Virtual reality (VR) involves computer modeling and simulation that allows interaction with a three-dimensional (3-D) environment. VR applications immerse users in a computer-generated setting that simulates reality through interactive devices such as goggles, headsets, gloves, or body suits. Typically, users wear a helmet with a stereoscopic screen showing animated images of a simulated environment. The illusion of “being there” (telepresence) is created by motion sensors that track the user’s movements and adjust the screen view in real time.
Jaron Lanier coined the term virtual reality in 1987, contributing to early VR products. Early VR research in the United States was significantly supported by the federal government, including the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and NASA.
Application of Virtual Reality:
Education and Training
Virtual reality has significant potential to transform learning and teaching processes in the education sector. Students can take virtual journeys to any environment, from prehistoric times to the depths of space. In biology classes, they can take a virtual journey inside the human body, or in chemistry classes, they can visualise interactions between molecules in three dimensions. Such interactive experiences make the learning process more engaging and memorable. Additionally, vocational training programs benefit from VR simulations that allow students to practice real-world skills, like welding, piloting, or machine operation without the risks involved in hands-on training.
Healthcare and Medicine
VR is used for both educational and therapeutic purposes in the healthcare sector. Surgeons can practice operations in a virtual environment before performing them in real life, improving their skills and reducing the risk. Medical students can explore human anatomy in immersive 3D simulations, enhancing their understanding beyond textbooks. VR therapies have shown promising results in conditions such as chronic pain management, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also supports rehabilitation by gamifying therapy exercises, increasing motivation and consistency among patients.
Entertainment and Gaming
Virtual reality is one of the most widely used areas in the entertainment and gaming industry. VR games offer players an immersive experience, making them an integral part of the game. Users can explore virtual worlds, interact with characters, and experience stories from a first-person perspective. Beyond gaming, VR cinemas, virtual theme parks, and live-streamed concerts offer audiences new ways to enjoy entertainment, breaking physical and geographical barriers and pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Architecture and Real Estate
Virtual reality is revolutionizing the way architects design and clients experience buildings. Architects can walk through 3D models of their designs before construction begins, allowing for early detection of design flaws and better communication with stakeholders. In real estate, potential buyers or tenants can take virtual tours of properties from anywhere in the world, saving time and making property viewing more efficient.
Military and Defense
In the military, VR is used extensively for training purposes. Soldiers can participate in simulated combat scenarios, practice coordination in virtual battlefields, or learn to operate complex machinery in a safe, controlled environment. This reduces the cost and risk associated with live training and improves preparedness without putting lives in danger.
Manufacturing and Engineering
Virtual reality aids in product design, assembly line planning, and safety training in the manufacturing sector. Engineers can visualize prototypes and simulate stress tests without physically building a model. Workers can be trained in the operation of heavy machinery using VR simulations, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing efficiency.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage
VR opens up new possibilities in the tourism industry by offering virtual travel experiences. Users can explore famous landmarks, historical sites, or remote destinations from the comfort of their homes. Museums and cultural institutions use VR to reconstruct ancient sites or display artifacts in interactive 3D environments, enhancing educational outreach and global access.
Retail and E-Commerce
Virtual reality is transforming shopping by offering immersive product experiences. Customers can try on clothes virtually, visualise how furniture would look in their homes, or explore digital showrooms. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also helps retailers reduce return rates and optimize inventory management.
Sports and Fitness
VR is used in sports for both training and fan engagement. Athletes can analyze performance through virtual simulations, and coaches can review plays from a 360-degree perspective. In fitness, VR-powered workouts make exercise more engaging by immersing users in interactive environments, such as cycling through virtual landscapes or participating in gamified training routines.
Psychology and Mental Health
Virtual reality is emerging as a powerful tool in psychological therapy. It is used in exposure therapy to help patients confront fears in a controlled setting, such as fear of heights or social anxiety. VR can also facilitate mindfulness practices and relaxation by immersing users in calming environments, aiding stress reduction and emotional regulation.
Examples of some VR Tools:
Unreal Engine: A powerful game engine widely used for creating immersive VR experiences. It offers advanced features for 3D modeling, animation, rendering and real-time interaction. (https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US)
Blender: A free and open source 3D creation suite that includes tools for modelling, animation, rendering and VR content creation. It supports exporting to VR-compatible formats. (https://www.blender.org/)
Unity: Unity is a leading VR development tool that is widely used to create robust games such as Pokemon Go and many others. It is a cross-platform tool for creating VR content that is compatible with multiple platforms, including PC, console, mobile, and web.(https://unity.com/)
SketchUp: While its a popular 3D modelling software for architecture and design, its primarily focused on creating static 3D models and visualisations. It doesn’t have built in VR capabilities or features specifically designed for VR content creation. (https://www.sketchup.com/en?srsltid=AfmBOoqkZoR_9AEoutqq3MUN2LitjAz0pq6LauhHb1VkVcu7eCYXUqSK)