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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, two innovations, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), have emerged as transformative tools shaping our digital experiences. Originating from visionary concepts to revolutionise human-computer interaction, these technologies have since evolved into powerful platforms with diverse real-world applications.
AR and VR technologies are poised to become integral components of our increasingly interconnected digital world, with the concept of the metaverse gaining prominence in recent times. In the Asia Pacific region, the market for AR/VR headsets is forecasted to expand significantly in the next five years, driven by a multitude of use cases.
Ng Kaijie, Director of Innovation at Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), highlights key factors accelerating the growth of AR/VR, including the advent of 5G technology. The introduction of 5G enables greater bandwidth and lower latencies, laying the groundwork for more immersive AR/VR experiences and quicker feedback loops.
As early as 2017, immersive media was identified by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Singapore, as one of four key frontier technology focus areas (the other three are artificial intelligence and data science; cybersecurity; and Internet of Things and future communications infrastructure) for the development of digital economy.
While both AR and VR immerse users in digital experiences, they differ in their approaches. VR transports users to entirely virtual environments, enveloping them in immersive simulations, whereas AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing users’ perception of their surroundings. This distinction enables VR to excel in gaming and simulation, while AR finds utility in education, navigation, and enhancing real-world interactions.
The real-world impact of VR and AR extends across various industries. VR has revolutionised gaming, healthcare, training and education, enabling immersive experiences and enhanced learning opportunities. AR, on the other hand, has transformed museums, tourism, and education, enriching cultural experiences and facilitating interactive learning.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital has launched MyCareVR, a virtual reality training platform designed to revolutionise medical staff education. Developed by the Center for Healthcare Innovation, this tool offers immersive learning experiences, initially focusing on 6S precision management training to optimise workflows and enhance patient care.
With MyCareVR, medical professionals can practice procedures in virtual environments, eliminating the need for traditional classroom setups and logistical challenges. The platform’s versatility extends beyond clinics, with plans to expand into scenarios like intensive care units and pharmacies, promising a comprehensive approach to medical training and skill development.
Airlines too have introduced VR-based training modules for flight students. The immersive VR experience helps students grasp airspace structures and landmark recognition, resulting in a performance improvement in real flight missions while reducing stress levels. This success highlights the potential of VR in pilot training, paving the way for future applications in flight, simulator, safety, and service training.
Immersive technologies are expected to be used across various industries, such as retail, architecture, construction, education, healthcare, and defence to improve processes, reduce costs and enhance outcomes.
As VR and AR technologies continue to advance, the future holds boundless possibilities. Innovations such as AR laptops and virtual keyboards demonstrate the evolving integration of these technologies into everyday life. With ongoing developments and investments from tech giants, VR and AR are poised to become integral components of our digital ecosystem, shaping the way we work, learn, and interact in the years to come.
Such cutting-edge developments represent not just technological innovations but gateways to new realities. As these technologies continue to evolve, their impact on society will be profound, ushering in an era of unprecedented digital experiences and opportunities for innovation.
