The VRARA appoints Zuriñe Hernandez Co-Chair of the VRARA Energy Committee

The VRARA is pleased to announce the appointment of Zuriñe Hernandez as the co-chair of the Energy Committee to help lead the VRARA’s efforts to connect the energy industry with XR technologies. The VRARA is the largest member association focused on XR technologies with over 50 chapters globally and over 55k participants in our global and local events and newsletter subscribers and the energy sector is a rapidly growing area of interest for XR and AI..

Zuriñe holds a PhD and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) and is currently a Program Manager with european virtual reality leader Virtualware, maker of the VIROO enterprise software platform, and is supporting Virualware’s customers globally. 

With a rich history of supporting the energy industry, Zuriñe has collaborated with large global organizations such as GE Hitachi Nuclear (now GE Vernova), Automotive manufacturer Gestamp, & Engineering services company Idom where she helped to develop and lead the implementation of numerous large-scale projects that leverage XR and advanced simulators.

Zuriñe was recently recognized for her efforts by Human Capital Management leader the Brandon Hall Group for the implementation of GE Vernova’s Nuclear Fuel Movement Simulator project. 

“I believe that we are at the tipping point for mass adoption of XR at scale in the Energy sector. XR is helping companies become more efficient, bring new products to market, train their dynamically changing workforce,and is helping to protect our environment.  The VR/AR Association is a great ecosystem to help educate, inform and network across the Energy and other industries.  I am honored to support the Energy committee and look forward to meeting all of the members” says Zuriñe Hernandez. 

Nathan Pettyjohn, President of the VR/AR Association adds, “the energy sector is an important community and we are excited that Zuriñe will be co-chairing this committee along with Susan Spark from SBL (formerly known as Schlumberger).  She brings deep implementation expertise that will benefit our members to learn how to adopt and scale XR technologies in energy and other industrial sectors”.

About Virtualware

Virtualware, based in Bilbao, Spain, is a global pioneer in the development of virtual reality solutions for large industrial, educational and healthcare conglomerates. Since its founding in 2004, the company has gained widespread recognition for its achievements. In 2021, Virtualware was recognized as the world’s most innovative VR company.

Publicly traded on Euronext Paris, Virtualware has recently expanded its operations into the United States, continuing to lead the development of the VRaas platform VIROO, and making it accessible to organizations of all sizes and sectors.

Highlights from our online session on Apple Immersive Apple TV Vision Pro

Thank you Chris Pfaff for hosting, APPLE IMMERSIVE SERIES CREATION, during our weekly online sessions.

We discussed the latest developments in extreme sports media, including Apple TV Plus's commission of 'Adventure,' a live-action series that sets a high narrative bar. They share their experiences in creating immersive stories through various mediums, emphasizing the importance of sensory elements. Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss the future of mixed reality and its potential impact on industries, with Speaker 2 sharing their experiences working on a mixed reality project. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of this technology and the importance of storytelling in VR.

“Adventure” follows pioneering athletes as they take on awe-inspiring challenges in some of the world’s most sensational locations.

Summary of our online session for Building Empathy With VR

Thank you Bianca Wright, for hosting, Inside Mental Health: Building Empathy With VR, during our weekly online sessions with 30+ professionals.

The meeting began with a focus on Anagram, a creative studio specializing in immersive experience design, discussing their projects and core questions. The team then delved into the Goliath VR experience, highlighting its impact on portraying schizophrenia accurately. They explored ADHD through the mixed reality experience Impulse and discussed creating immersive mental health training tools like Inside Mental Health. Storytelling's role in mental health training was emphasized, along with challenges faced by individuals with neurodiversity in the workplace. The team also discussed starting a business, virtual reality experiences for mental health support, and multilingual content availability. Next steps include finalizing platforms, expanding storytelling impact, and connecting with medical experts and communities. The meeting concluded with plans to connect on LinkedIn for further discussions on AI-related topics.

Topics & Highlights

1. Anagram - Immersive Experience Design

• Anagram, mentioning their specialization in interactive storytelling, immersive experiences, and the founders' vision to push the documentary form into new areas.

• various immersive experiences created by Anagram, highlighting projects like 'Dawn into the Dark,' 'The Palace of The Machines,' 'The Collider,' and 'Messages to a Posthuman Earth.'

2. Discussion about Goliath VR Experience

• The team discussed the development and success of the Goliath VR experience, including its launch in 2021, the story of John's journey with schizophrenia, the positive impact of gaming on his life, the portrayal of psychosis, the awards won, and the project's global recognition.

3. Exploring ADHD through Mixed Reality

• development of the mixed reality experience Impulse that explores living with ADHD and the challenges faced by individuals with the condition.

4. Creating Immersive Mental Health Training

• Inside Mental Health, a project focused on creating immersive training tools for medical professionals to improve understanding and empathy in mental health care.

5. Use of Storytelling in Mental Health Training

• importance of storytelling in mental health training, emphasizing the role of personal narratives in fostering empathy and compassion among participants, including medical professionals and students

• The discussion included details about a pilot program at the University of West of England involving immersive mental health training for students, with plans to expand to other higher education providers and collaboration with the NHS.

• insights into the structure of the mental health training session, highlighting the importance of onboarding, reflection sessions, and creating a safe space for participants to share their experiences.

6. Virtual Reality Experience Design and Reflection Sessions

• The next steps involve finalizing the platform, launching it, conducting additional research, and looking into how experiences like Impulse can be complementary to existing tools for ADHD and other mental health issues.

7. Discussion on Impact of Storytelling on Real World

• The next steps involve focusing on sharing stories related to ADHD, particularly Jon's story, to reach more people and make a real-world impact. Emphasis is on aligning with medical experts and communities before expanding to other areas like end-of-life care.

8. Challenges Faced by Individuals with Neurodiversity in Work

• The concern raised was about the challenges faced by individuals with neurodiversity, such as ADHD and Asperger's, in the workplace, including communication difficulties, self-regulation issues, and productivity concerns. The importance of utilizing gamification and technology like AI, VR, and AR to support these individuals was discussed.

9. Challenges in Starting a Business

• concerns about the challenges of needing immediate cash flow, marketing efforts, creating business proposals, and the complexities of B2B and B2C markets in starting a business.

10. Virtual Reality Experience and Mental Health Support

• concerns about potential triggers and challenges in offering a VR experience for mental health support, emphasizing the need for thorough trigger warnings and reflection sessions to support users.

• decisions made regarding the design of the onboarding process for the VR experience, including the inclusion of trigger warnings and reflection sessions to ensure a positive user experience.

• importance of training support staff beyond doctors, such as receptionists and cleaning staff, in dealing with mental health issues, indicating a potential next step for the project.

Recap of our session on Apple AI and Spatial Computing

Thank you Doug Hohulin for hosting our weekly online sessions on Apple AI and Spatial Computing.

Apple and Meta discussed their strategies in AI and spatial computing, with Apple highlighting its potential advantages in collecting data and leveraging it for on-device AI. Meta faced challenges such as content issues and its connection to Facebook. The speakers also discussed the potential of integrating XR and AI technologies, emphasizing the need for AI to improve the user experience in XR and the importance of focusing on geographic areas that are more receptive to innovation.

Highlights from AWE VRARA social mixer CORAL

The AWE VRARA social mixer, CORAL was a blast! With a bioluminescent ocean theme, the event was the perfect getaway from the convention. VRARA members were able to enjoy drinks, food and dancing to get the night started the right way. The event’s photo booth proved to be a hit with the booth full of people all night, posing with props to create unforgettable memories. The event was hosted by the Los Angeles and Orange County chapters.

Virtual Access, new VR app that revolutionizes virtual meetings and social interactions

Did you know 89% of corporate employees work in global virtual teams?

On July 24, join us for an inspiring and insightful session (Bridging Realities: Innovation, Leadership, and Empowerment in Tech) with Patrice Anderson, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Elite Enterprise Technology Inc. during our Enterprise Summit 2024: Best in XR, Digital Twin, and AI as she will introduce Virtual Access, an innovative VR app that revolutionizes virtual meetings and social interactions, set to launch this fall.

Patrice will also share her remarkable journey from a visionary entrepreneur to a pioneering leader in the tech industry. She will delve into her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of resilience, vision, and community. She will discuss the impactful work of the JMA Foundation in Georgia, showcasing her dedication to philanthropy and giving back. As a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Patrice will highlight her efforts to empower women in tech, sharing her personal experiences and the significance of mentorship and support networks.
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Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of virtual technology, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, and the power of community engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by Patrice’s story and her vision for a more connected and inclusive tech world!

About our event

Our annual Enterprise Summit will be a virtual LinkedIn Live event. We already have 1450+ people registered and 30+ speakers from Merck, Boeing, UPS, Lenovo, Amazon AWS, Eastman, others.

LinkedIn has 1 Billion users and more than 57M businesses are listed on LinkedIn, and our event will help elevate your brand and get you established as an authority in the industry. Our last virtual event on LinkedIn Live, Best of Europe was very successful with lots of engagement; we had 3200+ attendees and 30+ speakers. Plus, 100’s watched the recordings!

Recap of our Healthcare Session: Pfizer, Harvard MedTech, Allergan, HIPAA

Thank you Lucky Lance Gobindram for presenting to 30 doctors, nurses, healthcare medical professionals about "Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Transformative Power of VR, AR, and XR" during our weekly online sessions https://www.thevrara.com/industry-committees and Alicja Jaworska for hosting.

The conversation centered around the potential of spatial computing and extended reality in healthcare, with speakers highlighting successful implementations in medical education and pain therapy. Speakers emphasized the immersive nature of VR/AR/MR, which can enhance collaboration and learning, and provide personalized healthcare experiences. However, adoption rates are low due to a lack of education and understanding among decision-makers and employees. The importance of education and training for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to effectively utilize these technologies was also discussed. Additionally, HIPAA compliance in healthcare technology was addressed, with speakers emphasizing that it is solvable and manageable in the current ecosystem.

The meeting started with a focus on Spatial Technology in Healthcare, highlighting Pfizer's use of virtual reality for training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to cost savings and efficiency. The impact of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in healthcare was discussed, emphasizing cost savings, improved training processes, and patient outcomes. Practical hands-on experience with spatial technology through VR applications for medical education was explored, showcasing enhanced learning and cost savings. The discussion also touched on how immersive spatial technology enhances engagement and introduces new paradigms in human-computer interaction. The implementation of virtual reality technology in healthcare for patient treatment and team-based care coordination was discussed, with a decision made to implement VR for in-home use. Concerns were raised about low adoption rates of VR and AR technology in organizations. The meeting concluded with sharing contact information for further communication.

Topics & Highlights

1. Spatial Technology in Healthcare

• companies like Pfizer have saved millions by integrating spatial technology, providing efficiency and value.

• Pfizer's use of virtual reality for training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Pfizer turned to VR to train its staff rapidly and effectively by simulating the manufacturing process in a risk-free, immersive environment.

2. Impact of VR in Healthcare

• The discussion included various facts such as cost savings achieved by Pfizer, pain reduction percentages for patients, and the success rate of VR-trained surgical students.

• The decision to explore the impact of VR technology in healthcare and the need to advance with technology for better outcomes.

3. Practical Hands-On Experience with Spatial Technology

• Spatial technology offers practical hands-on experience that mirrors real-world scenarios, leading to more effective learning and memory retention.

• Implementation of spatial technology can result in 10% savings in CapEx and OpEx costs for organizations.

4. Enhanced Engagement through Immersivenes

• Immersive learning environments can significantly improve focus, understanding, and retention of information.

5. Spatial Computing and Human-Computer Interaction Paradigms

• Spatial computing introduces new paradigms in human-computer interaction, enabling more intuitive, natural ways of engaging with digital content, moving beyond traditional methods like mouth clicks and keystrokes to gestures and movements mirroring real-life actions.

• Discussion on a mixed reality workflow where practitioners use spatial computing to create treatment plans for patients, share them in real-time, and engage in practical learning, implementation, and execution.

• Exploration of novel possibilities with spatial computing, unlocking new interactions, learning opportunities, and business potentials by reimagining what's possible in a digital world.

6. Virtual Reality Healthcare Solutions

• Decision made to implement virtual reality technology for in-home use in healthcare to provide various benefits such as trauma relief, organic healing, and team-based treatment.

• The concern raised about low adoption rates of VR and AR technology in organizations due to cost, perception, and slow adoption by enterprises.

7. Implementation of Technology in Healthcare

• The discussion covers the implementation of technology in healthcare, including education for enterprises, creating a business case, cost and affordability at scale, and examples from Harvard MedTech and Allergan use case.

8. Enhanced Patient Engagement and Therapy

• The discussion revolves around enhanced patient engagement and therapy in healthcare, emphasizing interactive XR modules, simplifying medical information, and personalized health care journeys.

9. Virtual Reality in Healthcare

• application of mixed reality virtual reality technology in healthcare to enhance empathy and understanding among healthcare professionals for patients with vision issues.

• concern about HIPAA compliance in the context of data storage and cloud computing, highlighting the importance of meeting HIPAA regulations in digital environments.

Tess McKinney appointed as co-chair for Healthcare Committee

Please join us in welcoming Tess McKinney to our Healthcare Industry Committee!

Tess McKinney serves as the visionary leader behind XRenegades, a subsidiary of Firework Media Studio, LLC.  Renowned as an industry-leading consulting studio, XRenegades specializes in Immersive Virtual, Augmented &  Mixed Reality (XR), 360 Degree Tour Design, Technology Training, and VR/AR/XR Reselling, particularly tailored for  the education and healthcare sectors. With an impressive two-decade tenure in the technology industry and a fervor  for innovation, Tess has established herself as an expert in the field of immersive technology. 

Her LinkedIn profile showcases a rich tapestry of  connections that span industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders in XR/VR/AR/AI, healthcare, and education.  Tess leverages this extensive network to stay abreast of the latest trends, developments, and collaborative  opportunities in these rapidly evolving domains. She is helping XR/AR/VR/AI businesses promote themselves  through her vast connections. Tess has also pioneered a groundbreaking platform that meticulously lists VR/AR/XR  companies in the healthcare industry. This platform streamlines the process for educational institutions and  businesses to explore and adopt these cutting-edge technologies, accessible at XRenegades' website.

XRenegades boasts a track record of successfully guiding colleges and universities in the implementation of optimal  immersive technologies for their students. Tess has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as The Ohio State  University College of Nursing, Brazosport College, and the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Nursing.  Currently, she is actively involved in building XR simulation labs and implementing XR solutions for students and  faculty at the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Nursing and College of Dentistry. 

Furthermore, XRenegades plays a pivotal role in connecting educators with leading companies in the immersive  technology field, fostering partnerships with notable entities like VictoryXR, SimX VR, UP360, VRPatients, ArborXR,  Cleanbox Technologies, MACE Virtual Labs, Merge, Bodyswaps-VR Soft Skills Training, Darley, Xennial Digital, Reulay,  PixoXR, HTC, AscentXR, MAI-Bodymaps, InceptionXR, Healthysimulation.com, Kaleidoscope XR, Near-Life, CurioXR,  PsyTech VR, VR-Lab, Facilitate, Learning Time VR, among others. Tess is also spearheading the development of an  active shooter situational learning VR application for K-12+, scheduled for completion in Spring 2024 with the  assistance of students from the University Of Nebraska at Lincoln Senior Design called XRSurvive. 

Presently, Tess is engaging in consulting agreements with companies in the XR/AR/VR/AI industries, providing  expertise and support for the training and implementation of innovative projects within the healthcare and  education sectors. 

Previously, Tess served as a full-time Instructional Technologist for the University of Nebraska Medical Center Global  Center for Health Security. During her tenure, she demonstrated unwavering dedication to developing XR education  and remote consultation services for small and rural healthcare facilities, aiding them in advancing their knowledge  of Infection Prevention and Control Services in Sterile Processing. Tess recently concluded this role, leaving behind  a legacy of impactful contributions in the realm of instructional technology for healthcare education. 

Having contributed to the creation of commercialized virtual reality simulations (Rollover Ranch, Heart Health Escape  Room, Nurse’s Escape) with a team from the University of Nebraska Medical Center- College of Nursing-Lincoln  which are available on the XRenegades website. 

Tess McKinney is actively involved in various professional groups, holding roles such as Committee Co-Chair for  VRARA Healthcare, Board Member of Nebraska Distance Learning Association, Leader of "The Cool Kids Table," Co Leader/Outreach Coordinator for University of Nebraska: NeVRNER group, and Webmaster/Member with the  College and Community Service Organization- Southeast Community College Chapter. Additionally, she serves as an  Adjunct Technology Faculty at Southeast Community College-Nebraska. 

For more information, visit XRenegades' website: https://xrenegades.com/ 

At XRenegades, technology evolves, and so do we. Hire a Renegade!

Xplorient Xpanse: A New Global XR Work Marketplace Now Open to XR Freelancers

WHO

Xplorient, a pioneering company in the XR industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its innovative platform, Xplorient Xpanse which helps you connect, collaborate and create. We are calling on all XR experts, including VR/AR/MR developers, engineers, designers, artists, project managers, content creators, instructional designers, scriptwriters, film makers, game designers, educational technology experts and many more to join our global XR work marketplace.

The XR industry is on the cusp of revolutionising the way we interact with technology and the world around us. The potential for immersive experiences in education, training, entertainment, and healthcare is immense. At Xplorient, we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation, creating a platform that empowers XR professionals to innovate and excel.

WHAT

Xplorient Xpanse is a platform designed to connect skilled XR freelancers with exciting projects from employers across various industries. In the initial phase, we are focusing on onboarding freelancers to build a robust community of XR professionals. This will be followed by onboarding employers seeking top-tier talent for their XR projects.

WHEN

The platform is now open for registration! Freelancers can sign up today and start preparing to submit proposals for upcoming projects. The official launch for employers to post projects will follow in the coming weeks.

WHERE

Join us online at xplorientxpanse.com. Our platform is accessible worldwide, allowing you to connect with clients and collaborators from across the globe.

WHY

Xplorient Xpanse will offer XR professionals access to a diverse range of projects, enhancing their skills and expanding their portfolios. By joining our marketplace, freelancers can benefit from:

- Diverse Work Opportunities: Engage with projects in gaming, education, healthcare, and more, broadening your experience and expertise.

- Professional Networking: Connect with other XR professionals, potential collaborators, mentors, and industry leaders.

- Skill Development and Portfolio Growth: Work on cutting-edge projects that make you more attractive to future employers

ROI for Freelancers

By joining Xplorient Xpanse, freelancers can secure lucrative projects, build a strong professional network, and develop their skills in a rapidly growing industry, all without any registration fees.

For more information and to register, visit https://xplorientxpanse.com

Join Xplorient Xpanse today and be a part of the XR revolution. Together, we can shape the future of immersive technology!

Introducing the Corporate Innovation Team Membership: Empowering Large Enterprises to Harness XR Technologies

The VR/AR Association is pleased to announce that we have created a new membership category called the Corporate Innovation Team membership which is designed for large corporations with revenues greater than $50M that have an innovation team that is working on XR initiatives and want to participate as members of the VR/AR Association.  This membership category is limited to 10 named individuals within the corporation.

We are entering the next phase of adoption of XR in the enterprise segment and large corporations are looking for ways to leverage XR technologies to provide a competitive differentiation and to improve operations, train staff and reduce costs.  The VRARA is a powerful community and ecosystem to leverage to connect with the experts and find the right solutions for your business.  

The benefits of this membership is that the team members get full access to all of the benefits of the VRARA which includes press releases t0 our 60k+ subscribers, access to exclusive events and networking sessions and the ability to participate in research projects, lead committees and chapters.  

Who is eligible: Corporations with annual revenues in excess of $50M who have a team or group that are focused on identifying technologies to use within the corporation, referred to as end users. 

This membership category is not open to technology companies that market VR/AR solutions development studios or systems integrators and is subject to the review and approval of the VRARA.  

Learn more about our membership benefits, and please contact us at info@thevrara.com for more information. 

VRARA Member Sony at AWE 2024: Spatial Reality Display Adds 3D DAM / XR Case Study with UC San Diego / Spatial Content Creation System on Display

As AWE USA 2024 gets underway, Sony is announcing new integrations, showcasing new solutions, and sharing a customer use case for our XR portfolio of products. 

• First, Sony Electronics’ glasses-free 3D Spatial Reality Displays (ELF-SR2, 27-inch and ELF-SR1, 15.6-inch) are adding 3D digital asset management capabilities through alignment with echo3D’s proven platform.  See the integration showcased in Sony’s booths, 708, 710, and 712, or in echo3D’s booth, 428, at AWE.  Check out the new capabilities here: https://pro.sony/ue_US/press/spatial-reality-display-echo3d-integration.

• Additionally, Sony’s Spatial Reality Displays and mocopi motion capture system are allowing UC San Diego to elevate the art of immersive, interactive storytelling. Read more about the UC San Diego and La Jolla local theater project: https://pro.sony/ue_US/press/uc-san-diego-spatial-reality-display-mocopi-case-study and view our video case study: https://youtu.be/qMJBPynt1tM.

• And, attendees of AWE USA 2024 will have the exclusive opportunity to be among the first in the US to experience Sony’s state-of-the-art Spatial Content Creation System, an XR head-mounted display equipped with high-quality 4K OLED Microdisplays and a pair of controllers, optimized for interaction with 3D objects: https://pro.sony/ue_US/press/spatial-content-creation-system-awe-2024.

Learn more about Sony’s Spatial Reality Displays and mocopi here: https://pro.sony/ue_US/products/spatial-reality-displays/srd-mocopi or visit us in booths 708, 710, and 712 at AWE Expo!  To all attending, have a great show and we hope to see you there.

VRARA Enterprise White Paper 2024: Benefits and Best Practices for XR Employee Onboarding (download)

Download Whitepaper

News Form

Our Enterprise Committee has produced this invaluable publication!

Make sure you join our annual Enterprise Summit: Best in XR, Digital Twin, AI

XR technology can be applied to various industries, sectors, and scenarios, such as automotive, energy, ESG, virtual offices, immersive training, retail, and corporate marketing. Some examples of XR applications include VR engineering or product design studios, AR safety apps, digital twin systems for manufacturing, virtual flagship automotive dealerships, virtual de-escalation training or other soft skills training, and AR retail and fashion experiences.

To provide a great user experience for the onboarding process with XR applications, it is essential to ensure user-centric design, interactivity, accessibility, technical performance, security and privacy, continuous learning improvement, and skill building. These considerations can help users effectively learn and interact with the XR environment, thus improving onboarding outcomes.

There are many companies that provide XR onboarding products and services, such as Microsoft, Unity, Immerse, VRdirect, many others. These companies aim to enable organizations to effectively integrate immersive technologies into their business and onboarding processes. Thus, they have each made significant capital investments towards that end.

XR onboarding metrics are indicators that measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction of the onboarding process for XR applications. Some of the metrics include completion rate, time to completion, drop-off points, user satisfaction, retention rate, error rate, standard engagement metrics, conversion rate, feedback analysis, performance metrics, behavioral changes, support requests, learning curve, post-onboarding performance, and contribution to improving outcomes. Each of these must have a well-developed baseline measurement for any meaningful data to be collected, resulting in an auditable Return on Investment (ROI) report generation.

Effective XR onboarding is essential for improving business processes and outcomes, as well as increasing user/new hire productivity, proficiency, satisfaction, and engagement, so the organization is better positioned to meaningfully improve internal operations, perform for customers, and advance other new business opportunities. For example, Bank of America reported 100% of learners performing intended on-the-job behavior after XR training, highlighting the effectiveness of immersive experiences.

VRdirect Unveils VRXF File Format Revolution at AWE Expo – Transforming Enterprise VR Experience Across Different Platforms

Munich, GERMANY / Chicago, ILLINOIS (June 12, 2024) – In the midst of a booming demand for virtual reality (VR) solutions at the enterprise level, VRdirect (www.vrdirect.com) has announced today a game-changing innovation the debut of the VRXF – Virtual Reality eXchange Format.

This cutting-edge technology, a pioneer in its field, sets a new standard for creating and sharing VR projects, aiming to unify the currently fragmented VR market.

The VRXF file format, now under VRdirect’s owned patent in the United States, pledges to significantly simplify the transfer and use of VR projects across various devices, from VR headsets to mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers. This advancement represents a giant leap in overcoming ecosystem incompatibilities, a major obstacle to VR adoption in the enterprise sector.

“Our goal was crystal clear – to forge a universally adaptable VR framework that fosters seamless integration and interaction across all platforms,” remarked Dr. Rolf Illenberger, CEO of VRdirect. “With VRXF, enterprises can harness VR technology more efficiently, ensuring a smoother, more cohesive digital transformation.”

Key highlights of the VRXF file format include:

• Universal Compatibility: Guarantees accessibility and usability of VR projects across a broad spectrum of devices and operating systems.

• Patented Technology: VRdirect holds exclusive rights to this pioneering technology, setting a new industry standard.

• Seamless Integration: Hardware partners are encouraged to embed the VRXF format into their operating systems, streamlining access for enterprise users.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlines the creation, editing, and sharing of VR projects, mirroring the transformative impact of Adobe Acrobat's PDF files.

This announcement not only underscores VRdirect’s dedication to innovation but also positions VRXF as a potential global standard akin to the ubiquitous PDF. It embodies our commitment to delivering solutions that not only address current market demands but also anticipate future trends and challenges.

Visit VRdirect’s booth (#508) at AWE USA 2024 Expo in Long Beach, California to experience the VRXF file format firsthand through live demonstrations and interactive sessions.

VRXF marks the next step in VRdirect’s evolution since its 2018 inception, making it an industry veteran in this rapidly evolving sector. VRdirect’s software solutions have empowered companies to create and share VR projects effortlessly. The VRdirect Studio enables easy creation without expert skills, and projects can be shared globally in real-time using the VRdirect Cloud and VRdirect player for Smartphone, Tablet, Browser-/Website, or VR headsets. VRdirect also made headlines in 2024 by introducing cutting-edge generative AI features into its software, eliminating the need for secondary equipment or detailed programming to capture and build 360° scenes with a camera.

The company’s clients include major enterprises like Siemens, Nestlé, Porsche, Deutsche Telekom, and a lot more around the world.

About VRdirect

VRdirect is a leading software company specializing in VR solutions for businesses. With an easy-to-use platform, VRdirect enables enterprises to create, distribute, and manage VR experiences without coding or technical expertise. VRdirect has collaborated with global brands to deliver immersive VR solutions driving engagement, training, and sales.

For further information, please contact:
Jake Dee
jaked@vrdirect.com
1-617-285-8087

Immersive Training Revolution: Unveiling Cutting-Edge MR Application Expertise

Travancore Analytics has demonstrated its unparalleled expertise in developing MR applications, offering transformative solutions across various industry domains. Through our innovative approach, we empower organizations to embrace immersive training methodologies, enhancing knowledge retention, skill acquisition, and overall performance. The benefits of training through MR applications are manifold: from enhanced engagement and retention rates to cost-effective scalability and accessibility. Learners experience hands-on, experiential learning in a risk-free environment, accelerating their proficiency and confidence. With Travancore Analytics at the helm, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of training and skill development across industries.

In the showcased video, Travancore Analytics shows its prowess in developing cutting-edge Mixed Reality (MR) applications tailored for the healthcare sector and beyond. The video unveils an immersive training experience where viewers delve into a virtual skeleton model meticulously designed for in-depth anatomical study. What sets this demonstration apart is its interactive functionality, allowing multiple individuals equipped with MR glasses to seamlessly join the virtual environment. As one participant navigates through the skeletal structure, removing and explaining various parts, others observe and engage in real-time, fostering collaborative learning. This dynamic platform transcends geographical boundaries, enabling participants from diverse locations to interact, learn, and communicate effectively, thus revolutionizing the landscape of training in healthcare and beyond.

Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d_Zh6FxP7M7mPpIjOVXoiLOVMFP5V5U9/view?usp=sharing

For more details: https://www.travancoreanalytics.com/services/ar-vr-development/

Website: https://www.travancoreanalytics.com/

Follow us on Linkedin for latest updates: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/travancore-analytics/

VRARA NYC Chapter Welcomes New Advisors

VRARA NYC Chapter President Cindy Mallory is excited to announce the addition of Andrew Stapp and Lucky Lance Gobindram to the VRARA NYC Advisory board. Their expertise will further allow the NYC community to flourish in a community that values and nurtures creativity and ambition.

Lucky Lance K. Gobindram is the co-founder and General Manager at CXR.Agency, an award-winning full-cycle software development and IT consulting company renowned for delivering groundbreaking experiences across web, mobile, XR, AI, and blockchain technologies. With over 15 years of experience in the digital industry, Lucky has honed his passion for designing and building comprehensive solutions that seamlessly blend effective design with the latest technologies. 

As a results-oriented and experienced technology executive, Lucky specializes in connecting audiences to products, services, and people through strategic innovation. His proven track record includes successfully deploying emerging technologies into commercial successes across diverse platforms, industries, and markets. A recognized futurist and lecturer, Lucky is frequently invited to speak on topics such as the change in social capital, practical applications of XR, and the next app gold rush. His mission is to transform brands with revolutionary digital experiences, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the digital realm.

 Andrew Stapp is an extended reality software engineer and educator in NYU's Immersive Technology Lab. He works at the forefront of interactive media, blending art, design, and computer science to create immersive XR solutions for all industries. He has extensive experience working hand in hand with both public and private sectors, educating and training all levels in XR technology. Recently, Andrew served as a Fulbright Specialist in Tunisia, where he taught XR, further expanding his impact and commitment to advancing immersive technologies globally.  

Becoming the first black woman to get a Masters Degree in Extended Reality Technologies from Arizona State University

VRARA Member Tochi Nwosu made history as the first Black woman to earn a Master's degree in Extended Reality Technologies from Arizona State University's MIX Center.

Extended Reality (XR) includes Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Tochi graduated in 2024 from the first class of the MIX Center at ASU. Her achievement is significant for underrepresented groups in the XR industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity in shaping the future of this innovative technology. An inclusive XR industry encourages a wider range of ideas and experiences, resulting in applications that cater to a broader audience and address a greater variety of challenges.

Congratulations Tochi!

Recap of our enterprise session with Duke Energy XR

Damon Shackelford hosted our online session with 20+ executives to learn from Duke Energy’s XR leader!

The conversation started with sharing backgrounds, focusing on experiences in the VR and utility space, with Jenny highlighting her background in nuclear energy and digital transformation. The discussion progressed to transitioning Duke Energy to an external profit center, developing virtual reality training for electrical operators, challenges in selling VR services, and exploring XR opportunities. Jenny expressed concerns about financial challenges, cybersecurity training, and lack of engagement, leading to plans for implementing design sprints for gamification. The team discussed implementing gamified simulation training, scenario planning, AI-powered characters in training, AR applications for customer delivery operations, and the implementation of a virtual training center metaverse. Jenny advocated for a centralized platform for all training materials within the metaverse. The meeting concluded after covering various topics related to VR training and XR opportunities at Duke Energy.

Topics & Highlights

2. Transition to Profit Center

• next steps involve finalizing contracts, legal processes, and sourcing documentation to secure funding for hiring a business development person to handle sales.

3. Development of Virtual Reality Training for Electrical Operators

• The decision to develop virtual reality training to reduce safety risks, increase engagement, and improve qualification rates for electrical and gas technicians was made, leading to significant industry firsts.

• Approval obtained to sell virtual crew products built with non-regulated dollars, with plans to leverage marketing budget for sales in 2022.

4. Challenges in Selling VR Training Services

• reasons behind making the VR training service viable for sale, including successful qualifications, shareholder expectations, and the company's first experience with Software as a Sales.

• Various challenges discussed include approval difficulties due to fairness concerns, misconceptions about VR as games, and overcoming naysayers through successful demonstrations and positive feedback.

5. Virtual Training Environment Development

• process of creating a custom virtual training environment using a simulation tool similar to SimCity, where trainers can build and customize their own substations for training and qualification purposes.

6. XR Opportunities at Duke Energy

• concerns about financial challenges, cybersecurity training effectiveness, and lack of engagement in training programs, leading to the decision to implement design sprints for gamification.

• plans to teach her team about design sprints for gamification in cybersecurity training, aiming to enhance engagement and understanding among participants.

7. Implementation of Gamified Simulation Training

• challenges of securing funding upfront for the gamified simulation training despite potential cost savings of $10 million. Damon Shackelford and Steven F also express concerns about the difficulty in obtaining budget based on projected savings.

8. Scenario Planning and Visualization

• explore the use of AI and deep learning to enhance the gamified simulation training, potentially making it more immersive and engaging.

• interest in using AI to create a better business case and agrees to give it a try.

• importance of exploring new business strategies and technologies, encouraging a mindset shift towards innovation and risk-taking.

9. AI-powered Characters in Training

• The team is actively working on implementing AI-powered characters for training scenarios, focusing on creating avatars with specific job roles, incorporating PPE, and developing a virtual training center with a metaverse for multiplayer interactions.

10. Augmented Reality (AR) Applications

• The team has successfully implemented an AR application for customer delivery operations using iPads, streamlining the approval process and reducing rework, with plans to explore more AR and VR applications.

11. Implementation of Virtual Training Center Metaverse

• personal opinion on having all training materials in one application within a virtual training center metaverse

Call for Speakers: VRARA Finland - Showcase Your Work!

The Finnish Chapter of the VRARA is now looking for engaging and passionate speakers who are willing to share their work, insights, and experiences with fellow industry professionals and enthusiasts at our in-person networking socials and demo days.

We are seeking speakers who:

• Have cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in VR/AR.

• Have developed groundbreaking projects, tools, or methodologies in the field.

• Can deliver an engaging and informative presentation

Perks of participating:

• Showcase your work.

• Network with fellow industry experts, business leaders, and VR/AR enthusiasts.

• Receive recognition and build your professional reputation.

• Obtain valuable feedback and spark new collaborations.

How to Apply:

To submit your interest or proposal, please contact Sam and May, at finland@thevrara.com.

Spaces are limited, and we encourage you to apply soon to secure your opportunity to contribute in the upcoming VRARA Finland chapter events. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact Sam and May via email or LinkedIn.