Designtech: Mixed Reality

By Editorial On Apr 1, 2022

With Industry 4.0 making headway, digital transformation of manufacturing, entertainment, healthcare, and education is gaining momentum. Digital transformation is nothing but the leveraging of a broad set of technologies by using processes and competencies across the enterprise. Apart from artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT), other technologies that are changing the world include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). The last three technologies, collectively called as immersive technologies, are making a difference in the way humans interact with their surroundings. Immersive technologies find applications in different domains like healthcare, automobile, aerospace, education and gaming.

AR is an experience created by the use of technology to overlay digital information on a real-world instance. It essentially consists of superimposing digital content with a user’s perspective in order to perceive additional elements; augmenting a user’s space. VR is at the other end of the immersive technology spectrum as it submerges the user in an entirely digital environment, totally removed from the real world. VR is possible with the help of special gear that is worn over the head and covers the user’s eyes totally. Both AR and VR have their uses, and software solutions providers like PTC and others have made applications based on AR and VR. Vuforia, a scalable enterprise AR platform from PTC is one example where AR technology helps solve industrial workforce challenges. We have already covered in detail how AR and VR work and what benefits they offer. In this article, we will discuss what mixed reality is, and how it can help enterprises.

Mixed Reality (MR)

The term “mixed reality” was introduced in a 1994 paper by Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino, “A Taxonomy of mixed reality Visual Displays.” Their paper explored the concept of a virtuality continuum and the taxonomy of visual displays.

Mixed reality (MR) is the blending of digital content seamlessly into the physical world which appears realistic or natural. In the context of immersive technology spectrum, MR can be considered either as a subset of AR, or as a blend of AR and VR technologies. MR is a fusion of the virtual and real world and creates new environments in which both digital and physical objects—and their data—can coexist and interact with one another. MR shifts engagement patterns, allowing more natural and behavioural interfaces. MR refers to the specific ability to artificially interact with overlaid digital elements. To make it simple, MR is AR that you can ‘touch’. In the case of VR, you can interact only with the virtual world, while in the case of AR you can only superimpose digital information over the reality. In MR, you can not only superimpose digital information (like AR), you can manipulate it (like VR). It is this ability of MR where some of the most exciting breakthroughs are taking place. Being able to physically interact with content that appears to be real is an incredible innovation and offers endless possibilities. It is generally considered that as far industrial applications go, AR is a better technology than AR. And since MR combines the benefits of AR with VR, it may be a notch better than both.

Perhaps at this stage, an example or two may make things clear about what MR exactly is. Let us take a simple example where MR is useful. Suppose you are walking in an aisle in your favourite departmental store, and you see a product you are interested in. With AR, you can get the product information. However, with MR technology, you can also compare the product with many other products to figure out which one gives you the most value for money. MR can allow customers to make informed and confident purchases, and also experience a product or a service before purchasing. Or let us take the case of a workshop where a worker finds out that a machine has started to malfunction. Wearing MR gear, the worker reads diagnostic information and tries to fix the machine. If he cannot do it, the worker can transmit detailed digital instructions to expert technicians – who might be in an entirely different location – and who send back detailed digital instructions for repairing the machine. In addition, thanks to MR, they can walk him through the repair process quickly and efficiently. In this and similar scenarios across industries and operating models, MR makes it possible to deliver actionable information to any location where work is done—on site, on the shop floor, or in the field. These are only two examples of MR at use in real life; there are many other use cases.

Mixed reality is most commonly experienced through a headset, which users can place on their heads and through which they look at their surroundings. The headset can then place virtual information or objects into the user’s physical situation.

As with other emerging technologies, there are still some barriers before MR (and AR / VR as well) becomes a mainstay of framing and delivering content, experiences, and interactions. For one, MR requires an entirely new set of digital content and context. High-definition, 360-degree renderings of facilities and equipment are necessary to translate the real world into virtual environments. The second important consideration is the conviction of senior management, most of whom are not aware of the benefits these new technologies offer. Thirdly, especially in a country like India, the hardware and software cost needed to implement AR / VR / MR experience may still act as a deterrent. Security and privacy are important considerations as well. However, it is only a matter of time before enterprises embrace these new technological developments. And as more and more organizations incorporate AR / VR / MR services, the lesser the implementation cost will become.

MR / VR / AR – is it for me?

AR / VR / MR (especially AR and MR) applications are now slowly emerging into various different industrial and commercial sectors. As development continues on augmented reality / mixed reality devices and technology, it seems sensible to expect even further integration of MR tech into our lives. If you want to reap the benefits of these immersive technologies, it is better to seek the advice of a professional augmented reality and mixed reality services provider in order to determine whether it is suitable for your current requirements.

This content was first published on the Designtech website.