Companies are racing to adapt emerging technologies for the workplace as they begin to find their way in the consumer sector. It’s a good idea for a remote worker to learn about the function of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in new industries.
Even if a corporation doesn’t have a well-experienced tech specialist on staff, knowing what’s coming down the pike for early adopters of augmented and virtual reality platforms can be pretty beneficial. As VR and AR become prevalent, they can keep an eye out for job postings, conferences, and other innovations that combine these technologies with the remote work scene.
Before we dive into how crucial AR and VR are in remote training, let us understand what augmented and virtual reality platforms are and what is the difference between both.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a simulated environment of a real-world setting. Computer-generated perceptual information is used to augment real-world items, sometimes spanning multiple sensory modalities such as visual, aural, haptic, somatosensory, olfactory, etc. It’s a developing trend among businesses that deal with mobile computing and commercial apps.
AR appears in front of an existing world and enhances it with noises, senses, and visuals.
Augmented reality gives the present environment a new dimension. Users of some devices, such as Microsoft’s Hololens, Apple’s ARKit, and Google’s ARcore, can project 3D holograms into the space around them.
What is Virtual Reality?
The use of computer technology to create a simulated environment is known as virtual reality (VR). In contrast to typical user interfaces, virtual reality immerses the user in an experience. Users are immersed and able to engage with 3D worlds rather than viewing a screen in front of them.
By replicating as many senses as possible, including vision, hearing, touch, and even smell, the computer is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world. Only the availability of content and low-cost computing power limit near-real VR experiences.
What is the actual difference between AR and VR?
The terms “virtual reality” and “augmented reality” refer to the same concept. Augmented reality can be thought of as virtual reality with one foot in the real world: Virtual Reality produces an artificial environment to inhabit, while Augmented Reality simulates artificial objects in the actual world.
The computer determines the position and orientation of a camera in Augmented Reality using sensors and algorithms. AR technology then superimposes the computer-generated visuals over a user’s view of the natural world, rendering the 3D visuals as they would seem from the camera’s perspective.
In Virtual Reality, the computer uses similar sensors and math. Instead of placing a real camera in a physical location, the position of the user’s eyes sees the simulated environment. The images respond to the user’s head movement. VR technology produces a believable, interactive world for the viewer rather than mixing virtual elements and a natural scene.
How are Companies using AR and VR for remote training?
AR and VR have been heralded as potential training tools for years. These solutions give firms more control over the “environment” in which training occurs by imitating, changing, and augmenting real-world scenarios.
WFH training with AR and VR can be much more engaging
Participants can find AR and VR to be intriguing tools. They have a game-like vibe to them, and employees perceive them as fun tools to experiment with. This may stimulate increased participation in routine activities. The average length of a training session is 35 minutes.
80% of clients think VR has improved their communication greatly. In addition, client participation in meetings has increased by 204 %, and the number of sessions has increased by 242 %. These stats clearly show that adopting AR and VR in training has actual and measurable benefits.
Collaborative Feature of AR and VR:
AR and VR are particularly well-suited for training and collaboration needs. According to most organizations, training majorly falls into three categories:
1. Working, learning, and perfecting skills in otherwise difficult-to-replicate situations.
2. Empathy and conversational skills are examples of soft talents.
3. Employees can share workspaces and do tasks the same way they would if they were in the same room.
Implementing the Correct Tool
When it comes to staff training, it’s always a mix of technology and method, but when it comes to AR and VR and remote training, technology plays a more significant role. Fortunately, training professionals can choose from a wide range of cutting-edge tools. Technology companies are focusing more than ever on developing and improving such solutions in the face of ubiquitous remote work.
Facebook is a perfect example. While the firm began as a social networking platform, it has grown rapidly and now offers a wide range of communication tools, including ones for use in the office. . Facebook’s head of AR and VR, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, says the business is already investing in supercharging remote work and productivity with these technologies. In 2016, Facebook launched Oculus for Business platforms in more than 20 countries around the world. The goal is to enable people to accomplish their professions more successfully from anywhere globally by utilizing virtual reality.
Benefits of Implementing AR and VR for WFH training:
1. The promise of Safer Environment:
Virtual reality can be used to imitate real-life situations in high-risk job conditions. For vocations where safety is a top priority, virtual reality allows trainees to learn what to do in a crisis without jeopardizing anyone’s life or health.
2. Effective Learning:
With retention rates of 75% to 90%, experiential learning is the most effective learning technique. VR can replicate the exact work environment in which employees are expected to perform specific duties in the real world. Trainees can practice how to conduct their professions in such a realistic virtual representation.
3. Analytics:
Compared to traditional learning approaches, AR and VR applications can be utilized to collect data automatically and on a more granular level. For example, you can visibly record how students complete a course and how long it takes them with VR training. Their natural reactions to various simulated scenarios can also provide extra information about what works and what doesn’t in training sessions.
4. Challenges with AR and VR implementation in the workspace:
Adopting any new technology in the workplace isn’t always simple, and immersive technology presents its own set of difficulties. Bulky hardware with glitches, Invasion of privacy concerns, and upfront cost are significant challenges of implementing AR and VR in the workspace for training.
Thankfully, rapid advancements in hardware and lower costs are helping to alleviate many of the technical and budgetary barriers to AR/VR adoption.
5. AR and VR can be termed as the new reality of training:
Therefore, because of the widespread shift to remote work in 2020, in-person training will no longer be the ideal option. In this context, and amid uncertainty about when face-to-face training can be resumed, many trainers take a closer look at AR and VR.
Today’s workforce is already comfortable with technology and more inclined to participate in it. As future company leaders, they will advocate for better methods to include AR and VR in employee development.
6. AR and VR technologies are also shining in other areas:
Gaming and high-tech store displays will also benefit from AR and VR. The prominent champions are the healthcare, education, and entertainment industries. Industrial design, manufacturing operations, construction, fashion, social media, and art will benefit from virtual reality. Both AR and VR have massive marketing potential that is only beginning to be realised.
We strongly believe that this piece of knowledge has offered you enough value to carry out your WFH training using AR and VR. We’d also appreciate it if you could provide us with your helpful input.
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Rajvansh Adagale is a well versed content writer with over more than 2 years of experience in most forms of writing. He is experimental in his writing style and research for content. Also a huge believer of Seth Godin's idea of "write as you speak". Rajvansh believes in establishing a conversation with the minds of the reader to build a connection.
