Virtual Reality In The Corporate World

Thanks to advances with technology, virtual reality is able to replicate different environments with the use of computer simulation. It is also able to artificially create cyber experiences that cause a person’s senses such as hearing, sight, taste, smell and more to react. There was a time when virtual reality was something used to provide a multimedia experience for playing computer games. Now, virtual reality in the corporate world can provide specialized training in several different industries.

Healthcare

Virtual reality training makes it possible for medical professionals to master procedures with no danger to real people. It enables them to train for accreditation or compliance. They can practice procedures over and over until they know and understand them. While video has allowed the recording and review of procedures, it fails to let the viewer actually practice the operation. Virtual reality provides a very realistic 3D digital representation of human organs, so medical professionals can actually practice their skills without the element of risk and danger. Some medical procedures can’t be performed until a situation requires it, so using virtual reality makes it possible to develop and maintain important skills for the moment when they are needed. This type of technology has increased the effectiveness of medical training and custom e-learning for surgeons, nurses, radiologists and more.

Law Enforcement

Virtual reality has proven to be a very effective tool for training officers on what to expect in the real world. This technology is able to teach members of law enforcement when and how to utilize their weapons in a safe environment. It can teach them exactly when to employ non-lethal weapons. Virtual reality can be used to train law enforcement officers how to speak to a suspect, so a situation does not escalate. A confrontation can be avoided. There are currently portable virtual reality trainers that are used to train law enforcement in firearms as well as force option training and more.

Automotive Industry

Many top auto manufacturers, like Ford, are utilizing virtual reality as a type of training method for their assembly line employees. An employee is able to experience the sights, sounds and physical requirements of the assembly line prior to working on it. They learn how to handle the tools and work in conjunction with other employees on the assembly line. It’s also a good way to identify a worker’s strengths and weaknesses in the workplace.

Education

Studies have demonstrated that many students in college drop out of their major because of how they are being educated. Learning with virtual reality is opening up new ways for students to have important hands-on experiences not allowed them in traditional education. This technology has been used to help engineering students experience the designing and building process in ways not previously available. Many universities have discovered that presenting material as part of a videogame-like experience has kept students more engaged and improved academic performance.

Professional Sports

There are several NFL teams that utilize virtual reality to help players and coaches analyze events taking place on the field of play. This technology is being used for professional as well as college level teams. It is effective in helping players learn how to manage the time clock as well as make certain they’re obeying all the rules and restrictions. Professional baseball players are able to improve their skill with swinging the bat and running the bases thanks to virtual reality technology.

Oil Industry

When workers involved with oil production make mistakes, lives can be lost. A leaky pipeline can cause a fire that will spread rapidly. It will cover everything with thick, black smoke. When using virtual reality technology, technicians and production workers can safely learn how to trigger an alarm and make their way to an evacuation area. Firefighters learn how to approach the fire, they also learn how to quickly and efficiently extinguish the flames. Virtual reality training permits this intense level of training to happen free from a dangerous situation.

Ultimately, virtual reality in the corporate world has helped people to develop within their careers and do their jobs better. It is invaluable as a training tool to prepare individuals for dangerous situations without actually putting anyone at risk. Could the uses for virtual reality tech be applied to other industries and affect how content, be it real or virtual, is presented? Of course. For now we will have to wait and see how it continues to be used and prepare ourselves and our content for virtual reality.

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Brigg Patten—Business and Tech Writer