A combination of virtual reality and augmented reality, extended reality continues to make inroads into the industrial world. Extended reality offers a wide range of benefits, from a better understanding of industrial processes and workstation ergonomics, to decision support, time savings, productivity gains and improved profitability.
Extended reality has 2 major applications:
- Testing: via virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), manufacturers can check the commissioning of a machine (real or mocked-up) in their laboratory or on a building site.
- Simulation: by placing a virtual object around an existing part, manufacturers can detect compatibility between machines and select the most appropriate purchase.
Definition of extended reality
Extended reality, or mixed reality, encompassesvirtual reality and augmentedreality. Mixed reality starts from the real world: on a smartphone screen or via goggles like Microsoft Hololens, the user sees his or her environment. Models or animations appear on top of the real world. They display either an object or information. These virtual elements are capable of interacting with the real world: the user can move an object, select an item from a catalog and add it to his or her environment, or shift a piece of information onto its support.
Extended reality in the automobile
The automotive industry has found a miracle solution to the lack of space in its showrooms: extended reality. Audi has bet on virtual reality via Oculus Rift headsets, while BMW has turned to augmented reality with its iVisualiser mobile application. Both solutions enable users to test-drive a car model, vary the options available and enter the vehicle directly.
Another problem, another solution. To combat motion sickness and passenger boredom, Audi has created the start-up Holoride. Thanks to the virtual reality headset, users experience their journey in a virtual world built around reality.
Extended reality in the food industry
The food industry is mainly interested in augmented reality. Nutritional information, inspirational content or gamification of the meal, many paths are emerging.
Indian brand Beer Café is going smartphone-based to show where its products come from. The Walmart and Kraft chains have jointly created an application to receive recipes from their phones. Finally, Nestlé, Chocapic and Cadbury have developed mini-games accessible via a QR code on the packaging.
Extended reality in banking
BNP Paribas uses virtual reality to create immersive remote meetings. When making a purchase or providing real estate advice, human contact remains essential. This is why the bank is developing a 3D reconstruction of the advisor and his client. This way, the two of them can talk as if they were in the same room, even though they are thousands of kilometers apart.
Traders also benefit from these advances. Citibank has equipped itself with Microsoft Hololens headsets to help them detect opportunities more easily. The playful interface guides them in their choices.
Extended reality in real estate
Extended reality is an integral part of the entire real estate value chain.
The real estate agent relies on augmented reality coupled with a 3D model to visit a building and obtain the necessary information in real time, such as the surface area of a dwelling, its exposure or its layout.
On his side, the buyer uses the application meilleursagents to know the last real estate sales of his target sector. Thus, he knows if the ads are consistent or not with the market.
When the two actors meet, they rely on augmented reality. No more visits that follow one another, customers discover a property through a virtual reality headset. They move around the home and get a faithful view of the interior. Jackpot for homes under construction.
Industrial processes, customer relations, reorganization of roles... The impacts of extended reality are numerous, in all industries. By relying on these technologies, companies simplify the daily life of their employees while offering more immersive experiences to their customers. Augmented reality technologies have a great potential as long as their users register their objectives in the real world.
