As workplaces start to adapt to more flexible work styles, augmented and virtual reality are expected to completely transform the way employees work and collaborate.
Augmented reality provides the ability to superimpose digital elements onto physical reality, while virtual reality offers a fully immersive experience through digitally created surroundings, typically using headgear, glasses or finger devices.
Augmented and virtual reality can help nurture some of the best worker collaboration and customer experiences.
For example, Lowe’s has released a vision navigation application that helps customers navigate its stores and has allowed them to find products twice as quick than those without the application.
Additionally, AR can help bring together remote colleagues wherever they may be. This is ideal as the workforce has become increasingly more remote over the past few years, and studies have found that a team that stays connected is more productive and creative.
Field service, repair or diagnostics can also benefit from AR. Using AR glasses, a remote expert could see what the field engineer sees in real-time and offer guidance.
Furthermore, rather than working with physical prototypes, a team could instead interact and share a “walk around” experience via a virtual twin. Ford Motor Company does just that, creating virtual reality prototypes in the early design stages for new cars.
