For years, it has seemed as though (VR) Virtual Reality could finally go mainstream. Yet, despite some euphoric hopes, the next decade for the technological phenomenon has been more of a slow burn, with small numbers of enthusiastic gamers – and a few forward-looking corporates – experimenting with the technology while still waiting for the market to take off.
Then came this spring.
With wide open corners for development and new consumer experiences, what exactly is the future of VR, and what might be coming to a shop-floor near you in the next five years?
Table of Contents
The Invention of (VR) Virtual Reality
As an idea, VR is an old one; the panoramic painting of the mid-19th century represented one of the first virtual (as it were) phenomena. But the technology for what, in its modern form, would definitely be classed as ‘VR’ did not appear until the middle of the 20th century:
Morton Heilig
When we talk about the Father of Virtual Reality, credit goes to a far-seeing American inventor, Morton Heilig, who in 1956 patented the Sensorama Simulator – a machine that provided multi-sensory experiences involving vision, sound, vibration and smell.
Ivan Sutherland
In 1968, the computer scientist Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull built the first head-mounted display (HMD) system or virtual reality (VR) rig, called ‘The Sword of Damocles’.
Jaron Lanier
‘VR Virtual Reality’ is a term coined by Jaron Lanier in 1987; he also conducted vital VR research and engineering.
Advancements in the VR Industry
Since its inception, the VR industry has seen remarkable advancements:
- Hardware – The current generation of VR headsets is significantly more advanced than earlier iterations, providing high-resolution displays, sharp motion tracking, and even wireless operation.
- Software – Real-time simulation has become more advanced and realistic, from immersive gaming to medical and medical-related activities such as dental practice and hospital simulations.
- Accessibility – Realism is one thing; inclusivity is another. Recently, efforts have been made to make VR more accessible to a broader user base – such as people with disabilities.
The Current State of VR
Today, the VR industry is more advanced than ever:
- Integrating other technologies – VR serves as the interface between artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies to provide more immersive and realistic experiences.
- 5G Networks – 5G networks help realise the potential of VR because the necessary wireless connection speeds can be realised only when latency times between the VR headset and the delivery of a signal from cloud or local rendering engines decrease to the minimum levels possible.
- VR Without Immersive Hardware – Once VR games and experiences like Second Life are hosted in the cloud, you’ll be able to handle them using stripped-down hardware that users already have in their homes and offices.
VR displays, naturally, have improved over the years, with increased resolution and immersion, while head-mounted displays have also become more engaging with a greater sense of interactivity, as we’ve seen recently with Apple’s Apple Vision Pro product and their recent statement of their intention to service the entertainment sector.
Surveys such as The AMEX 2024 Global Meetings and Events Forecast reveal that more and more event companies are employing VR (more than 37 percent) and increasing the use of apps for attendees.
Nurses who trained on a VR version of newborns were more likely to provide less painful procedures with better results than nurses who used more traditional teaching methods.
Innovations Driving VR Forward
The VR landscape is evolving rapidly thanks to several key innovations:
- Cloud Spatial Computing – allows for low-fidelity hardware devices that connect users to high-fidelity VR applications hosted on remote servers via high-speed internet In all of these emerging markets, late-majority adoption, considered a harsh environment for Outlier innovation, will be the norm.
- 5G Connectivity – (As mentioned above) 5G brings us closer to true networked VR, enabling low-latency, responsive collaboration and multiplayer experiences across the Internet.
- High-Fidelity Content – Realistic environments are becoming more immersive as graphic and audio capabilities keep evolving.
- Interactive VR – Advances in eye and gesture tracking and full body capture are leading to more intuitive approaches to user interaction.
The Future of VR
Looking ahead, the future of VR is bright and filled with potential:
- Widespread Adoption – As VR becomes more affordable and easy to use, we can expect to see it across homes and businesses.
- Utility – It will go well beyond gaming and entertainment, being used in fields such as real estate, engineering, health, and education, which will also provide new ways to train, learn, and discover.
- More Interactive – AI and biometric responsiveness will make VR more sentient.
- Immersion Storytelling – Creators will continue to hone their craft and knack for telling stories more meaningfully and experientially.
Potential Challenges
Despite the excitement, VR faces challenges that must be addressed:
- The Hardware is Limited – Although headsets are becoming more sophisticated, the tech still needs to become lighter and wireless with longer battery lives.
- Content Creation – Marketers need more content creators and developers to create VR content.
- Accessibility – Greater accessibility for the disabled and other audiences is needed.
SUMMARY
VR is the technology that’s here to stay and grow. These innovations and adoptions confirm that VR is the next thing and is no longer science fiction. A VR Virtual Reality experience promises to be unequalled, unprecedented and completely new. The future of VR will create another way of being in this world, of connecting with others.
