Top Industries Adopting Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality

Although AR/VR technologies are commonly associated with the entertainment industry, their potential extends far beyond that realm.

These innovative technologies have all the capacity to revolutionize numerous fields, ranging from healthcare and education to the automotive industry and aerospace.

In this article, we will explore the top industries embracing AR and VR, uncovering how these technologies drive innovation, enhance experiences, and shape the future.

Automotive industry

AR/VR technologies have brought significant advantages to the automotive industry, benefiting both workers and clients alike. These technologies can be utilized in various ways, including:

• Creating a design before making a physical prototype
• Testing cars to get an idea of what the customer experience would be
• Getting a safe test drive
• Seeing a vehicle from the inside and even sit inside it
• Launching successful marketing campaigns

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• Volkswagen MARTA (Mobile Augmented Reality Technical Assistance)
• Ford VR Drive
• Volvo Reality

Healthcare

The healthcare industry has emerged as a major beneficiary of AR/VR technologies, with numerous applications that have revolutionized the field. Some of the key uses include:

• Virtual reality therapy
• Treatment of psychological traumas
• Treatment of phobias where AR/VR is used as a means of exposure therapy
• Rehabilitation and wound care (ex.: for burn victims)
• Treatment of phantom limb pain where AR/VR is replacing mirror therapy
• Training medical students and interns, practicing and creating plans before surgeries

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• MindMaze MindMotion Pro
• Surgical Theater Precision VR
• Osso VR

Retail

AR/VR technologies are significantly changing the way customers interact with the world. Today, both virtual reality and augmented reality in retail can enhance the customers’ experience by allowing them to:

• Virtually try on clothes and shoes by visiting virtual fitting rooms or looking in the mirror with incorporated AR/VR technologies
• Experience any products or services in the privacy of their own homes simply by using AR/VR mobile apps, which can be seen as virtual reality stores
• Use the products with implemented AR/VR technologies that unlock after a customer takes a required action (e.g., allowing a webcam to read the embedded code)

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• IKEA Place
• Sephora Virtual Artist
• Warby Parker Virtual Try-On

Tourism

In tourism, AR and VR are revolutionizing the way people discover, plan, and experience destinations, offering new possibilities and enhancing the overall travel experience.

AR technology allows travelers to enhance their exploration of historical sites and landmarks. By overlaying digital information onto their real-world view, tourists can access interactive experiences, historical facts, and cultural insights as they navigate different attractions.

Through VR headsets, users can immerse themselves in virtual environments and explore iconic landmarks, creating a sense of presence and connection with different places.

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• Google Earth VR
• Visit Dubai VR
• National Geographic Explore VR

Real estate

With the implementation of AR/VR technologies in the field of real estate, both potential clients and real estate agents can:

• Look around the rooms without leaving their home or office
• Get an idea about the property and surrounding infrastructure
• See how furniture will fit with the interior
• Plan the layout of the apartments

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• Zillow 3D Home
• Magicplan
• IKEA Place (for visualizing furniture in real estate)

Architecture

AR and VR have become indispensable tools in the architecture industry, enabling architects, designers, and clients to visualize and experience architectural designs before construction begins.

AR overlays can be used to showcase how a proposed building or structure will integrate with its surroundings or display interior design concepts.

VR allows stakeholders to immerse themselves in virtual environments and experience architectural designs at scale. This facilitates better communication and collaboration among project teams and clients, reducing errors and ensuring the desired outcomes.

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• SketchUp Viewer
• InsiteVR
• IrisVR Prospect

Gaming and gambling

AR and VR have had a significant impact on the gaming and gambling industries, revolutionizing the way people interact with digital entertainment.

VR headsets provide immersive gaming experiences, transporting players into virtual worlds where they can interact with characters and environments in a more realistic manner.

AR has also entered the gaming arena, with mobile games incorporating AR overlays into the real-world environment, creating mixed reality experiences.

In the gambling sector, VR is being utilized to recreate the atmosphere of traditional casinos, allowing players to enjoy a realistic gambling experience from the comfort of their homes.

Some of the most popular apps in this industry include:

• Oculus Rift
• HTC Vive
• Pokémon GO (AR game)

e-Learning and education

AR and VR are transforming the field of education by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences.

AR enhances traditional textbooks by overlaying digital content, such as 3D models or animations, providing a more engaging and informative learning experience.

Virtual simulations allow students to explore complex subjects, such as science or history, in a hands-on and interactive manner.

VR takes e-learning to the next level by offering virtual classrooms, virtual field trips, and collaborative learning environments.

Students can explore