Immersive Technology: Types, Uses and Real-Life Examples

Immersive technology describes countless ways to create, display and interact with new experiential content. Some empresas del metaverso create technologies like virtual reality headphones that completely immerse the user in a new digital reality. But devices like the Apple Procan Vision overlay digital elements over the physical world to expand reality. Immersive technology allows you to feel part of simulated environments. You could interact with the set within an immersive theater or even feel the dashboard controls when you're behind an immersive air control board. These technologies combine your sense of sight, hearing and touch with virtual environments.

9 types of immersive technology

360

360 is one of the most easily recognizable forms of immersive technology. This is partly due to the low cost of entry for generating and playing 360 content. And this widespread availability has led to a wealth of 360 content on YouTube, Facebook and similar social networks. However, that doesn't mean that all 360 content is user-generated. It has also proven to be an excellent medium for various brand-sponsored events. For example, companies could

Holograms

Holograms are 3D projections that can be viewed from any angle like physical objects.. And surprisingly, a full holographic projection can be seen even without special glasses, apps or cameras. This software development solution benefits academic subjects, which would normally be difficult to study live. For example, medical students use holograms in mixed reality environments. Likewise metaverse brands  always find applications within the entertainment industry and holograms are no exception to that rule. Artists radiate into the world and even into mobile games.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is another of the most familiar forms of immersive technology. Users put on a virtual reality headset that replaces the physical world with a virtual one. There are also many other virtual reality devices that expand it to new levels of immersion. For example, you can use virtual reality masks to simulate smell and gloves for touch. Treadmills can even allow you to run inside virtual reality systems. Many venues, such as metaverse events, have even been expanded to allow VR assistance.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) is definitely the most common immersive technology. Most people’s phones can handle augmented reality. Even people unfamiliar with the term augmented reality may have used it before, For example, many metaverse games use AR to deploy digital entities or elements into the physical world. Pokemon GO is one of the most easily recognizable examples of this type of AR game. AR is also incorporated into special glasses.

Mixed Reality

Mixed reality (MR) is a newer, lesser-known form of immersive technology. It is similar in many ways to augmented reality. However, mixed reality tends to have higher hydraulic performance due to more powerful hardware. For example, MR typically uses headphones, while AR uses smartphones and other 2D devices. The most powerful foundation of MR means integrating digital content into the physical world.

Extended reality

Extended reality (XR) describes custom software product development that can expand your view of reality.But it also includes technologies like augmented reality that add a digital touch to the physical world. But anything that merges the physical and digital divide, like an NFT, can also be seen as part of the broader

Telepresence

Television is similar to augmented reality but its focus on taking users to a new place is different. Telescopes are widely used to control drones or similar robotic devices. But it’s not just about tourism. It can also make people physically available at remote meetings. For example, you can use a robotic telescope to attend an office party on the other side of the planet. But it can also expand the user base in entirely new ways. For example, you can use a telescope with construction equipment and feel like you are breaking concrete.

Haptics

Haptics, more commonly known as “kinesthetic interaction” or “3D touch,” differs slightly from most immersive technologies. Haptics differ because they focus entirely on the various forms of haptic feedback. Basically, it is the way people “feel” the world around them. This includes creating pressure, movement and vibration. Haptics will be one of the main ways people will interact with computing paradigms in the future. This is how you can feel digital interfaces within the physical world. And the concept is equally important in any future computing system, whether an implementation of new spatial computing concepts or the metaverse .

FPV drone flight

FPV drone flying is a form of immersive technology that combines unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with wireless camera feeds. This is channeled to display devices like headphones or glasses. However, even telephones can be used. It creates a fully immersive atmosphere where the user sees the drone's environment through a first-person point of view. When using headphones, it essentially feels like you're seeing the world as if you were personally flying through the air instead of the drone. However, this can also be a bit disorienting. As such, people are advised to keep an eye on it.

5 use cases for immersive technology

Training

Much evidence has made it clear that immersive technology can greatly improve training. This means different things for different fields. But immersive technology will generally improve retention and speed up the learning process. One of the most obvious benefits is that this enterprise solutions development can replicate a work environment. Employees can receive fully protected hands-on training in the various areas in which they will work. This means that people can practice otherwise dangerous procedures or situations in a safe environment so they are prepared for them in the real world.

Education

Immersive technology is also becoming more common within the education sector. It can create more engaging learning experiences and increase students' understanding and retention of new information. Virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality have proven to be powerful tools within the educational context. At the simplest level, these tools can provide engaging edutainment that the entire family can enjoy outside of the classroom. But you will also find immersive technology used in universities and higher educational levels. What is especially impressive about this technology is its great versatility to cover all educational topics.

Marketing Communications

Immersive technology is a fantastic tool for companies to develop their internal capabilities. But technology is also an ideal way to communicate with clients and customers. Plus, it's a fantastic way to capture the attention of the general public and get new customers. The ubiquity of smartphones means that almost everyone has access to augmented reality. Likewise, most people are on social media. This presents an effective way to easily bring immersive technology to the public. This can capture people's attention and generate new engagement with brands. And it can also help strengthen brand messages.

Retail and e-commerce

The inability of customers to try before they buy is a big problem for retailers. For example, customers might avoid purchasing furniture that would look great in their homes. Or, conversely, customers could end up purchasing and returning furniture that doesn't suit their style. But immersive technology offers a solution to that problem. Companies like Amazon and Ikea allow customers to try products through AR. And platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are doing the same thing with fashion. People can use those platforms for “virtual tryouts.” Doing so allows them to see how different the makeup or headdress looks.

Gaming

Gaming and immersive technology have been connected almost since the beginning. This has caused some problems with the use of immersive technology in other fields. The connection with games is too strong in many people's minds. However, while that misconception has faded, the link to gaming remains strong. And immersive technology has had surprising implementations in games. For example, Pokémon GO's AR took the world by surprise. And PlayStation VR brought virtual reality to a new audience. On top of that, virtual reality arcades make it easy for the average person to see cutting-edge virtual reality.

2 real-life examples of immersive technology

If you're wondering how the theory of immersive technology works in practice, you're in luck. As with use cases, there are many real-life examples to consider. But the following are some of the most notable examples of real-world immersive technology.

The Giza project

One of the most interesting examples of immersive technology related to education comes from Harvard University. The world-renowned institution has collaborated on a project designed to educate students about both integrated immersive content and the Giza Pyramids. The Giza project allows students to visit the ancient pyramids through 3D virtual mapping. It is a valuable technique since many passages are difficult to access. Virtual reality is the only practical way to do this. The fact that students can access those areas also opens up the possibility for them to receive a more in-depth education on the reasoning behind the pyramid's design.

FundamentalVR – Fundamental Surgery

Immersive technology is often best when it combines multiple forms into a singular whole. And the Fundamental Surgery platform is a fantastic example of that principle. It combines virtual reality with haptic technology to offer medical training to healthcare professionals. It is a scalable, collaborative and portable system for effective training. What's more, you can offer all of this to several healthcare professionals at the same time. The system is further enhanced by the fact that it supports standard virtual reality devices along with the precision of Haptic VR. And clinical research has even shown that virtual reality training can shorten the learning curve.

Immersive technology and virtual reality in industrial sectors

The deepest meaning of the metaverse focuses on merging different worlds. It's not just about the digital and physical worlds. Immersive technology also serves to bring different methodologies to various professional fields. Virtual reality, in particular, has proven to be well suited to this challenge. Fields like construction, which have relied on abstract visualizations, can now display virtual mockups even before equipment is deployed. Tourist destinations can offer virtual reality tours. And even gyms can offer invigorating or relaxing environments for members. Discover how virtual reality is changing professional sectors in the article “virtual reality industries; An overview of all sectors using VR.”

Immersive technology is still relatively new, but it is quickly becoming part of every profession. And now you have the tools necessary to stay at the forefront of the new immersive technology that is currently being developed.

Author Bio:

Glad you are reading this. I’m Yokesh Shankar, the COO at Sparkout Tech, one of the primary founders of a highly creative space. I’m more associated with digital transformation solutions for global issues. Nurturing in Fintech, Supply chain, AR VR solutions, Real estate, and other sectors vitalizing new-age technology, I see this space as a forum to share and seek information. Writing and reading give me more clarity about what I need.