feels like a natural next step.

Gone (well almost) are the days of mapping our sites with the error-prone and laborious measuring tape. When these designs are implemented with VR positioning data (like wireframes) workers can ensure installations are done accurately and in record time.

At Offices

VR has found space beyond the increasingly common use of office entertainment zones. Perhaps your new office has one and someone donated a PSVR game device to encourage worker comradery. In fact, VR games is likely the 1st place you have or will try out this technology.

But what of companies with remote employees virtual reality chatrooms allow co-workers to bond and collaborate from wherever they call home.

But there is much more to VR in the workplace. Offices have found ways to incorporate VR to improve their work and products.

Worker scenario training is a vital part of businesses that rely on consistent and fast response. The ability to train using VR headsets offers workers the ability to completely immerse themselves and pick up the tactile skills and mental acuity required in record time.

Of course, all new media, and the adoption of audiences that love it birth new marketing opportunities. VR in sales campaigns has seen a sharp increase in these last years.

Early adopters have been in the car and movie marketing industry but now we more commonly see real estate, retail and in-store demonstrations adding a VR touch. Companies like Vancouver’s Finger Food Studios have offered unique and powerful customer touchpoints for clients Lululemon, Mountain Equipment Coop and more.

VR prototyping is often the 1st step towards product development. Sometimes this leads to 3D printing where if you can imagine, you can make it real and ready to test with the consumers that need and desire it.

At Film Production Studios

It may feel with the common use of Visual Effects and CG (computer generated) characters in the films these days that VR has been around in this work environment. The truth holds that the busy and somewhat chaotic pace of film production has no room for the somewhat isolating environment of VR . Or does it?

A call for Virtual Cinematography has taken hold. Directors need a real-time solution to connecting with CG characters. Wes Potter and partner Habib Zargarpour, designed a way using VR to do just that. Can you imagine what making “Ready Player One” would have been like without Steven Spielberg’s ability to directly interact with the CG.

 In the world of filmmaking VR has been key to allowing artists, cinematographers, and directors the ability to plan shoots, understand graphical targets and make decisions early in the process where it is easier and cheaper to make changes.

Wes Potter, CEO Digital Monarch Media

At Hospital Wards

Nobody likes a hospital stay. In pain, in fear or in isolation a VR Headset can take you away from your present issues and gift you a real sense of relief. This is how VR is an offering staggering benefit to pain management.

And what about the doctors. According to Forbes Doctors that trained in a virtual world using ImmersiveTouch training reduced surgical errors by 54% comparing a control group using current training methods. Great news for everyone involved.

A final note

I wish I could say that this article is comprehensive but the truth is that VR is making a difference in so many workspaces that in the time it took you to read this article there have likely been even more innovations imagined, created, tested and applied for the 1st time.

If you have heard of technology using Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality (Think PokemonGo) or Mixed reality, it’s time for you to reach out. Comment below or email ARchie to have your story or photo featured in upcoming articles.

I love to connect along with this subject so even if your interest is as an enthusiast or someone starting out. I want to know about it.