Unique Applications for Virtual Reality

november 06, 2019

Source: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg/Getty Images Virtual reality (VR) has been in existence since the 1970s, yet this simulated experience technology always seems to be considered futuristic. Now in the 21^st century, we are living the dream, playing VR video games, watching VR films, and using the technology to advance scientific understanding. VR casino games even make it possible to instantly transport yourself to the glamourous façade of a land-based casino, without ever leaving your home. In today’s article, we delve into unique and interesting applications of virtual reality in our world.

Military Training

One of the most prominent outlets for VR technology has been the military. Used in the army, navy, and the air force, virtual technology has become widely applied towards training purposes. Strapping on a headset and experiencing a simulated, yet realistic world allows soldiers to train for complicated combat situations or dangerous scenarios during which they need to rehearse how to act effectively and quickly. One of the biggest advantages of VR military training is that the simulation helps them successfully practice protocol and immediate response without risking injury or death. They can continue to re-enact a scenario, such as engaging with an enemy in a specific environment or situation, until they know they can safely and confidently handle themselves under pressure of the real-life situation.

Fashion Industry

You likely think of entertainment, video games, and flight simulation when you consider virtual reality, but what about fashion? Surprisingly, VR is used in fashion across a variety of applications. These fashion-related scenarios include VR software for building virtual fashion stores, 3D avatars (virtual human models) to expedite clothes designing, 3D fashion portfolios, and even fashion shows. One show in particular during London Fashion Week in early 2019 utilized the ever-evolving tech. Front-row guests donned VR goggles as they watched an enhanced version of the show that projected images onto the real-world catwalk before them, perhaps redefining fashion shows as experiential art. Source: Johan Cruyff Institute

Sports Enhancement

Virtual reality is also used to provide extensive training in sports like golf, skiing, and cycling. Athletes and trainers alike are beginning to use VR as a way to measure athletic performance and analyze technique. Specifically, these athletes might use this technology to achieve finesse in their performance, such as a golfer wanting to perfect their swing or a cyclist wanting to pinpoint speed factors. Thanks to three-dimensional systems used in VR, an athlete or trainer can look at sports performance under a proverbial microscope, allowing them to develop biomechanics theories or technique methodologies in a way that has not previously been tapped. The tech is also used in the design of clothing and equipment. When it comes to equipment design, virtual reality has been used to innovate running shoes, helping manufacturers see, experience, and analyze what exactly a runner needs in a shoe for maximum performance. Finally, virtual reality has been recently used to improve an audience’s experience of viewing the sporting event, similar to the fashion show mentioned above. For example, some VR systems allow audience members to enjoy a walk-through of the stadium or arena first before purchasing tickets, helping them choose the optimal seat.

Scientific Visualisation

One of the most mind-bending VR applications has been that of scientific visualisation. This industry involves using computer graphics to substantiate complex scientific concepts in a visual and concrete way that enhances discovery. Molecular models or statistical results, for example, are made more three-dimensional and physical using VR. VR in scientific visualisation can also enhance the understanding of a science-minded audience. By illustrating these abstract concepts in a more concrete form, the audience or academic students can interact with these models or images via virtual reality and apply what they learn for improved problem solving. Semi-immersive and full-immersive research environments span many scientific avenues, including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, astronomy, and engineering.

Casino Games

The gambling public have been fascinated with casino game technology ever since the first online casino games were unleashed in 1994. Not long after that the first virtual reality gamers were developed. However, it took until about 2016 for VR games to really take flight. Facebook’s Oculus Rift, Valve’s Stream VR, HTC’s Vive, and Sony’s PlayStation VR have all shown the gaming public in recent years that virtual reality has finally arrived. This fascinating tech now allows avid casino gamers to feel as though they are interacting with and moving around in a real casino. Without even leaving your own couch, you can hobnob with glitzy dealers and rub shoulders with fellow classy players, feeling like you are at your own VIP room in the hottest land-based casino in Vegas. Players can enjoy VR slots, blackjack, and roulette, all thanks to the high-resolution imagery and higher frame rate at which these video casino games are animated. Find your own slice of VR life when you look for virtual-realistic casino games. You may not want to return to reality once you experience the delight of playing at these high-res, highly entertaining casinos.