Extended Reality in Healthcare
XR is set to play a predominant role in improving the healthcare industry. Researchers have already begun using AR and VR technologies to help patients with PTSD, reduce anxiety in children and help patients recover in a quicker manner. AR and VR are also being experimented with to be used for drug preparation and delivery. It can also be used for patient education where they are told what will happen to them during a medical procedure, rather than show them x-rays or scan reports.
XR in Education
Education is arguably one of the largest sectors to benefit from collaborating with the XR industry. The technology can help students to visualise what they learn, create immersive experiences, go on a virtual tour of places without having to leave the comfort of their classrooms or homes, and enjoy improved training. It also helps to improve the learning experience of differently-abled students.
Extended reality in military operations
XR is also benefiting military operations. From enhancing the abilities of soldiers to scout locations to providing an immersive training experience, XR can certainly be at the top of things to come. Just as in healthcare, the defence sector can also make use of XR technologies to combat PTSD in soldiers and help them recover from mental trauma. Tactical AR or TAR is the use of AR in military operations. Field statistics and other useful information can directly be fed to a soldier’s visor from where he can “see” more clearly.
XR in the entertainment industry
The entertainment industry is set to see an increase in its market share in the next decade owing to the integration of XR technology. The use of VR has already become popular in gaming and in filmmaking. With the advancements of improved designing tools, the future looks promising for the entertainment and XR industries.
AR in Automotive industry
AR is also predicted to play an important role in the automotive industry. When we talk about connected vehicles and smart vehicles, we cannot neglect the potential role of heads-up displays (HUD). These devices are capable of displaying critical information on the windscreen so that the driver does not get distracted.
The use of smartphones with 5G capabilities have made it easier for XR applications to proliferate rapidly. Faster internet connectivity means that it can accommodate the more complex requirements of XR technology. This can also help to reduce the latency and sluggishness of XR applications, which might otherwise pose a significant challenge for a seamless experience. Smartphones have played an important role in the growth and development of XR applications. Due to the sheer number of smartphone users, the market growth of the XR industry can be amplified.
Another potential focal point for XR applications is the development of applications that have multi-user capabilities. This way, entire environments can be replicated virtually for multiple users. Examples include virtual classrooms, arms training for defence activities, research units that replicate real-world settings that are impossible to access in reality, and healthcare, where surgeries involving multiple doctors and nurses can be aided by the presence of AR devices and applications.
Given the range of applications that can be improved with the help of XR, becoming an XR designer or developer is certainly going to improve one’s chances of being at the forefront of breakthroughs in technology.