Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment, which can be explored and interacted with by a person. Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are "augmented" by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory and haptic.
In this post we will look at how VR/AR can transform industries such as healthcare, education and entertainment.

Gaming

Virtual reality is a technology that has been around for decades, but it's only recently that the technology has become affordable and accessible to consumers. Virtual reality headsets allow users to immerse themselves in an entirely new world where they can interact with objects or other characters as if they were actually there.
Virtual reality gaming experiences are still limited by the fact that most games are designed for a 2D screen, so developers have had to come up with creative ways of making the experience more immersive. One example of this is sports games that use virtual reality simulations instead of traditional graphics--you can feel like you're actually playing football or baseball! Another example would be augmented reality interactive games where players can see their surroundings while also having their movements tracked by sensors built into their bodies (such as gloves).

Education

Virtual and augmented reality are changing the way we learn.
Virtual reality allows students to experience historical events in a way that is more immersive than any textbook or movie could provide. Students can visit ancient Rome, explore space, or even walk on Mars! They can be present at events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence or witness Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech firsthand.
Augmented reality overlays information on top of what you see in real life--for example, if you point your phone at an object such as a dinosaur fossil while visiting a museum exhibit on paleontology, it will show you more information about what's happening around it (like where it was found).

Healthcare

Virtual and augmented reality are becoming increasingly popular tools in the healthcare industry. Virtual reality simulations of medical procedures, for example, can help train doctors and nurses on how to perform complex surgeries. In addition, augmented reality information overlay onto medical images can be used by medical professionals as an aid in diagnosis or treatment planning.

Retail

  • Virtual reality product demos. Imagine being able to try on clothes before you buy them, or test out a new car in your driveway before purchasing it. This is already happening with some retailers and could become much more common as the technology becomes more accessible.
  • Augmented reality information overlay onto real-world products. Consumers can scan barcodes with their smartphones to get more information about a product, such as reviews from other customers or nutritional facts about food items at your local grocery store (or even at restaurants).

Architecture and Design

Virtual reality simulations of buildings and spaces
Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment, allowing users to interact with that environment. It can be used to simulate physical presence in places that exist or are imagined, as well as to create new experiences that are not possible in real life. VR has been used in many fields including engineering design, medicine and military training.
Augmented reality information overlay onto real-world spaces
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the physical world are "augmented" by computer generated sensory input such as sound, video or graphics.[1] Augmentation is done on top of existing information so it does not obscure the existing object but rather enhances it with additional features.[2]

The Benefits of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two of the most exciting new technologies on the horizon. VR allows users to immerse themselves in a digital environment, while AR overlays digital information onto the real world. Both technologies have endless applications across many industries, but we'll focus on four industries that stand to benefit from their unique capabilities: healthcare, education, entertainment and retail/e-commerce.

The Challenges of Virtual and Augmented Reality

There are also some challenges that virtual and augmented reality face.
One of the biggest potential pitfalls of VR is bias in algorithms, which could lead to discrimination against certain groups. For example, if you're using an app that matches people based on their interests, it might be more likely to pair someone who likes sports with another person who likes sports than with someone who doesn't like sports at all--and vice versa for those who don't like sports. This is especially true if you're using an algorithm that relies on data from previous users' choices and preferences; if most people who have used your app tend to prefer one type over another (such as men over women), then this could create an unfair advantage for those users when it comes time for them to find new matches or friends through your service.

Conclusion

The potential of virtual and augmented reality is vast, but it can also have negative effects on people's health. To harness the power of VR and AR, we need to mitigate these risks by creating a future of work that benefits everyone.