- Bitkom publishes guide to potentials and application examples of immersive technologies
Berlin, 08 April 2021 – Whether in the construction of vehicles, in the realization of construction projects or in the operating room in the hospital: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are now used in various sectors of the economy and industries. Nevertheless, there are still great uncertainties in many companies about whether an investment in these technologies is worthwhile – and what advantages result from it. The digital association Bitkom has therefore now published a guide in which VR and AR are examined in detail. On the basis of concrete examples, the advantages for companies are also explained and areas of application are presented. “With virtual and augmented reality, not only can consumers immerse themselves in unknown worlds at home with the help of VR glasses – the use is also worthwhile, especially for the economy,” says Dr. Sebastian Klöß, Head of Consumer Technology & AR/VR at Bitkom. “With the help of these technologies, workflows can be simplified and costs reduced. The use is also worthwhile for further education and training. AR/VR is a defining future topic that companies should deal with.“
The guide also highlights the different strengths of augmented and virtual reality. This is how augmented reality unfolds its potential, especially if the real environment is to be seen further, but digital information is to be expanded. When operating or maintaining complex machines, instructions and notes can be displayed in the user’s field of vision or individual machine parts can be highlighted. In the field of education and advanced training, learning objects can be displayed lifelike in the room in order to study them. Virtual reality, on the other hand, creates a virtual world in which users are completely immersed: for example, complex, dangerous and challenging situations can be trained realistically and risk-free. At trade fairs, in shops, exhibitions and museums, objects can be shown inexpensively and realistically – from the huge industrial machine to vehicles, shoes and hotels to dinosaur skeletons and underwater worlds. Doctors also use VR applications to prepare for complicated operations.During the operation, they wear AR glasses to be supported by displayed information and instructions on the patient’s body. On the basis of concrete use cases, various application examples are explained in the guide. Finally, there are tips for all companies that want to deal with the use of VR and AR.
The guide is available for free download here: www.bitkom.org/Bitkom/Publikationen/Augmented-und-Virtual-Reality
