Virtual Reality (VR) aka a form of artificial reality is nothing but a computer-generated environment that simulates a three-dimensional world. Using this, we can see the digital things more clearly and even we can feel it.
The environment is created with the help of computer hardware and software, and to experience this fake 3D environment, you need special VR devices like VR headsets, Oculus quest 2, Hp reverb G2, VR helmets, VR gloves, and full body VR suits like motion tracking haptic suit from tesalsuit.io, Haptx, OWO etc.
By wearing it, you can be part of the virtual world and here you can do a lot of interesting things like you can go on virtual tour, you can see the past events, you can sign up for jungle safari tour or explore things.
History of Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality technology has come a long way in providing realistic sensory engagement and shows promise for business, education, science, commerce, manufacturing, and more. It is a growing force beyond entertainment and an important tool in various fields.
The term “virtual reality” was coined in 1958 when a French book titled Le Théâtre et son double translated in English as The Theater and its Double.
Since then the research and engineering contributed a number of products to the VR industry. A common thread linking early VR research and technology development in the United States was the role of the federal government, particularly the military.
Types of Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) can be categorized into different types based on the level of immersion and the technology used. Here are some common types of Virtual Reality that you can experience in your life:
Fully Immersive Virtual Reality
It is the most advanced type of VR that provides the highest level of immersion and realism and requires a high-quality VR headset or helmet to experience it.
To make the 3D environment more natural, some companies have invented Full Body VR suit with motion tracking and haptic feedback system.
Using this, you can experience the fake environment and level of reality is like you can literally feel the pain, pleasure, heat, hugs, rain on your whole body. Those who love games, they can feel the weapon shots on their body like gun shots, dagger shots etc.
Another example of this, if you are on a virtual tour like Jungle safari then you can touch the animals like Elephant, Snakes and feel sensation on your body. You can even touch the trees, leaves and water drops – AWESOME!!
Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality
Semi-immersive VR is when you won’t feel anything but you can see the things. You can touch the objects, change its movements, track the information, get details… but you can’t feel the vibrations on your body.
This type of VR is preferred in the business by the designers to design the interior of room, car, office. Or the most common use you can see in the airlines and militaries to train their pilots on flight simulators.
Additionally, if you would like to know about something like what it is, then you can get full information using your VR headset. Like now in the game you can walk and explore the things in independent 3d space.
You can even use the body gestures to open the stuff or to drag it from one point to another or to check a detail inside information.
Non-Immersive Virtual Reality
This type of VR is less immersive than fully immersive VR and does not require a headset or helmet to experience it. It typically involves viewing virtual environments on a computer screen or a non-headset display.
Users can interact with the virtual environment using a keyboard, mouse, or other input devices, but the level of immersion is limited compared to other types of VR (explained above).
A perfect example of non-immersive VR is just a simple 3D video game where user use the mouse and keyboard to drag the object from one place to another and vice-versa.
Innovative Uses of Virtual Reality in Everyday life
At present the Virtual Reality has various innovative uses in different fields. From gaming to training, from education to healthcare system, this technology is ruling and changing the way of thinking very rapidly.
Training and Simulations
VR provides a risk free and cost-effective platform for training in industries such as healthcare, aviation, military, and emergency services. It allows trainees to practice complex procedures, simulations, and scenarios in a realistic and immersive environment.
For example, surgeons can perform virtual surgeries on dead virtual bodies, pilots can undergo flight simulations and learn the skills, and firefighters can train for emergency situations, all without real-world risks.
Education and Remote Learning
VR has the potential to transform education by creating immersive and interactive learning experiences. Students can explore historical sites, travel to outer space, or dive into the depths of the ocean, all from the comfort of their classrooms.
VR enables remote learning, bridging geographical barriers and offering equal opportunities for students worldwide.
Architecture and Design
VR is revolutionizing the way architects and designers visualize and present their creations. It allows them to create virtual walkthroughs of buildings, interiors, and urban environments, giving clients and stakeholders a realistic sense of the final product before construction begins.
VR also facilitates collaborative design reviews and enables iterative design processes. Using this super cool and innovative technology an architecture can provide an earthquake proof structure and a designer can offers a variety of room designing options!!
Therapeutic Applications
VR is being used in various therapeutic settings, such as exposure therapy for phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even it is used by many EMDR therapists in the EMDR therapy to cure patient who suffering from traumatic memories.
It allows individuals to confront their fears in a controlled environment, helping them overcome anxieties. VR is also used for pain management, cognitive rehabilitation, and relaxation techniques, offering immersive and engaging experiences that complement traditional therapy methods.
Virtual Travel and Tourism
The one sector that will gain big benefit from this technology is the travel and tourism. OR vice versa it will destroy this market in near future because VR will enable virtual travel experiences, allowing users to visit distant locations and landmarks.
Users can explore cultural sites, historical monuments, and natural wonders, providing a glimpse into destinations they may not have the opportunity to visit physically. Virtual tourism also offers potential for destination marketing and immersive travel planning.
Gaming and Entertainment
Gaming has been a prominent area of VR application, offering immersive gameplay experiences. VR gaming transports players into virtual worlds where they can interact with characters and environments in a more engaging and realistic manner.
Additionally, VR has expanded into entertainment experiences, including virtual concerts, 360-degree videos, and interactive storytelling. With the new haptic feedback suits now you can get more and enjoy the game with pain and pleasure!
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
VR is increasingly used for rehabilitation and physical therapy, providing engaging and motivating exercises for patients. It can assist in the recovery of motor skills, balance training, and rehabilitation after injuries or surgeries.
VR-based exercise programs offer a dynamic and interactive approach to therapy, increasing patient engagement and motivation. Because nowadays, VR bodysuits are in trends so they help to treat a patient sickness quickly.
Collaboration and Communication
VR enables remote collaboration by creating virtual meeting spaces where users can interact and collaborate in real-time. This technology allows teams from different locations to work together, visualize concepts, and share ideas as if they were in the same room. VR also offers social VR experiences, connecting people in virtual environments for socializing, networking, and virtual events.
These are just a few examples of the innovative uses for Virtual Reality. As technology continues to advance, VR’s potential will only expand, unlocking new possibilities in fields we have yet to explore.
Final Words
The building of a virtual environment that is given to our senses in such a way that we experience it as if we were really there is what is referred to as “virtual reality.”
In order to accomplish this objective, it makes use of a wide variety of technology. It is a growing force outside of the entertainment industry and an essential & productive tool in education, science, business, manufacturing, and other fields.
If still would like to know more details on this what is virtual reality and how does it work then you should watch Virtual reality movies like Tron legacy, Gamer, Ender’s Game, Ready Player one, and The Matrix series.
All these movies explain how virtual reality looks like and how beneficial and dangerous it is for the humanity.
Though a lot of work is still in the research and production but that day is not far when everyone in world will use it at home in room or office or even in the small space of car.
This is the future and we have to accept it!
So that’s all about the Virtual Reality, if you would like to know more then please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share it with others on social media groups.