Companies are constantly seeking to improve their training and production processes. They should not limit themselves to current methods but must move forward in search of new solutions that accelerate and enhance these processes.
When it comes to extended reality (XR), there is terminology that often falls outside the knowledge of many. Sometimes, it can be challenging to materialize these concepts because they are unfamiliar to those who are not well-versed in technology.
In the workplace, all these technological solutions have significantly improved training conditions. It is estimated that 4 hours of conventional training are equivalent to 15 minutes of simulation to achieve the same results. This means that training becomes a much more efficient process. For this reason—and due to the inescapable need to adapt to an increasingly digitalized world—it is our mission to provide a clear definition of XR-related products.
To understand the broad spectrum that separates the real world from the virtual world, we travel back to 1994 with Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino. They were the first to give theoretical meaning to the duality of reality and virtuality, simply by drawing a continuum between the two dimensions.
On the far left of the continuum, we find the real world: everything we can see with our own eyes. This is where our daily lives unfold.
On the far right, we have the virtual world, an artificial space created through technological advancements, where we can immerse ourselves using various devices. The greater the immersion, the closer we are to experiencing a fully virtual environment.
What lies between these two extremes? The reality-virtuality continuum can be traversed in both directions. This means that, from either end, we can move closer to the opposite, creating technological products that are “more virtual” or “more real.” This is where we find extended reality (XR), which encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR).
Augmented reality, as its name suggests, is the combination of virtual elements with the real world. Virtual reality is the combination of virtual elements within a virtual world, and the combination of both is known as mixed reality.
Each of these has different applications in the industry:
Augmented Reality: As mentioned, it combines the real world with virtual elements viewed through various devices. This technology is often used in Industry 4.0 to improve performance in assembly and maintenance operations.
Virtual Reality: This involves creating an entirely new world, offering a fully immersive experience. In Industry 4.0, it is primarily used to simulate work areas for remote training purposes. The incorporation of virtual reality reduces costs and worker risks, as they are not present in real work environments.
Mixed Reality: Nearing the far right of the virtuality spectrum, we find mixed reality, which is often used for remote assistance. It allows workers to act immediately based on orders or instructions from a supervisor.
When we think of these technologies, we often picture a smartphone inside a bulky headset. However, we must remember that this is now a thing of the past. There are far more sophisticated products that enable deep immersion into the virtual world and allow users to experience real sensations through virtual stimuli.
There is still much to explore. If, after 25 years since Milgram and Kishino’s theory, we have advanced technology to where it is today, imagine what could happen from now on.
If your company is facing a training challenge today, let us know. We will advise you on the most suitable solution to address that challenge and accelerate your training and production processes. Contact us!
