Examples

Integrating 3D Printing And VR For Classroom Learning And Industry Applications

The transformative potential of 3D printing and VR for classroom learning is significant. These technologies bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering students immersive and hands-on learning experiences. As industries increasingly rely on technological proficiency, integrating these tools into educational curricula becomes crucial to preparing students for the workforce.

By incorporating lean manufacturing classes, educators can further enhance the learning experience. These classes focus on efficiency and waste reduction in production processes, principles that are easily demonstrated through 3D printing projects. Students gain invaluable skills by understanding how to optimize designs and materials, preparing them for careers in industries that prioritize innovation and sustainability.

Virtual Reality: A New Dimension In Learning

Virtual reality brings a new dimension to educational settings by creating immersive environments where students can explore scenarios that would be impossible or impractical in a traditional classroom. For instance, VR can transport students to historical sites or simulate scientific experiments, making abstract concepts more tangible and engaging. This approach is particularly effective in subjects such as history, geography and science.

One of the key benefits of VR is its ability to provide risk-free environments for learning complex or dangerous tasks. Medical students can practice surgical procedures without the fear of making irreversible mistakes; engineering students can design structures and test their stability within a virtual world. Such experiences build confidence and competence in a controlled setting.

The immersive nature of VR also enhances engagement and retention of information. By actively participating in their learning process, students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. As industries continue to embrace VR for training purposes, educational institutions that incorporate this technology will position their students at the forefront of technological proficiency.

The Role Of 3D Printing In Education

3D Printers for School and Education/Source: MakerBot

3D printing technology has revolutionized the way students learn by providing tangible, hands-on applications for complex concepts. It allows learners to design, create and iterate their ideas into physical objects, enhancing their understanding of engineering, design and manufacturing principles. In classrooms across the globe, educators leverage 3D printing to teach everything from biology—by printing anatomical models—to mathematics and physics through the creation of geometric shapes.

Moreover, 3D printing fosters creativity and critical thinking among students. It encourages them to solve real-world problems by prototyping solutions, which not only builds technical skills but also instils a sense of accomplishment and motivation. As students become more familiar with this technology, they are better equipped to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

Bridging 3D Printing And VR For Classroom Learning

The integration of 3D printing and VR for classroom learning creates a comprehensive educational experience that closely mirrors real-world applications. When combined, these technologies provide students with a holistic understanding of processes from design inception through to execution. This dual exposure ensures that learners are not only capable of conceptualizing innovative ideas but also executing them efficiently.

Industries such as manufacturing, engineering and design stand to benefit immensely from graduates who possess these integrated skills. By equipping students with practical knowledge gained through these technologies, educational institutions can produce a workforce ready to tackle industry challenges head-on.

Incorporating Lean Manufacturing Principles

The concept of lean manufacturing is central to many modern industries due to its emphasis on efficiency and waste reduction. By incorporating lean principles into educational programs through “lean manufacturing classes,” educators can provide insights into streamlined production methods that emphasize value creation with minimal resources.

This approach is particularly relevant when paired with 3D printing and VR technologies. Students can apply lean principles during the design phase with 3D printing or simulate production processes within VR environments, gaining first-hand experience in optimizing workflows and resources. Such practical applications are invaluable for preparing students for roles that demand high levels of efficiency and innovation.

Case Studies And Success Stories

Several educational institutions have successfully integrated 3D printing and VR into their curriculum, paving the way for others to follow suit. These institutions often collaborate with industry partners to ensure that their programs meet current technological standards while offering students opportunities for real-world application.

A noteworthy example includes partnerships between universities and leading tech companies that provide access to cutting-edge equipment and software. This collaboration enables students to work on projects that mirror industry challenges while receiving mentorship from professionals already established in their fields.

Encouraging The Adoption Of New Technologies

To stay ahead in preparing students for future industry challenges, educational institutions should consider adopting these technologies into their curricula. Educators can start by exploring resources available online or enrolling in training programs designed to facilitate this integration effectively.

Quelle:

Foto: Use of 3D printing and VR for classroom learning has a transformative potential/Source: ClassVR

https://manufactur3dmag.com/3d-printing-and-vr-for-classroom-learning/

14. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

A Florida Judge Used A Quest 2 In A Courtroom

A judge in Florida used a Quest 2 VR headset to view a recreation of events in which a defendant pulled a gun out at a wedding.

Miami news outlet WPLG Local 10 reports that the VR headsets were brought into the courtroom during a stand-your-ground hearing last week. The defense team in the case commissioned an artist to make an animation depicting events meant to represent the defendant’s perspective, with a segment of the animation formatted for VR headsets and viewed in the courtroom.

„Virtual reality shows the jury and the judge exactly the position my client was in when he was surrounded and grabbed and had his life in jeopardy, and at that moment he had to defend himself by pulling out that firearm,“ claimed attorney Ken Padowitz in a phone call with UploadVR this week.

WPLG Local 10’s coverage of the use of VR in this case.

Padowitz believes the use of VR headsets in the case is a first, though you can contact us with details of other examples of the technology being used previously (in actual courtrooms, rather than on Star Trek).

In the Florida case, a video circulated in local media and online depicts one view from the night the defendant was arrested. Padowitz wants to show the jury another perspective via a VR headset, should his client’s case get that far.

Legal systems differ by jurisdiction, but many courtrooms see advocates attempt to recreate a picture of events through physical props or animation to make judges or jurors feel as if they were there during the events being litigated.

Should Padowitz or another attorney succeed in putting a jury of peers in VR, we’ll be sure to dive in deep about the methodologies involved.

Quelle:

https://www.uploadvr.com/florida-judge-wedding-vr-gun/

14. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

Sony’s Standalone Headset For Enterprise Is $4750 And Ships In February

Sony’s standalone XR headset for enterprise CAD now has a price and release month.

The Sony SRH-S1, as it’s now being called, will be available for businesses to purchase from January 23 for $4750, and will start shipping some time in February.

The headset was first announced at last year’s CES. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s XR2+ Gen 2 chipset (also being used in Samsung’s headset), features 3552×3840 micro-OLED displays, has color passthrough, and uses a halo strap with a flip-up design.

Unlike Apple Vision Pro, Sony SRH-S1 includes controllers – one held for pointing and drawing, and another worn as a ring – which enable „intuitive interaction with 3D objects and precise pointing.“

The flagship use case for SRH-S1, in its current iteration at least, is Siemens‘ NX Immersive Engineering industrial CAD software suite. This includes NX Immersive Explorer, NX Immersive Designer, NX Immersive Collaborator:

NX Immersive Explorer is a „headset-agnostic solution that designers and engineers use to conduct informal design reviews and collaborate using 3D CAD data derived from Siemens’ NX software for product engineering“.
NX Immersive Designer „enables designers and engineers to interact, manipulate and collaborate around graphically rich 3D product models natively in NX“, exclusively supporting the Sony headset’s pointer and ring controllers.
NX Immersive Collaborator „builds on the capabilities of NX Immersive Explorer and Designer to allow organizations of all sizes to take advantage of both co-located and remote design review with multiple participants“, letting participants join „using local VR or desktop view“.

I say this is the current focus „in its current iteration“ because at CES 2025 this week, Sony also showcased what appears to be the same headset hardware under a new brand, „XYN“ (pronounced zin). Under the XYN brand, Sony’s headset appears to be targeting a wider range of 3D creation than just industrial CAD, including movie studio productions. However, Sony’s website lists the SRH-S1 under the Siemens partnership as „powered by XYN“, so it’s unclear exactly what the branding situation is here, and whether the headset might launch to prosumers under the XYN brand at a more accessible price point.

We’ve reached out to Sony directly for clarity on the SRH-S1 and XYN branding situation, and will update this article if we get a response.

Quelle:

https://www.uploadvr.com/sony-enterprise-standalone-headset-price-release-date/

13. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

Scientists Build an Itty-bitty VR Headset to Better Study Mice

Researchers at Cornell University have developed ‘MouseGoggles’, a miniature VR headset with eye-tracking for mice, which was used to study complex behaviors during neural recordings.

Traditional small-animal VR systems have been limited by their size, immersivity, and lack of advanced features such as eye-tracking. With MouseGoggles, which was the subject of a recently published paper, Cornell researchers hoped to gain greater insight into the mouse brain, which has been the gold standard model for behavioral and neurological studies.

Researchers validated the study by recording neural activity in the visual cortex, showing that the images were presented clearly and effectively. They also found that the VR headset created an immersive experience, as demonstrated by hippocampal recordings, reward-based learning tests, and fear responses to virtual looming objects.

Led by by Chris Schaffer, professor of biomedical engineering in Cornell Engineering, and Ian Ellwood, assistant professor in neurobiology and behavior in the College of Arts and Sciences, the team also hopes to facilitate broader adoption of VR methods in neuroscience research.

“It’s a rare opportunity, when building tools, that you can make something that is experimentally much more powerful than current technology, and that is also simpler and cheaper to build,” postdoctoral researcher Matthew Isaacson told Cornell Chronicle. “It’s bringing more experimental power to neuroscience, and it’s a much more accessible version of the technology, so it could be used by a lot more labs.”

Notably, MouseGoggles were built using low-cost, off-the-shelf components, including smartwatch displays and tiny lenses, to create a compact system. The mini VR headset also relied on widely-available tools such as Godot game engine and a Raspberry Pi 4, which the team rigged with a split-screen display driver.

Ultimately, the team’s work could lead to more interest in creating lightweight, standalone headsets for larger rodents, such as tree shrews and rats. As it is, MouseGoggles are a fixed-head experience that relies on a a ball-shaped treadmill to create the illusion of movement. Researchers also hope to add sensory features like taste and smell, making the VR experience even more immersive.

“I think five-sense virtual reality for mice is a direction to go for experiments where we’re trying to understand these really complicated behaviors, where mice are integrating sensory information, comparing the opportunity with internal motivational states, like the need for rest and food, and then making decisions about how to behave,” Schaffer told Cornell Chronicle.

Quelle:

Scientists Build an Itty-bitty VR Headset to Better Study Mice

13. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

HumanAIse Immersive – Die Zukunft der Spatial Transformation gestalten

„Erlebe eine neue Dimension: Menschlichkeit trifft auf intelligente Technologie.“

In einer Welt, in der digitale und physische Räume verschmelzen, entscheidet der Mensch, wie AI uns unterstützt – HumanAIse Immersive führt den Weg.

Was ist Spatial Transformation und warum ist sie wichtig?

Die Spatial Transformation verändert unsere Welt. Sie verbindet physische und digitale Räume und ermöglicht neue Formen des Arbeitens, Lernens und Erlebens. Von immersiven Trainingsumgebungen bis hin zu virtuellen Geschäftsmodellen – die Integration von Technologien wie Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Spatial Computing und AI eröffnet endlose Möglichkeiten. Doch bei all der Innovation bleibt eine Frage zentral: Wie können wir Technologie so gestalten, dass sie den Menschen stärkt? Hier kommt HumanAIse Immersive ins Spiel.

1. Was bedeutet HumanAIse Immersive in der Spatial Transformation?

HumanAIse Immersive steht für die Symbiose von Mensch und AI in einer räumlichen „Immersive“ Welt – eine Vision, bei der Technologie nicht den Menschen ersetzt, sondern ihm dient.

Die Kernprinzipien von HumanAIse Immersive:

Mensch im Mittelpunkt: AI wird genutzt, um menschliche Kreativität, Empathie und Zusammenarbeit zu fördern.
Ethik und Verantwortung: Technologie wird verantwortungsvoll eingesetzt, um Vertrauen und Nachhaltigkeit sicherzustellen.
Hybridisierung: Mensch und AI arbeiten in hybriden Teams zusammen, um komplexe Aufgaben zu bewältigen.

2. Wie verändert Spatial Transformation unser Leben?

Anwendungsbereiche von Spatial Transformation:

Bildung und Training:
Immersive Trainings simulieren realistische Szenarien, z. B. in der Medizin oder der Industrie.
Zusammenarbeit:
Virtuelle Meetingräume schaffen grenzenlose Möglichkeiten für globales Teamwork.
Kundenerlebnisse:
Interaktive Showrooms und AR-Erlebnisse revolutionieren den Einzelhandel.
Produktion:
Digitale Zwillinge optimieren Produktionsprozesse und reduzieren Kosten.

AI als Treiber:

AI analysiert riesige Datenmengen in Echtzeit, optimiert Prozesse und schafft personalisierte Erlebnisse.

3. Die Rolle von HumanAIse Immersive in der Zukunft der Arbeitswelt

HumanAIse Immersive zeigt, dass Technologie nur dann wirklich erfolgreich ist, wenn sie menschliche Werte wie Vertrauen, Kreativität und Interaktion in den Fokus stellt.

Beispiele für HumanAIse Immersive im Einsatz:

Virtuelle Führungskräftetrainings: AI-gestützte Analysen optimieren Inhalte, während XR immersives Lernen ermöglicht.
Hybride Teams: XR und AI verbinden Menschen in physischen und virtuellen Räumen, um Projekte effizienter zu gestalten.

4. Schritte zur erfolgreichen Spatial Transformation mit HumanAIse Immersive

Vision entwickeln: Definieren Sie klare Ziele für Ihre Transformation.
Technologie bewerten und erleben: Stellen Sie sicher, dass Ihre Infrastruktur AI- und XR-fähig ist.
Teams ausbilden: Schulen Sie Ihre Mitarbeiter im Umgang mit neuen Technologien.
Pilotprojekte starten: Beginnen Sie mit kleinen Projekten, um den Wert zu testen.
Skalieren und innovieren: Skalieren Sie erfolgreiche Ansätze und fördern Sie kontinuierliche Innovation.

Mit HumanAIse die Zukunft gestalten

Die Spatial Transformation steht erst am Anfang, aber ihr Potenzial ist grenzenlos. Mit HumanAIse Immersive gelingt es, Technologie verantwortungsvoll zu gestalten, menschliche Werte zu bewahren und Innovation zu fördern.
Die Zukunft ist hybrid, immersiv und intelligent – mit dem Menschen im Zentrum. HumanAIse Immersive macht es möglich.

Bereit, den nächsten Schritt in der Spatial Transformation zu gehen? Kontaktieren Sie uns und erfahren Sie, wie HumanAIse Immersive Ihr Unternehmen transformieren kann.

Quelle: Torsten Fell

13. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

How VR Training in Refineries Delivers Safety and Operational Excellence?

Virtual reality training has emerged as a significant tool in the oil and gas industry, revolutionizing the way employees are trained and enhancing operational efficiency. As outlined in Technavio’s report, the oil and gas industry are driven by a need for advanced technologies. With immersive and realistic simulations, VR training in refineries enables workers to practice critical tasks and emergency procedures in a safe and controlled environment, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall performance. Global Data’s research reveals that major players in the oil and gas sector, including BP, Chevron, Shell, and Saudi Aramco, use virtual reality in all aspects of their operations, including upstream, midstream, and downstream.

Advantages of VR Training in Refineries within the Oil and Gas Sector

1.) Enhanced Safety

VR training enables employees to practice risky activities and emergency procedures in a well-designed VR training application that may accurately simulate a genuine working environment, lowering the likelihood of accidents and injuries. For instance, oil rig operators can simulate firefighting scenarios, enabling them to gain practical experience in handling emergencies without exposing them to actual danger.

2.) Savings

With VR, there is no need to use and deplete costly equipment, or to send busy, high-paid instructors or skilled staff to remote locations for instruction. Companies can significantly reduce their travel, accommodation, and equipment maintenance expenses. BP is one example of a company that used VR training to increase employee learning effectiveness while reducing training expenses by 30%.

3.) Improved Knowledge Retention

VR training enhances knowledge retention through its immersive nature. Trainees are actively engaged in the virtual environment, leading to better memory retention and improved learning outcomes. A study by Stanford University found that VR learners were four times more focused and had a higher retention rate compared to traditional classroom training.

4.) Remote Training Opportunities

VR training enables remote and decentralized learning, allowing employees in different locations to access the same training programs and scenarios. This is particularly beneficial for multinational oil and gas companies with operations in diverse geographical locations.

5.) Realistic Simulations

VR technology services provide highly realistic simulations that closely resemble real-world oil and gas operations. Trainees can interact with virtual machinery, equipment, and complex systems, enabling them to gain practical skills and experience. Chevron, for instance, implemented VR training for pipeline inspections, allowing inspectors to identify potential issues and practice inspection techniques without interrupting actual operations.

VR Training to Maintain High Safety & Performance Standards

Typical VR Training in Refineries

Employee orientation often kicks off refinery training, which covers crucial safety protocols. Additionally, they educate staff members about permit-to-work laws, lockout tagout procedures, restricted spaces, working at heights, electrical safety, scaffolding, vehicle safety, lifting techniques, and other topics. Training is always given in a classroom setting utilizing slide presentations, which incorporate pictures and videos but are, monotonous and uninteresting.

Here, VR training sessions can be helpful since they give participants hands-on experience through interactive modules and realistic simulations, enhancing safety procedures. For example, refinery workers may participate in virtual scenarios where they learn how to respond to a chemical leak or perform equipment maintenance. They can practice identifying potential hazards, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), and executing proper emergency protocols. Through realistic visuals and haptic feedback, trainees can manipulate virtual valves, inspect equipment, and troubleshoot issues in a virtual replica of the refinery. These simulations allow workers to gain practical skills, improve decision-making in critical situations, and develop a deep understanding of refinery operations while minimizing the risks associated with hands-on training.

Operations & Maintenance Training

VR simulations enable trainees to interact with virtual replicas of complex equipment, such as pumps, compressors, and control systems. They can explore the equipment’s functionalities, understand its components, and learn how to operate and maintain it effectively. This hands-on experience in VR training provides a platform for O&M personnel to practice various procedures, including routine maintenance tasks, troubleshooting common issues, and executing maintenance workflows. Trainees can simulate scenarios that mimic real-world challenges, allowing them to develop problem-solving skills, identify faults, and apply correct maintenance procedures.

For example, to understand how a mechanical seal is built or put together, a worker does not need to struggle with intricate 2-D general arrangement drawings or section drawings. The seal can be guided through assembly and disassembly using a VR module to ensure its proper installation on a pump shaft. It can be simulated and even gamified to make the whole process more interesting to ensure no mistakes are made when complex machinery is being serviced or repaired during outages. Not only is it done correctly, but it also avoids rework, which is a major cause of safety issues and cost overruns.

Disaster Management Training

VR training has proven to be a game-changer in disaster management training within the oil and gas industry, by providing virtual training in severely toxic environments, simulating evacuations, and emergency response. VR simulations allow workers to experience critical situations, such as blowouts or pipeline leaks, in a controlled virtual environment, enabling them to practice decision-making, communication, and emergency protocols. By repeatedly engaging in these virtual scenarios, personnel develop the skills, confidence, and muscle memory needed to respond effectively during actual disasters, minimizing the impact on human lives, the environment, and company assets.

Human Factors Training

The impact and efficacy of VR training must be personally experienced by Chief Operating Officers, Plant Managers, and Operations Managers. As a result, they develop the strategic vision needed to create teams, assign resources, and offer leadership support for implementation projects. Refinery operations often involve teamwork and coordination among different personnel. VR training can simulate collaborative scenarios, such as coordinating shutdowns, emergency responses, or communication protocols, to improve teamwork and decision-making skills. By practicing these scenarios virtually, workers can enhance their understanding of human factors, reduce errors, and improve overall operational excellence.

To Sum Up

The oil and gas industry has embraced VR training as a powerful tool, empowering workers with practical skills, standardized training, and a heightened focus on safety and operational excellence. Real-life examples illustrate the tangible benefits of VR training. Shell, for instance, creates simulations for deepwater safety instruction using VR development services. ExxonMobil makes use of immersive technologies when training workers, primarily engineers and plant operators, for emergency shutdowns, abnormal operations, and disaster response. As leading VR development company with more than a decade of experience, we developed cutting-edge, user-friendly, and affordable VR training in refineries for the oil and gas sector.

Quelle:

How VR Training in Refineries Delivers Safety and Operational Excellence?

10. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

Could Virtual Reality Redefine Music Performances? Drake’s Tour Cancellation Sparks New Possibilities.

Drake’s abrupt decision to cancel his Australian tour has left fans yearning for answers, but it might just be the catalyst needed to catapult live music into a digital future. As the music industry grapples with this unexpected development, an innovative solution is emerging: virtual reality concerts.

Virtual Reality: A Gateway to New Musical Dimensions

With the option to watch a live concert from your living room, virtual reality technology is set to transform the fan experience. Companies specializing in these immersive technologies are creating concert experiences that not only bring artists into domestic spaces but also push the boundaries of interaction and creativity.

Innovative Features:

1. Holographic Performances: Imagine witnessing Drake’s dynamic performances as a hologram, appearing lifelike in your personal space. This technology offers intimacy with the artist that surpasses traditional concert settings.

2. Exclusive Interactions: Beyond just viewing, fans can engage directly with artists through virtual meet-and-greets, personalized audio settings, and unique backstage content, creating a deeply personalized and interactive experience.

3. Global Accessibility: By eliminating geographical barriers, virtual concerts allow fans around the world to enjoy live performances, significantly enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Challenges and Hopes:

While virtual concerts promise to enhance accessibility and customization, they also raise questions about the loss of communal energy inherent in physical events. Moreover, technological disparities may restrict who can participate in this new era of digital concerts.

Drake’s cancelled tour could mark the beginning of a transformative period for the music industry, where virtual reality doesn’t just complement traditional concerts but may redefine them altogether. As we stand on the cusp of this transition, it beckons us to consider a future where music transcends physical stages and enters a limitless digital realm.

Exploring the Virtual Concert Revolution: Innovations, Challenges, and the Future

The Rise of Virtual Concerts: Are We Witnessing the Future of Music Entertainment?

The abrupt cancellation of popular music tours, like Drake’s Australian tour, has left fans yearning for innovative ways to enjoy live performances. This void has accelerated the exploration of virtual reality (VR) concerts, a groundbreaking shift that promises to reshape the music industry.

Key Features and Innovations in Virtual Concerts

As virtual concerts gain traction, several innovative features are setting the stage for a new kind of music experience:

– AI-Enhanced Audio: Advanced AI technologies offer refined audio experiences that adapt to listener preferences, making each virtual concert sound tailor-made. These systems can enhance sound quality, balance acoustics, and even personalize tracks based on user feedback.

– Augmented Reality (AR) Elements: Integrating AR with VR concerts can create an even more immersive experience. Interactive visuals that react to the music or virtual objects appearing within the concert space can engage fans in unique and captivating ways.

The Pros and Cons of Virtual Concerts

As with any innovative technology, virtual concerts come with their own set of advantages and challenges:

# Pros:

– Expanded Reach and Inclusivity: By removing physical barriers, virtual concerts offer global access, allowing fans from different continents to join the same event simultaneously.

– Cost Efficiency: Virtual tickets are often more affordable than traditional concert tickets, reducing the financial barriers to enjoying live music.

# Cons:

– Technical Limitations: While VR technology has advanced significantly, issues like latency, network stability, and device compatibility can sometimes hinder the seamless experience.

– Lack of Physical Connection: Despite high levels of interaction, virtual concerts still fall short in replicating the communal energy and excitement of being in a live crowd.

Trends and Predictions for the Future

As technology continues to evolve, here are some predictions and trends to watch for in the realm of virtual concerts:

– Increased Use of Blockchain: Blockchain could play a role in digital ticketing and securing artist royalties, offering transparency and security.

– Advancements in Haptics: Future developments might include haptic feedback technology, enabling fans to “feel” the music through vibrations, enhancing the immersive experience.

– Sustainability Focus: Virtual concerts could significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional concerts, aligning the music industry with growing sustainability efforts.

Compatibility and Market Analysis

The success of virtual concerts hinges on the compatibility of VR technologies with consumer devices. With an increasing number of VR-ready devices entering the market, and improvements in internet speeds worldwide, this new form of entertainment is becoming more accessible.

The market for virtual concerts is poised for growth. A surge in demand for digital content and unique fan experiences indicates a robust and expanding market, driven by both economic and social factors.

Quelle:

Could Virtual Reality Redefine Music Performances? Drake’s Tour Cancellation Sparks New Possibilities.

10. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

Can Apple Mainstream Visual Search?

Visual search is a technology we’ve always considered to be a sleeping giant. It contextualizes items you point your phone at, using a combination of computer vision and machine learning. This makes it a sort of close cousin of AR by annotating the world with informational overlays.

Rather than the fun and games that have erstwhile defined consumer AR, visual search is more of a utility. And utilities are historically what turn into killer apps (think: Uber). With visual search, utility is joined by broad appeal and high frequency… just like web search (another killer app).

Speaking of web search, Google is keen on visual search for all these reasons. It’s a natural extension of its core search business, and it can meet core objectives like growing search query volume. With several search inputs – text, voice, visual, etc. – Google can maximize engagement.

But despite all these driving forces, Google Lens has been slow to get off the ground. Users are set in their ways so introducing another search UI takes a while. Beyond habitual factors, visual search involves “activation energy,” such as tapping into an app and holding up your phone.

Play to its Strengths

Unexpectedly, Apple recently stripped away some of this visual search friction. The iPhone 16’s Camera Control button offers a function to launch visual searches for items you encounter in the real world. Known as Visual Intelligence, it’s one piece of the broader Apple Intelligence play.

So when coming across a new restaurant in your neighborhood, you can use the physical button to visually query the storefront to find an online menu. That contrasts the multiple screen taps needed to activate Google Lens (though in fairness, Google has made Lens pretty accessible).

The question is if all of this can accelerate visual search’s cultural assimilation. This could happen as an inherent byproduct of Apple simply launching it. The combination of these factors – Apple’s Halo Effect and eliminating UX friction – could be the nudge that visual search needs.

Moreover, Apple’s Visual Intelligence doesn’t cut Google out of the loop – it hands off visual searches to Google in certain situations like shoppable items. This lets each company play to its strengths – Apple’s physical touchpoint to consumers and Google’s knowledge graph.

Ambient & Automated

What Apple has done with Visual Intelligence and the Camera Control button is just one step towards eliminating friction from visual search. The technology will truly shine when it’s in your line of sight, rather than in your pocket. In other words, when smart glasses penetrate further.

This is already well underway considering multimodal AI in Ray Ban Meta Smartglasses. It not only positions visual search as a defining function of the suprise-hit device, but adds dimension. In other words, it’s not just about visual search, but refining those searches in real-time with voice.

This brings the intuitive potential of visual search to another level. Not only does it make it ambient and automated in your line-of-sight – rather than an upheld phone – but it’s more conversational (e.g., “What kind of jacket is that, and where can I buy it, and does it come in blue”).

Meta isn’t the only one working on this. Snap’s new Spectacles do something similar, using Chat GPT and Google Gemini, which worked well when we tried it. Altogether, the wheels are in motion for visual search evolution. But it will continue to be a long road to mainstream embrace.

Quelle:

https://arinsider.co/2025/01/01/can-apple-mainstream-visual-search/

10. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

Virtual Reality Platform Eliminates Key Barrier To Remote Music Collaboration

A new virtual reality system developed at the University of Birmingham could transform how musicians practice, perform and teach remotely by solving a critical technical challenge that has long plagued online music collaboration: latency.

The Joint Active Music Sessions (JAMS) platform creates responsive avatars that enable musicians to play together in perfect synchronization through VR headsets, eliminating the tiny delays that can derail a performance. According to Dr. Massimiliano (Max) Di Luca from the University of Birmingham, even minimal latency can be disruptive: “performers can start to feel the effects of latency as low as 10 milliseconds, throwing them ‘off-beat’, breaking their concentration, or distracting them from the technical aspects of playing.”

The system works by having musicians record themselves playing, which generates personalized avatars that other performers can interact with in virtual space. “The software creates a responsive avatar that plays in perfect synchrony with the music partner,” Di Luca explains. “All you need is an iPhone and a VR headset to bring musicians together for performance, practice, or teaching.”

What sets JAMS apart is its attention to the subtle visual cues essential to ensemble playing. The platform captures nuanced details like the tip of a violinist’s bow or eye contact between performers at crucial moments. These avatars respond dynamically to the VR user’s movements, creating what the researchers describe as a “unique, personalised experience” that closely mirrors in-person collaboration.

The technology emerged from the Augmented Reality Music Ensemble (ARME) project, which brought together experts from six disciplines including psychology, computer science, music, and sports science. Their combined expertise enabled the development of precise computational models that capture both the timing adjustments between performers and the physical movements that make musical collaboration feel natural.

“We’re aiming to bring the magic of playing music in person to the virtual world,” says Di Luca. “You can adapt the avatar that other people play with, or learn to play better through practice with a maestro.”

Beyond its immediate applications for music education and performance, JAMS shows promise as a social platform where musicians can connect, create, and reach broader audiences through virtual concerts. The technology also opens new commercial possibilities through its ability to create digital twins of musicians, potentially transforming how musical content is licensed and distributed in virtual environments.

Quelle:

Foto: Musicians collaborate remotely with just an iPhone and VR headset, using software that creates a synchronized avatar for performance, practice, or teaching.

https://scienceblog.com/552810/virtual-reality-platform-eliminates-key-barrier-to-remote-music-collaboration/

9. Januar 2025 0 comment

Examples

Virtual Reality Hits the Ice. The Future of Hockey Training?

The New Era of Ice Hockey

In an era where technological advancements are remolding industries, the hockey world finds an unexpected hero in Joel Eriksson Ek from the Minnesota Wild. With a passion for pushing boundaries, Eriksson Ek is pioneering a cybernetic path to success in professional hockey.

Revolutionizing Athlete Training

Breaking away from traditional methods, Eriksson Ek is fueling his game with virtual reality (VR). This technological marvel has become essential in his training, offering limitless opportunities to dissect plays and position strategically—all without stepping onto the ice. VR simplifies retaining vital skills by presenting players with immersive game scenarios, enabling them to strategize and refine reaction times in a virtual landscape, minimizing wear and tear on their bodies.

Data: The New Coach on the Bench

Beyond the realm of VR training, Eriksson Ek’s proactive approach to improvement involves state-of-the-art wearable technology. These devices are revolutionizing the standard by which physical performance is measured, tracking metrics ranging from speed and stamina to recovery rates. By assimilating this valuable data, players can formulate targeted, efficient training strategies that heighten physical and mental acumen.

Looking Forward

This intersection of sports and technology signifies a noteworthy shift within professional hockey. As players like Eriksson Ek embrace these advances, the potential for groundbreaking developments grows. Imagine real-time AI tools guiding strategic decisions on the ice, or predictive models aiding in injury prevention and fatigue management.

Toward a Sustainable Future

Yet, with innovation comes responsibility—the need for eco-conscious practices in manufacturing these technologies is crucial. As the demand escalates, solutions such as energy-efficient devices and sustainable production materials are gaining traction.

Eriksson Ek is not just refining his skillset; he is setting a standard for the next generation who will navigate this brave new world of hockey. The future of sports is here, blending technological prowess with athletic discipline in unprecedented ways.

How Technology and Sustainability are Shaping the Future of Ice Hockey

In a rapidly evolving landscape, ice hockey is undergoing significant transformations thanks to technological advancements and a strong push towards sustainability. Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild exemplifies how cutting-edge technology is being integrated into professional sports, using innovations like virtual reality (VR) and wearables to enhance performance while also recognizing the importance of eco-friendly practices.

Innovative Training Techniques in Ice Hockey

Joel Eriksson Ek has embraced virtual reality as a key component of his training regime, offering players an immersive environment that replicates game scenarios. This approach not only helps in strategy development and reaction time improvements but also reduces physical strain by allowing athletes to prepare off the ice. VR training is paving the way for athletes to improve their cognitive skills and decision-making processes in a risk-free setting.

Further complementing VR technology, cutting-edge wearable devices provide real-time analytics to monitor various facets of an athlete’s performance, such as speed, stamina, and recovery. These wearables offer precise data that helps players optimize their training programs, honing both physical and mental capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Technology in Sports Training

Pros:
– Enhanced performance analysis with real-time data.
– Reduced risk of injury due to less physical training.
– Customizable training programs based on individual analytics.

Cons:
– High initial costs for VR and wearable technology.
– Potential over-reliance on technology rather than traditional skills.
– Concerns about data privacy and security.

The Role of Sustainability in Ice Hockey’s Evolution

As technology demands grow, so does the necessity for sustainable practices. The production of VR systems and wearables must consider environmental impacts, prompting the industry to explore energy-efficient devices and sustainable materials. The integration of sustainability into technology not only supports the environment but also appeals to an increasingly eco-conscious audience.

Predictions for the Future of Ice Hockey

Looking ahead, technology is anticipated to become more deeply embedded in hockey. Potential innovations could include real-time AI assistance during games, offering strategic recommendations based on live data analysis, and advanced predictive models to prevent injuries and manage player fatigue. These advancements promise to transform the competitive atmosphere, leading to a more dynamic and strategic gameplay experience.

Conclusion

The exciting confluence of technology and sustainability is reshaping ice hockey’s future. Joel Eriksson Ek’s adoption of virtual reality and advanced wearables, alongside eco-friendly practices, sets a precedent for the next generation of athletes. As technology continues to evolve, its potential in enhancing performance and promoting sustainability presents a future where ice hockey is not just a sport but a realm of technological and environmental innovation.

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Virtual Reality Hits the Ice. The Future of Hockey Training?

9. Januar 2025 0 comment