Virtual Reality Solutions

VR involves a computer simulation of reality using technology that mimics the sense of sight, sound, and touch. This can be as simple as a 3D image on a screen or a more immersive headset that lets the user interact with virtual images.

Businesses are already using VR solutions to train employees, save on cost and improve productivity. This includes military and surgeons training, commercial pilots, and classrooms.

Training

VR training solutions can build high-performing teams by providing a cost-effective, time-saving digital alternative to physical training. It provides the safest and most realistic way to teach new skills, while also allowing employees to practice scenarios that would be too expensive or dangerous in real-life.

From flight simulators to training retail staff, immersive technology has a proven track record of speeding up training and improving knowledge retention. It’s also been found to be more engaging for employees and helps them develop a deeper appreciation for the work they do.

The applications for VR are almost endless. Companies like BP are using virtual reality to train offshore workers on how to operate safety systems in a hazardous environment. It’s more practical than creating a mock-up on land and can be repeated as often as needed. The simulated experience also means they can make mistakes without putting people or equipment in danger.

Other industries are rapidly adopting VR for procedural training, soft skills and even employee on-boarding. A 2020 study by PWC showed that VR learners complete training four times faster than in a classroom and retain the information much better than in traditional online learning. The simulated environment allows for the learner to experiment in a risk-free setting and repeat tasks as many times as necessary to develop muscle memory for long-term retention.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a proven treatment for anxiety disorders. By allowing patients to experience the real-world situations that cause their fear, it allows them to attach healthier and more realistic feelings to those stimuli. Virtual reality exposure therapy carries the same benefits of traditional exposure treatment, and some studies have shown that VR is more effective than in-person exposure.

For instance, if someone has anxiety related to PTSD and is afraid of fireworks, they virtual reality solutions could be exposed to the sight, sound and smell of them in a controlled environment with virtual reality. The therapist would check in with them during their session and provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help them reframe how they think about these stimuli.

Virtual reality can also be used for other types of phobias, such as a fear of animals or heights. Additionally, it can be used to treat insomnia, depression and eating disorders.

There are a number of companies that offer virtual reality exposure therapy, including Bravemind by the University of Southern California and Firsthand Technology, which specializes in pain relief. However, one of the biggest obstacles is that many clients don’t want to face their fears in this way and may drop out before completing their sessions. This is because the virtual scene can feel more threatening than actual reality and requires a great deal of trust in the technology.

Healthcare

VR offers a range of solutions in healthcare, making the job easier for medical professionals and improving patients’ lives. The medical field has been under pressure for years, and VR has the potential to make it more efficient and effective.

Surgeons can use VR to practice surgical procedures on virtual cadavers before performing them on real patients. Companies such as Surgical Theater have developed VR tools to help surgeons practice and prepare for complex surgeries. Their simulations allow doctors and patients to see how a procedure will be performed, which can reduce anxiety and increase safety.

The market for VR in healthcare has been growing rapidly over the past few years, and its adoption is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The technology is being used for a variety virtual reality solutions of purposes, including surgical simulation, pain management, social cognition training for autistic patients, and recovery after strokes. It is also being used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can improve patients’ quality of life by as much as 40%.

A UK-based company has created a VR solution that helps patients overcome phobias and other psychological issues. The XR Health clinic uses a virtual reality headset and a mobile application to treat conditions like social anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. It is a safe and comfortable alternative to one-to-one and group therapy sessions.

Retail

Whether in physical stores or e-commerce, consumers are looking for convenience and a unique shopping experience. Virtual reality software optimizes the customer journey and allows retailers to create a rich, interactive experience that will keep customers coming back.

In retail, VR can be used for product merchandising and to create 3D models of products to help shoppers see what they are buying before making a purchase. This reduces time spent on product testing and prototyping, saving both the brand and consumer money.

For example, it is well known that furniture shoppers have a difficult time judging the size of a sofa or bed online and often return items. One way to overcome this is to offer a VR app that lets the customer digitally project a virtual model into their home, ensuring the product fits and feels right. This type of technology is already being used by some retailers such as IKEA in their kitchen configurator, which is available on HTC Vive headsets.

In addition, VR can be used for retail presentations and demonstrations that are much more immersive than a standard PowerPoint presentation or video. This can be particularly helpful for retail companies with large, complex or high-ticket items that require buyers to be able to understand and visualize the benefits of the product. For example, a VR demo of an exercise machine can allow the buyer to try it out and experience how it will fit in their home and work for them.