Recap of our session about GE Vernova's VR Program

30+ executives joined our weekly session to learn about the GE Vernova's VR Program, hosted by Zurine Hernandez.

The meeting covered several key topics, starting with the integration of virtual reality (VR) in the nuclear sector, emphasizing its role in training and design through a platform developed at GE Vernova, which has been in progress for three years. It was noted that while formal ROI calculations for the VR software implementation are not yet established, commercialization efforts have begun, and clients are showing interest. The discussion included the use of VR for training and simulation, with three connected VR rooms across North America, and highlighted GE Vernova's exclusive partnership with VirtualWare for VR solutions.

GE Vernova's VR platform, which includes digital twins and field movement simulators, allows for zero-risk training and improved communication protocols. The technology has been patented and is commercially available, with a focus on expanding its use across the nuclear industry. It was mentioned that while formal ROI calculations are ongoing, the technology is currently a cost-zero benefit for GE Vernova. The discussion also covered the use of VR for remote training, mixed reality, and potential partnerships.

Concerns were raised about confidentiality issues related to CAD data in VR applications, and future plans include developing a module for hazard recognition training. The choice between cloud-based and on-premise solutions was also discussed, with non-export control items hosted in the cloud.

Additionally, we introduced glasses-free 3D display technology and expressed interest in potential collaborations, proposing to connect with for further discussions.

From Studio to Spatial: Leveraging Volumetric Capture in Hollywood for Futuristic Music Performances

30+ professionals joined our meeting on Volumetric Capture in Hollywood for Futuristic Music Performances during our weekly online sessions.

The meeting discussed leveraging volumetric capture technology in Hollywood for futuristic music performances. Key points included the integration of VR and real-life broadcasts, the importance of broadband access for underserved communities, and the nomination of a small studio for XR awards alongside major companies like Marvel and Disney. The discussion highlighted the benefits of volumetric capture, such as rapid content creation, reduced production costs, and enhanced audience engagement. Examples included Travis Scott's Fortnite performance and the potential for immersive, region-independent performances. The technology aims to revolutionize content delivery and education by eliminating regional boundaries and enhancing accessibility.

We discussed advancements in content creation, the evolution of business models in entertainment, and the implications of volumetric capture technology. Concerns were raised about the current streaming model's impact on content creation and children's education. The role of AI in content creation and education was highlighted, emphasizing the need for curated datasets. Discussions also covered the educational potential of video games, the importance of technology in music learning, and the need for community building in entertainment. Plans for future sessions and events were confirmed, reinforcing a commitment to ongoing collaboration.

Our meeting with Volvo's Head of XR

20+ executives joined our meeting with Volvo's Head of XR during our weekly online sessions.

The meeting began an overview of Johan’s role and the company's integration of XR and 3D technologies. He discussed challenges in generating lightweight 3D models for various applications, particularly managing around 7,000 product variants, and highlighted the effective use of XR for technician training despite concerns about device accessibility and communication awkwardness. Johan also addressed enterprise training deployment challenges, including network isolation and security issues, emphasizing the need for robust IT infrastructure. The conversation shifted to the role of model-based systems engineering in XR/VR deployment, with discussions on data management challenges and the formation of the Applied AI Association. Participants noted the increasing presence of note takers and AI in meetings, and concerns were raised about siloed digital assets and the lack of integration in manufacturing processes. The meeting concluded with suggestions for further collaboration.

Oberon Technologies® Delivers Apple Vision Pro Application for Clean Energy R&D Institute

For leading experts in virtual reality technology and the energy sector, the Apple Vision Pro price tag is a small price to pay for a more effective and safe way to train workers in hazardous environments. In collaboration with independent, non-profit energy R&D institute EPRI, Ann Arbor-based and VRARA member Oberon Technologies® has developed a spatial computing application for use with the Apple Vision Pro. The application provides a more efficient and safe way to train and orient employees for work in nuclear facilities without the associated risk to themselves, the facilities, or the surrounding communities.

While the cost of training employees is a major operating investment across industries, the energy industry sees an even higher investment due to often-hazardous work environments. Considerations like exposure to radiation, hazardous gases, high voltages or even explosions are often points of concern for the overall safety of trainees. The demand for highly skilled energy workers continues to grow, making efficiency of training and preservation of historical knowledge even more crucial to success for employers. In addition to mitigating risk, VR training allows for additional benefits like increased locational awareness, knowledge retention, unlimited use, and the opportunity for in the moment and measurable feedback.

This new application provides an immersive, spatial environment with a virtual twin of a nuclear power plant where team members can train and test staff on proper identification of hazards and potential safety issues. When using the virtual experience, users can familiarize themselves with the nuclear facility and standard procedures before going into the physical plant and avoid onsite risks. The fully immersive view can also help gauge emotional responses to confined spaces or heights.

Oberon Technologies® has provided VR applications to clients for years, helping customers to capture and convert tribal knowledge into fully immersive virtual experiences that enable faster onboarding and higher levels of knowledge retention, as well as optimizing safety for those undergoing training. “Our enterprise clients recognize the numerous benefits beyond safety during training. The immersive environments allow users to experience in minutes what may take years to encounter and perfect in the field,” said Scott Allen, CIO of Oberon Technologies®. “The clarity and interactivity of the environment possible within the Apple Vision Pro provides a more realistic experience for trainees, increasing retention rates and recall. We have all seen the gaming capabilities using Apple’s technology. We believe leveraging the same immersive, spatial environment at a corporate level will be a game changer for the industrial enterprise clients that we support,” Allen added.

Click here for video, use cases and more insights on our XR solutions for commercial applications.

XR in Education is a $25 billion market by 2030

Join our annual Education Summit: Best in EdTech, XR, AI !

The global XR/metaverse education market is expected to grow 10x (a growth rate of 46%) and reach a value of $25B by the end of a decade, according to data by AltIndex.com.

Nearly 1/3 of that value will come from the United States. The U.S. market is expected to reach a value of $8.3B in 2030, up from roughly $1B in 2024. The total value of metaverse classrooms in China will skyrocket by 960% and hit $3B in the next six years. Japan and Germany follow with a massive 900% growth and $1.2B and $1B market values, respectively.

Seven out of 10 teachers want more VR and AR in education, especially when it reinforces the curriculum and student interest, according to a recent study by Statista. This type of technology creates opportunities for experiential learning, which:

• Helps students make deeper connections with learning.

• Gives students hands-on experiences with things they may never otherwise encounter.

• Goes beyond rote memorization and into immersive learning.

• Customizes experiences to students’ interests, abilities, and learning styles.

There are a lot of opportunities for the metaverse in education, specifically. For example, it can provide personalized education at all levels: grade, middle, and high school, of course, but also in college and trade schools. It can give institutions the ability to provide education to people who can’t access it locally, while also providing a more immersive experience.

Academic studies have found metaverse education can improve learning outcomes, heightening student engagement and attention span, while also driving motivation and knowledge retention.

Rabindra Ratan, Associate Professor at Michigan State University in a 2023 interview on The Peggy Smedley Show, said “When I’m sitting in a regular classroom, I lose 80% of the back row students, about 40% of the way through the class, they just multitask, they get tired, they get bored, they jump on their computer, check their email, go on to play a game of chess, or whatever. And their attention span diminishes. I don’t mind if they fidget and multitask, but if it’s taking them away from the thought process involved in the class, that’s bad. But in my VR class, I tell them, okay, fidget, do some 3D drawing.”

The bottomline is this method of education still has room to blossom with the right educators and technology infusion. And I see considerable growth in the coming year. Before 2024 ends, already it is projected that more than 28M people will be educated in metaverse classrooms, roughly five million more than two years ago. But again, there are still a lot of factors at play for it to go up, sideways, or even spiral without the right mix of inspired educators, institutions, innovators, and technology.

By making learning immersive and experiential, XR technology can help create a better understanding of complex topics. XR facilitates a new, exciting kind of experiential learning, and experiential learning has been proven to work.

A rigorous meta-analysis of experiential learning outcomes across 89 studies showed overwhelmingly positive and robust results for students. Experiential learning outcomes are nearly 50% better than traditional learning outcomes. Through experiential learning, students increase cognitive and social skills, meaning they retain information better, improve problem-solving and develop a deeper understanding of social issues.

By helping students experience feelings of wonder and delight as they view the world in a new way, XR can serve as a highly effective experiential learning tool.

Learn more at our annual Education Summit: Best in EdTech, XR, AI !

VRdirect News: Companies like Nestlé ensure workplace safety through VR

Virtual Reality is transforming safety training, allowing employees to effectively recognize and manage risks. From machinery malfunctions to chemical spills and ergonomic issues, VR prepares employees to handle potential dangers, creating a safer work environment. Nestlé is also using Virtual Reality to create onboarding and safety trainings. Read the success story here. 

The use of VR in training brings significant advantages for employees. Read our blog article to find out more! Schedule a meeting to learn how Virtual Reality can enhance safety training in your company.

Learn more about VRdirect's participation at ZP Europe, immersive VR templates for Lockout-Tagout training and how VR improves hazard detection in factories below!

Read VRDirects’s Success Story here!

Gordon Bell Appointed as VRARA Silicon Valley Chapter President

We are thrilled to welcome Gordon Bell as our VRARA Silicon Valley Chapter President!

Gordon Bell has over 25 years of sales and marketing experience. He serves as Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at Tests Assured, a leading AR/VR testing service based in Silicon Valley. Before joining Tests Assured, Gordon was part of the founding team at Energous Corporation, which he joined as employee No. 2 in 2013 to build a brand for the wireless charging startup and nurture it from its earliest years through an IPO and global expansion. Before Energous, Gordon was president of Prosoft Engineering and held various sales and marketing roles at ELSA GMBH, Media 100, and other companies. During his time at Energous, he also served as a board of directors member and on the Marketing Advisory Panel for the AirFuel Alliance, an independent, nonprofit consortium working to establish wireless charging standards.

I am thrilled to step into the role of Chapter President for The VR/AR Association Silicon Valley Chapter. As we continue to support and expand the VR/AR ecosystem in the greater Silicon Valley region, I am committed to fostering a community of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our mission to nurture and expand the VR/AR ecosystem in the greater Silicon Valley area remains stronger than ever. Having worked closely with Feroz, Marv, and Peter for the past year and a half, I'm truly honored to take on this pivotal role. Stay tuned as the Silicon Valley chapter has some exciting updates on the horizon as we continue to evolve! -Gordon Bell

Virtualware partners with INVIA Digital to Drive US Expansion of Enterprise VR Solutions

Bilbao, Spain,  August 20, 2024.-VRARA Member Virtualware (EPA: MLVIR), the European leader in enterprise virtual reality, has partnered with INVIA Digital a cutting-edge 3D content provider specializing in Digital Twins, Advanced Visualization and XR to expand VR use across the North American market.

This partnership will focus on automotive and industrial applications of VIROO, a VR platform designed to help companies across industries meet new VR challenges and adapt to evolving demands.

VIROO is a secure ISO 27001-certified enterprise virtual reality software platform that enables multi-user VR design/review collaboration, rapid development, deployment, and management of digital twin and training content in a secure cloud or on-premises server environment.

This partnership announcement comes just ahead of the Detroit Immerse and Connect – XR and Digital Twin Summit, scheduled for August 22nd at Detroit’s Urban Tech Xchange

Hosted by The VRARA and Detroit’s Urban Tech Xchange, the event will bring together leading voices in tech, including experts in XR, digital twins, and smart city experiences.

““This partnership with INVIA Digital is a natural progression for Virtualware as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the XR and digital twin space. Together, we will be able to offer our clients even more powerful tools to enhance their operations and drive innovation.”
”

— John Cunningham, President of VirtualWare USA

Get Tickets Today!

The Power of Immersion - How Walmart shows annual savings by reduced training time and travel cost with XR

Download publication

VRARA Enterprise publication

This publication has been created by our Enterprise Committee.

XR visualization technologies providing innovative solutions for business and manufacturing processes when coupled with AI (Artificial Intelligence) for measurable ROI.

Visualization with XR Delivers Impressive Metrics

XR visualization technology applied to immersive training by retail giant Walmart calculates an inferred annual savings of over $38M by reducing training time and travel costs. Walmart also reported consolidated revenue of $611M in 2023. If implementation of the training program was less than $1.5M then ROI would be at least 96%. Turn to the worksheet and study guide to see how to calculate savings for ROI. 

XR Use Cases and Examples 

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 deescalation training or other soft skills training, and AR retail and fashion experiences. 

Top highlights:

• 8 out of 10 FORTUNE Global top 5 largest companies by consolidated revenue for FY 2022 & 2023 invested in XR. 

• 75% across the board Fortune 500 reported 2023 committed to XR initiative(s). 

• Download our publicaiton to learn more!

Nathan Klose appointed as VRARA Alabama Chapter President

We are excited to welcome Nathan Klose as the VRARA Alabama Chapter President!

Nathan Klose cares. He’s the Lead / Chief Creative at Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3), and VRARA Chapter President, who cares. Living in Huntsville, Alabama, Nathan’s work has touched brands like Disney, ESPN, Adult Swim, Marvel, Books-a-Million, Star Wars, Mercedes-Benz, and more. With decades of experience in his field — from interactive game-based education, serious games, and XR experiences at i3, to business strategy, branding, and strategy across industry and commerce — he’s trying to show, at every effort, that he cares.

After you’ve finished reading Nathan’s bio, he hopes you will care, alongside him and everyone else reading it, about what’s next in this emerging, wild-wild west of an industry.

“Sing it with us, y’all: sweet home, AL VRARA! Our Alabama VRARA Chapter is hyper-focused – and hyper-excited – to seek out relevant, practical intersections between immersive and emerging technology and apply it across the state. The VRARA as a whole, and the communities of practice it fosters within, represent a tried-and-true model to make this happen. We’re proud to be associated with the association, y’all. And we’re ready to see it happen at scale.”

— Nathan Klose

Job Opening: Technical Senior Artists, MadVR

MadVR is looking to expand our team with 2 Senior Technical Artists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of visuals and technology.

What We're Looking For:
- Experience:5+ years as a Technical Artist.
- Skills: Expertise in tools like Maya, Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar. Strong knowledge of shaders, materials, and real-time rendering techniques.
- Responsibilities: Collaborate closely with our art and engineering teams to create stunning visuals, optimize performance, and develop new tools and workflows.
- Bonus: Experience with VR/AR, procedural content generation, or photorealistic rendering is a huge plus!

Why Join Us?
- Work on cutting-edge projects with a talented and passionate team.
- Opportunities for growth and innovation in a dynamic startup environment.

If you or someone you know is interested, please email hr@madvr.in.

Let's create something amazing together!

VRARA Member Opportunities for AWE EU 2024! (ticket discounts)

VRARA is proud to sponsor with AWE EU 2024. VRARA members receive 20% off their ticket; email info@thevrara.com to obtain code.

Join the AWE EU in Vienna, Austria on October 29-30th to make your mark on this breakthrough year in XR and spatial computing. AWE is the largest global XR event, with 2 days of expert conference sessions, hands-on demos of leading technologies, and the most welcoming tech community; we promise it will be a very special event!

Additional opportunities for VRARA Members:

1. Apply to Speak: Yes, you! AWE is always seeking informative presentation proposals from the global XR community. If you’ve ever wondered “Would my talk idea be a good fit,” please apply!

2. Apply for AWE Playground: Our AR+VR experience center featuring jaw-dropping, highly immersive and interactive demos not seen under one roof anywhere else (think more Theme Park than Trade show Expo). 

3. Apply for the Start up Pitch Competition: Select AR and VR start-ups will be selected to pitch in front of the judges - all experienced XR investors. The winning startup will be honored on the main stage at AWE EU 2024 and go home with the Auggie Award for the “Start-up to Watch”.

Don’t Miss AWE EU happening October 29-30 in Vienna, Austria!

The Impact of Virtual Reality on the Future of Real Estate Design and Architecture with ATS

Explore the transformative effect of virtual reality on real estate design and architecture and discover how ATS's VR services are shaping the industry's future by offering innovative, immersive experiences.

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing various industries, and real estate design and architecture are no exception. By offering immersive experiences and powerful visualization tools, virtual reality enables architects, designers, and developers to create, present, and refine projects in ways never before possible. In this blog, we’ll delve into the impact of virtual reality on the future of real estate design and architecture and explore how VRARA Member ATS’s virtual reality services contribute to this transformation.

Enhanced Architectural Visualization

One of the most significant benefits of virtual reality in real estate design and architecture is its ability to provide enhanced architectural visualization. ATS’s VR services enable the creation of precise, navigable photorealistic 3D models of properties, allowing architects and clients to explore and evaluate designs as if they were physically present.

By bringing blueprints and 3D models to life, virtual reality allows architects to communicate their vision more effectively and enables clients to understand the proposed design better. This improved visualization can lead to more informed decision-making and streamlined design processes.

Real-Time Collaboration

Virtual reality facilitates real-time collaboration between architects, designers, clients, and stakeholders. ATS’s virtual reality services offer a shared, immersive environment where everyone involved in a project can explore and discuss design elements, making it easier to address concerns and reach a consensus.

This collaborative approach improves communication and fosters innovation, as multiple perspectives can contribute to the design process. Furthermore, real-time collaboration can lead to faster project completion and increased client satisfaction.

Improved Design Iterations

Visualizing and exploring designs in a virtual environment enables architects and designers to identify potential issues and make adjustments more efficiently. By leveraging ATS’s virtual reality services, design iterations can be tested and refined in rapid digital iterations, streamlining the process and minimizing costly mistakes.

Virtual reality allows for more creative experimentation, as designers can test various design elements and concepts in a risk-free environment. This improved iteration process can lead to more innovative and efficient designs, resulting in better final projects.

Digital Twin Construction

ATS’s virtual reality services also enable the creation of digital twins, which are precise, virtual representations of a physical property. Digital twins can be utilized throughout a project’s lifecycle, from initial design and construction to property management and maintenance.

By creating a digital twin, architects, developers, and property managers can monitor and analyze a property’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. This can lead to more sustainable and efficient buildings benefiting property owners and occupants.

Virtual Reality for Sustainable Design

As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly buildings grows, virtual reality can be crucial in facilitating green design practices. ATS’s virtual reality services allow architects and designers to simulate and analyze the environmental impact of their designs, including energy consumption, water usage, and material waste.

By providing insights into a building’s performance, virtual reality can help architects optimize designs for sustainability, ultimately contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious industry.

Immersive Presentations for Clients

In addition to improving the design process, virtual reality offers a unique and engaging way to present projects to clients. ATS’s VR services enable architects and designers to showcase their work in immersive, photorealistic environments, providing clients with a deeper understanding of the proposed design.

This improves communication and increases the chances of securing client approval and moving forward with projects. As clients become more familiar with virtual reality, immersive presentations will likely become an industry standard.

Customization and Personalization

ATS’s virtual reality services allow clients to customize and personalize property designs before construction even begins. By immersing clients in a virtual environment, they can explore different design options, such as various finishes, furnishings, and layouts. This level of customization can result in a more tailored and satisfying final product, ultimately enhancing client satisfaction and increasing the likelihood of successful project completion.

Virtual Reality Training for Architects and Designers

Virtual reality also offers the potential for immersive training and education for architects and designers. By simulating real-world scenarios and environments, VR can provide valuable hands-on experience and foster a better understanding of design principles and techniques. As technology becomes more widespread, we expect to see more training programs and educational resources incorporating virtual reality.

The Future of Real Estate Marketing

As virtual reality continues transforming real estate design and architecture, it’s also reshaping how properties are marketed and sold. ATS’s virtual reality services can create engaging and immersive property tours, allowing potential buyers to explore properties from anywhere in the world. This expands the reach of marketing efforts and helps properties stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

The Long-Term Impact of Virtual Reality on Real Estate Design and Architecture

As virtual reality becomes more widespread and accessible, we expect to see even more significant changes in the real estate design and architecture industries. With improved visualization, enhanced collaboration, and more efficient design processes, virtual reality is poised to revolutionize how we create, experience, and interact with the built environment.

The impact of virtual reality on the future of real estate design and architecture is undeniable. ATS’s virtual reality services are at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions that enhance the design process, streamline project management, and create immersive experiences for clients and potential buyers alike. By embracing this cutting-edge technology, architects, designers, and developers can stay ahead of the curve and continue to shape the industry’s future.

To learn more about ATS’s virtual reality services and how they can benefit your real estate design and architecture projects, visit our website at networkats.com and discover our range of state-of-the-art solutions. Take advantage of the opportunity to revolutionize your projects and create immersive experiences that exceed expectations with ATS’s virtual reality services.

Investment opportunity with an AI + XR startup: Sphere (deadline is Sept 10)

We’re thrilled to offer VRARA members an exclusive first-of-its-kind opportunity. This is your chance to become part owner in a leading enterprise XR company at the forefront of innovation, as they push the boundaries into AI. 

Sphere’s device-agnostic XR software stands out amongst the market’s leading enterprise-ready platforms. Its unified solution seamlessly integrates into the workplace to empower customers to supercharge communication, enhance training, boost sales, and improve frontline efficiency. Sphere’s customers include Fortune 500 companies such as Micron, Volkswagen, Pfizer, as well as a soon-to-be announced top aerospace company.

The company has established itself as a leader in spatial collaboration and is now welcoming investment to fast-track development of its disruptive, leading-edge AI integration. This initiative, with confirmed customer buy-in, aims to unlock AI's full potential by granting it "eyes and ears" through XR. Imagine AI with real-world context - that's the revolution Sphere is pioneering.

Sphere is launching a crowdfunding campaign and before they open the campaign up to the public, VRARA members have private early access to participate at a discounted rate. This is a huge opportunity to become a part owner in the groundbreaking future of XR. 

How to Participate:

Follow this link here to gain early access to this discounted investment opportunity and learn more about Sphere’s crowdfunding campaign.

VRARA members will also be able to share this special opportunity with friends and family! While the private access link will only be distributed through our organization’s closed channels, members can share it to their own personal networks as an added bonus. 

How to Invest:

Follow this link here to gain early access and the discounted investment opportunity.

How VR Training Benefits Training Agencies

From VRARA Member WarpVR: VR is a powerful tool for training agencies looking to scale, improve their offerings, and differentiate themselves from the competition.

Introduction

At least 77 studies have found VR to be more effective than traditional learning. By traditional, we mean book learning, on-the-job training, watching a presentation, and even some forms of e-learning. If you work in L&D or as an instructional designer, you might already be aware of similar statistics. Still, for many training agencies, there are a lot of questions that boil down to, “I see the statistics, but how do I know it will work for me? What do I need to do to implement this?”

In this blog from VRARA Member WarpVR , we’ll attempt to address those questions starting with covering some of the typical challenges that we hear from training agencies looking to expand into VR.

The Challenges Training Agencies Face

Training agencies today encounter several key challenges that can impact their effectiveness and efficiency. Among these are:

• Engagement: Traditional training methods often struggle to hold learners' attention in an age of digital distractions.

• Retention: Retaining information from conventional training sessions is increasingly challenging, affecting training outcomes.

• Ease of use: Retraining or hiring new employees makes it too expensive or time consuming to adopt new technologies. New technologies need to easily fit in to existing workflows or training programs.

• Cost-Effectiveness: High costs associated with physical training spaces, travel, and time out of the workplace are major concerns.

VR has the power to address all of these concerns, especially anything related to learning quality.

The Power of VR in Training

VR training can exist on it’s own, or it can augment existing training. For example, some trainings or groups of training might be more suited to VR than others. The first that comes to mind is a set of trainings that develops interpersonal skills or soft skills. These types of training benefit greatly from the real-life aspect of VR which makes them significantly outperform traditional training in this context.

Let’s discuss the benefits of VR training more broadly:

• Experiential learning: VR places learners in a simulated environment where they can interact and have true-to-life training, making learning experiential.

• Enhanced Engagement: The interactive nature of VR keeps learners engaged, which enhances the overall learning experience and effectiveness.

• Repetition and Practice: VR allows learners to practice and repeat scenarios multiple times until they master the skills, providing a safe space for trial and error.

• Accessibility: VR training can be accessed remotely and on devices such as smart phones, tablets, and computers. Learner convenience one of the most valuable aspects of VR training.

But there are other benefits that work outside of the training itself:

• Expanding agency offerings: VR is a unique type of training that can set agencies apart from their competitors.

• Hiring new employees or upskilling: 360 video requires little to no new employees or upskilling. 3D simulations on the other hand will require significant investment.

• Integration with workflow: 360 video functions similar to other eLearning in terms of workflow. If you can add an eLearning module, you can add 360 video VR. Scroll down a few sections to learn more about 3D vs 360 video.

Off-the-shelf and customized training

Different agencies tend to offer different types of trainings. VR can be used in both customized content and off-the-shelf content.

Off-the-Shelf Content: This type of training involves pre-designed VR training modules that are ready for immediate use. These modules are general and can be applied across various industries and scenarios. They offer quick deployment and cost savings, as they do not require additional development time.

Custom Content: Customized VR training is tailored to the specific needs of a company. This approach ensures that the training content aligns perfectly with the company's processes, culture, and objectives. While more time-consuming and potentially more costly upfront, custom VR training can deliver highly relevant and impactful learning experiences that address precise training requirements.

This can create difficulty when choosing a VR platform, because the time required to create scenarios can vary greatly. This usually comes down to whether a company chooses 3D training or 360 video training. Each has its merits, but 3D training is far, far more expensive and resource intensive. While a 360 video training can be ready in a few weeks, a single 3D scenario might takes 6 months or more to develop.

More on 3D vs 360 video

Because VR training is often split into 3D and 360 video, it can be difficult for newcomers to estimate the cost of training. It is a serious impediment in the industry, as 3D training providers don’t mention 360 video in their advertisements or content related to cost. Some articles list the cost as around 50,000-150,000$ to create, and others go even higher. Why? For a 3D training, you’ll need a lot more trained professionals inducing 3D modelers and all of the software that they will require. The production will take months, with the modeler being paid around 100$ per hour in some cases. This only applies to 3D modeled training though, and not 360 video, which is significantly cheaper.

360 video, at Warp VR for example, will cost 100 euros for each scenario per month, with that price decreasing as more scenarios are added.

Of course, both 3D and 360 will require some equipment, especially 3D which will almost always need to be played on a VR headset. 360 video however, can be played on a variety of devices such as tablet, phone, or computer.

Implementing VR Training in Your Agency

Assessment of Needs: Identify your clients' training objectives and determine how VR can address these goals effectively. Focus on the specific outcomes they desire, such as improved engagement or retention. Alternatively, you can plan off-the-shelf content that can either fit your training niche or appeal the largest amount of clients possible (like safety training, aggression training, procedural training, etc.).

Choosing the Right VR Platform: Evaluate VR platforms based on your technical requirements, budget, and the types of training you offer (360 video vs. 3D simulations). Ensure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing workflow.

Content Development: Plan, film and construct your training within your VR platform you. The more prepared you are, the smoother it will go. Check out our knowledge hub for more info on this (or give us a call and we’ll explain it).

Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot tests with select client groups to gather feedback and refine the training content. This step ensures the VR training is effective and well-received before full-scale implementation.

Integration and Support: Ensure the VR training integrates smoothly with your clients’ existing Learning Management Systems (LMS). Be sure to check the support ratings of the platform that you do choose. Customer success and support can significantly cut down time to see ROI.

You can also check out or blog on typical implementation concerns here.

Choosing 360 or 3D options

We’ve spoken a lot about the differences between 360 video and 3D training so far, but now let’s discuss some use cases.

360 Video: This is ideal for scenarios where a real-world environment needs to be captured and presented as-is. For example, safety protocols in a factory or onboarding tours of a corporate office can be effectively showcased using 360 video. It provides an immersive, real-world experience that is straightforward to produce and requires minimal post-production work.

3D Training: This option is better suited for interactive training modules that require high levels of interaction and detailed simulations. 3D training is perfect for complex skill development, such as surgical procedures, mechanical repairs, or any scenario where users need to interact with virtual objects. The creation of 3D environments requires more time and expertise, but it allows for a fully interactive and customizable training experience.

Source: https://www.roadtovr.com/osso-vr-training-surgeons/

Conclusion

VR is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any training agency. It offers a completely new experience to clients looking to enhance the quality of their training programs, while also improving scalability and engagement, and making learning more enjoyable and effective. With VR, training scenarios become immersive, allowing learners to practice in realistic environments without the risks associated with real-world training. This leads to better retention of information and skills. Additionally, VR training can be easily updated and customized to fit specific client needs, providing a versatile solution for diverse industries. Integrating VR into your training offerings can set your agency apart from competitors, demonstrating your commitment to innovative and effective training solutions.

‍

D Code:Unlock AR Experiences with AR QR Code App

From VRARA Member Travancore Analytics.

In a world craving instant engagement, waiting to install or download an application is too much of a hassle. Understanding this need, Travancore Analytics created an instant augmented reality (AR) QR application that can be accessed by just scanning a QR code. From 3D models, videos, images, PDFs, or web links, our instant AR application delivers a complete AR experience without requiring an app download. This solution allows users to create AR applications directly on the platform without the need for downloads or technical expertise, and manage dynamic content in real-time, ensuring secure and private cross-platform compatibility.

Creating an AR application from scratch each time was challenging, but D Code meets the demand for seamless, fast, innovative, and interactive experiences by transforming everyday encounters with dynamic QR codes and AR. This is crucial for businesses, educators, and marketers who need to captivate and inform their audiences effectively. D Code empowers retailers to revolutionize shopping experiences, educators to make learning interactive, and artists to add new dimensions to their work. Its intuitive design, combined with detailed analytics and a secure platform, allows anyone to create, scan, and enjoy AR content, enhancing customer engagement and providing valuable insights while maintaining privacy. 

Explore our case study to learn more: 

https://www.travancoreanalytics.com/case-study/augmented-reality-qr-co de/ 

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

Follow us on Linkedin for latest updates: 

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

Experts Show the ‘Art of the Possible’ with Digital Twins at VRARA Enterprise Summit 2024

Watch the video recordings from our Enterprise Summit 2024: Best in XR, Digital Twin, AI here

Originally Published by Demund Cureton

Learning about how to implement digital twins can pose significant challenges for firms, however, there are even greater rewards when executed correctly, a panel of experts and executives said the VRARA Enterprise Summit’s Best in XR, Digital Twin, and AI event on Wednesday.

However, decision makers in the implementation and rollout of digital twin solutions must leverage the fast-growing emerging technology with care and purpose, according to the panel talks.

In a panel discussion, the following experts and executives offered their expertise in digital twins:

• Kevin O Donovan, Co-Chair, Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twin Committee, VRARA

• Peter Terwilliger, Director, Technical Sales, Dassault Systèmes

• Dr Stefan Krug, Head of Digital Consistency, Siemens AG

The Art of the Possible (with the Digital)

Speaking on the subject of digital twins, many across industry verticals had many different perceptions of what they were, O’Donovan explained.

Kevin O Donovan, Co-Chair, Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twin Committee, VRARA

Referencing prior conversations, he continued that XR leaders in digital twins were growing the number of maturity models, adding firms like Siemens and Dassault Systèmes had built a massive numbers of use cases demonstrating “the art of the possible,” he explained.

Kevin O Donovan, Co-Chair, Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twin Committee, VRARA

Referencing prior conversations, he continued that XR leaders in digital twins were growing the number of maturity models, adding firms like Siemens and Dassault Systèmes had built a massive numbers of use cases demonstrating “the art of the possible,” he explained.

When asked by O’ Donovan about the significance of this statement, Terwilliger stated that digital twins were taking data from the real world to create a “feedback loop” that could improve current and future models.

He explained further,

“It’s being benchmarked against real-world data, but if it’s solar [power] systems, we take it to the next step and link the component to others, creating a process in a system. That system exists in an environment and its affected the the one it’s in. Add analysis and simulation [so that you can] then put in on the cloud, where its accessible to everyone.”

Terwilliger continued, stating that they allowed people to “understand the past, what the system had been engineered to do, and why.”

He added that it also showed how many people had done the engineering basis, design, and recreation [process] in their careers to understand “what’s happening now, how it’s actually behaving and working.”

Using the insights, people could “then navigate and predict the possibilities of an untested future.”

However, for simulating experiences virtually, digital twins were the “art of the possible, today.”

Using these virtual tools, companies and people could test and optimise new products, determine how to manufacture them, implement countermeasures against delays, as well as optimise, plan, and execute product life cycles.

He added,

You know, when I was in the industry [and] we wanted to change our assembly line — say we were in automotive and we had a bigger car — we used to make plywood mock-ups and we would take those mock-ups and we would walk around with those and walk them down the line, right? I mean… think about the time waste due to the lines being shut down while the people are working on mock-ups. It delayed us up to a month in our go-to-market strategy. So, you know, we don’t need to do that anymore, that’s what’s possible today.

Dr Stefan Krug, Head of Digital Consistency, Siemens AG

Adding to the discussion, Dr Krug stated that what his company could do with digital twins was “amazing.”

Dr Stefan Krug, Head of Digital Consistency, Siemens AG

He then cited an example of a project done in [Nanjing], China, where he was the project manager. Using Siemens digital twin technologies, the company developed a greenfield factory in virtual space.

The digital twin could simulate all operations performed on-site, including product manufacturing, develoopment, value streams, material flows, and construction, he continued.

“We could be very, very sure that once we started construction, everything would be correct in the first [run],” he said.

To Dr Krug, the “art of the possible” was that people no longer needed to test things through trial and error in the real world, “which is tremendously expensive.” Instead, companies could do everything virtually, he stated, adding that one of his most profound experiences was walking through the factory that had not been physically built.

Continuing, he stated,

When I was at the construction site and see [everything], I told people that, ‘Hey, this pipe needs to go one metre to the left,’ because I became aware of the details of the site, the building, and how it should appear.”

He added: “You can really avoid mistakes in the early phases as they don’t cost anything to make in the virtual world.”

Digital Twin Challenges

Regarding the challenges companies faced in the implementation of emerging technologies, Terwilliger told the audience that, despite technologists communicating the capabilities of such solutions, small and medium business owners wondered “how to make them actionable.”

“How do we approach this and break it down into steps? We don’t want to just convert to a new technologies that simply ‘promises’ to be amazing,” he said, citing an example from a discussion with a small manufacturing company experiencing massive growth over the last seven years.

He recalled the small business had approached Dassault and wanted to learn more about the technology to use at its on-site workstations, which involved “cutting up lengths of [40-50 feet long] I-beams coming off the truck.”

Peter Terwilliger, Director, Technical Sales, Dassault Systèmes

Moving the beams into the workstation caused major issues like disruptions due to their size. To resolve the matter, Dassault leveraged their digital twin and cloud solutions to optimise the business, without large IT infrastructure and other requirements to support the business.

Peter Terwilliger, Director, Technical Sales, Dassault Systèmes

He concluded: “The point is that they found something that optimised their manufacturing floor, which was their biggest challenge. Don’t think about it as a ‘great big giant pill of technology’ that you have to swallow.”

Small Steps, Greater Rewards

When asked about a specific call to action for global industries leveraging digital twins, Dr Krug explained that although opportunities can feel like being “a kid in a big toy store,” clients should not become overwhelmed.

He instead urged enterprises to concentrate on “where your greatest possibilities and biggest pain points are, focus on them, and select the right technologies to get started.”

He noted,

“They help to avoid mistakes, which you can correct [virtually], so just get started […] No incremental change is too small, and you want to find a solution that grows with you, breaks into baby steps, and that’s accessible by the cloud, everywhere, especially that dark place called the factory floor.”

He added that from the cloud, solutions should organise, visualise, and simulate feedback, allow its users to know that real-world data, and be collaborative and inclusive.

Expert users were already building “amazing” models with complex software, but consumers also needed to use the data to source the right materials, convert it via the programme, and learn project schedules.

“Ultimately, you want to figure out how to manufacture them on the factory floor, include people like me, who use the tool on-screen to markup designs,” he concluded.

The VRARA Best in XR, Digital Twins, and AI event took place on 24 July and showcased some of the biggest brands in digital solutions.

Hosted by the VRARA’s Kris Kolo, the event saw companies like Lenovo, Siemens, Unity, Merck, ShapesXR, Oberon Technologies, Amazon Web Services, Dassault Systèmes, Duke Energy, and many others share their success stories in XR.

The hosting organisation serves as a platform for many of the world’s biggest firms in virtual, augmented, mixed, and extended reality(VR/ AR/ MR/ XR), and operates from global chapters with a mission to support and boost the XR industry.

VRARA Enterprise Summit 2024: What Are the Top XR Tech Trends?

Watch the video recordings from our Enterprise Summit 2024: Best in XR, Digital Twin, AI here

Originally Published by Demond Cureton

Extended reality (XR) technologies continue to permeate conversations on the utility of spatial computing solutions.

Across a host of industry verticals, enterprises are reigning in the hype about the Metaverse as business face the sobering shift to pragmatic, utilitarian approaches to XR.

Two experts in the field of XR voiced their opinions on the rising trends shaping the industry to date, using their culmulative experience and observations of real-world use cases of the virtual one via digital twins.

The fireside chat included the following extended reality (XR) experts:

• Amy Peck, Chief Executive, EndeavorXR

• Damon Shackelford, Co-Chair, VRARA Enterprise Committee and Employee, Eastman Chemical Company

Don’t Believe the Hype (Cycle)

Regarding the developing trends in XR, Peck urged the audience to differentiate between viable ones and hype cycles, citing the Metaverse.

To her, the current hype cycle had allowed Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ‘supplant’ the Metaverse in the news and media. However, regarding spatial computing solutions, she noted that businesses were returning to rationally assessing their capabilities across their workflows.

Explaining her stance, she said,

I think it’s nice that we can actually get back to what the technology does really well today, [especially] while we are planning how to implement [them] in the future as their capabilities expand.

The two then explored two of the most important trends taking shape in the virtual, augmented, mixed, and extended reality (VR/ AR/ MR/ XR) industry to date, which would take centre stage over the next few years.

Digital Twins

According to Peck, digital twins were a prime example of trending XR technologies, namely after piquing in her consultations with clients such as Booz Allen Hamilton.

Amy Peck, Chief Executive, EndeavorXR

She noted that the defence firm had announced a partnership with Unity Technologies a year and a half ago, leading to easier deployments of digital twin solutions.

Amy Peck, Chief Executive, EndeavorXR

Booze Allen Hamilton’s partnership states that digital twins “interweave multiple data streams to create unbroken, and living, threads of insight that improve mission outcomes.”

Peck added that digital twins were “foundational” and are being utilised on the NVIDIA Omniverse, deployed across BMW’s advanced manufacturing platforms, and leveraged by tech giants such as Ericsson and Siemens.

Mixed Reality

Highlighting the need for secure deployments across all forms of immersive technologies, Peck explained to Shackelford that there were opportunities to build digital assets once and then “add multiple data streams to construct […] layers of visualisation.”

However, this provided challenges to the technology stacks involved in their deployment, which required a multiple approach to cybersecurity.

She told audiences:

Damon Shackelford, Co-Chair, VRARA Enterprise Committee

Managing all of that data is part of the challenge in deploying this in highly-secure environments. But then, when you add the XR layer of a headset, or you need it to be web-based, on mobile, or [otherwise], you can have that elevated headset experience, but each platform adds layers of challenges in their deployment.”

Training

When asked by Shackelford about the potential for XR to increase return on investment (ROI) in training, Peck explained that most clients focussed on VR training whilst she was launching EndeavorXR in 2014.

She stated that XR training was the “easy first step” for enterprise users, adding, “We can do the math on [its] efficacy and how quicly you can get people out into the field.”

Furthermore, she included that, for mixed reality (MR) devices, “see-what-I-see” (SWIS) and passthrough technologies were “still [some of] the simplest solutions.”

SWIS capabilities allow remote observers to view what a person using an immersive device is doing as they interact with content or livestream their operations.

Conversely, passthrough provides digital overlays to an MR device users physical environment to seamlessly merge the two environments.

Damon Shackelford, Co-Chair, VRARA Enterprise Committee

Shackelford replied that XR training’s readily-available calculations facilitated budgetary justifications among decision makers.

Peck added that a key factor when consultants work with clients was that they needed to remain careful when scaling up technological deployments across business units, even “with one use case.”

She said: “You know, we used to be in a kind of proof-of-concept (PoC) joil, but now we’re in a sort of pilot jail, so that’s a small improvement.”

Despite this, companies were not deploying “tens of thousands of headsets for the most part,” but rather a few hundred for specific training needs, Peck continued.

Workforce Engagement

Finally, when asked about workplace engagement using digital twin training and mixed reality solutions, Peck explained that there were two major “hurdles” to their adoption.

The first was deploying solutions among existing information technology (IT) infrastructure, and secondly, understanding the intended goals to accomplish with the XR training solution in company workflows.

She said,

“We call it planned prevention for a reason. The second is often overlooked and is really understanding not just who your user is, but what you need to accomplish and what their workflow is.”

The fireside chat took place at the VRARA Best in XR, Digital Twins, and AI event last week, bringing with it a host of use cases and panel discussions on the future of spatial computing and emerging technologies.

Numerous companies like Siemens, Unity, EndeavorXR, Duke Energy, Dassault Systems, Amazon Web Services, Unity, and Merck, among many others, showcased some of their most premier examples of XR deployments across businesses and clients.

The VR/AR Association’s Kris Kolo hosted the single-day event to place XR milestones in the spotlight of industries worldwide.