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From the Metaverse to Healthcare: The Expanding Range of Extended Reality

From the Metaverse to Healthcare The Expanding Range of Extended Reality
Image Courtesy: Unsplash
Written by Samita Nayak

Extended Reality (XR) is no longer confined to science fiction; it is a rapidly evolving field that blends virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) to create immersive digital experiences. From entertainment to healthcare, XR is transforming the way we interact with the world. Let us explore the ever-expanding range of XR applications:

The Metaverse

The metaverse, a virtual shared space where users interact with each other and digital objects, has captured our collective imagination. XR technologies play a crucial role in shaping the metaverse in terms of Virtual Reality, Digital Economy, and Cross Platform Experiences. In VR, users can explore fully immersive virtual worlds. From social gatherings to virtual concerts, the metaverse is becoming a hub for social interaction. In the field of Digital Economy XR enables virtual marketplaces where users buy, sell, and trade digital assets. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a prime example of this trend. For Cross-Platform Experiences, the metaverse transcends devices and platforms. Whether you are using a VR headset or a smartphone, you can participate in metaverse activities.

Healthcare Revolution with XR

Healthcare is embracing XR for a wide range of applications:

  • Surgical Training: Surgeons can practice complex procedures in a risk-free virtual environment. XR simulations enhance surgical skills and reduce errors, which can help doctors reduce real-life costs like patient-loss.
  • Telemedicine: XR allows doctors to conduct remote consultations with patients. AR overlays provide real-time information during examinations, helping patients who have accessibility issues, saving several hours of travel and transport time.
  • Pain Management: XR distracts patients from pain during medical procedures. VR experiences transport them to calming environments, reducing anxiety, and diluting stress levels, which leads to better medicine absorption.
  • Physical Rehabilitation: XR-based exercises aid in physical therapy. Patients can perform movements while immersed in a virtual world, allowing doctors to attend to their other needs.

Education and Training

XR can be used widely for immersive learning, where students can explore historical events, scientific concepts, and architectural constructions in real time, which enhances their hands-on learning experience. Moreover, safety training for firefighters, pilots and industrial workers can provide students with real-life lessons without putting them in immediate danger. Another added benefit of XR is the soft skills development of students which can foster communication, teamwork, and empathy.

Entertainment and Gaming

XR blurs the line between reality and fantasy in entertainment:

  • Gaming: VR gaming transports players to fantastical realms. AR games merge digital elements with the real world and provide a much-needed spatial touch to the characters and the stories.
  • Live Performances: Musicians and artists create virtual concerts and art installations. Fans attend from anywhere, breaking geographical barriers, saving costs and resources in travel which will also help reduce pollution.
  • Storytelling: XR enhances storytelling. Imagine reading a book where characters come alive in 3D around you, and you can see their actions and stories develop in your surroundings.

About the author

Samita Nayak

Samita Nayak is a content writer working at Anteriad. She writes about business, technology, HR, marketing, cryptocurrency, and sales. When not writing, she can usually be found reading a book, watching movies, or spending far too much time with her Golden Retriever.