History and Pioneers of VR
Virtual reality (VR) refers to a computer-generated creation enabling an individual to experience a 3-D (three dimensional) space or artificial environment. The origin of the term dates back to the mid-1980s when the founder of VPL Research, Jaron Lanier, started developing tools like goggles and gloves for a seamless experience of "virtual reality." However, the genesis of the mechanism had begun much earlier. In 1956, Morton Heilig hailing from the Hollywood industry introduced the Sensorama, which brought to the people an experience of riding a motorcycle, in a simulated environment. In a world of technological innovations, virtual reality enables one to suspend their imagination. Virtual Reality can be understood as an instrument that functions as the fusion between reality and illusion, allowing users to suspend their sense of reality.
Industries using VR to Boost growth
The avenue of VR is not restricted to the gaming industry, but its widespread utility is being realized by a host of industries across the world.
Healthcare
Ever since the surge of the pandemic which hit the world in 2020 and in an attempt to adapt to new technologies for the advancement of health care, the medical sector has seen a massive involvement with VR to facilitate the training of doctors and patient diagnosis and treatment.
- Advanced Training of Professionals- Virtual Reality enables visual access into the parts of a human body which would otherwise not have been possible with the use of a cadaver. An experience of VR training gives trainees a view into the innermost parts of the body which provides scope for better treatment.
- Treatment of Patients- A better understanding of the procedure of treatment and surgery can be facilitated through the use of VR. Psychological treatment can also be easily done based on this technology. This, allows the therapist to create simulated environments that enable the patient to visualize the space which causes them distress and would thus enable the medical professional to diagnose and treat the patient within the walls of the chamber.
Automotive Sector
The development of a virtual environment for manufacturers and customers enables the smooth operation of the automobile industry. The VR simulator is engaging manufacturers to design the mechanics of the cars via the assistance of VR. Volkswagen and Skoda have used the VR simulator for the design of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Features such as design, structure, color, the dimension of the vehicle are represented graphically which allows a firm construction of the final product. In terms of customer benefit, virtual reality offers them a driving experience in virtual test drives, enables them to derive an experience of the vehicle before their purchase.
Expected Growth in the VR market and Future of VR
According to the reports generated by the Grand Review Research (https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/virtual-reality-vr-market), the market size for virtual reality is valued at USD 10.32 billion in 2019 will be growing between 2020-2027 at a compound growth rate of 21.6%.
Virtual Reality is spearheading to be one of the most cutting-edge technologies of the near future which will captivate the user experience through social and educational fields.
