Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to optimise teleworking

At INVELON we are experts in offering VR solutions to businesses, both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. And, in recent years, we have seen how this technology has advanced, gradually making its way into the working routines of different sectors with the aim of improving their day-to-day work. But, in reality, there are many companies that are still not familiar with new technologies, or that are reluctant to adopt them. Or, at least, they weren't until recently.

For example, if we look back a couple of months, we can say that only a few allowed their employees to work remotely. Most companies did not consider this possibility, believing that it was not cost-effective to apply it in their line of work. But the obligation to stay at home because of the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus also forced companies to adapt and introduce teleworking.

According to studies, in the last two months 88% of organisations have allowed their employees, for the first time, to work remotely. And, to their surprise, many saw that their performance was not affected and that this new way of working could indeed be applied in their company.

In reality, many opportunities have emerged from this need, with new technologies as the big winners. Teleworking and online learning are here to stay, and with solutions such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality we can say that this trend could be even more productive and beneficial for everyone. How? We reveal it in the following lines of this article.

Virtual Reality VS Augmented Reality: how can they help us?

Let us remember that Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality should not be used as synonyms, as we must understand that they are different technologies and each of them can help us at particular moments in our work.

While Virtual Reality (VR) lets you immerse yourself in another reality, in a simulated environment, Augmented Reality (AR) adds layers of digital information to the physical world. And both technologies are really useful for working remotely.

To capture space and depth in Virtual Reality, 3D and 360º visualisations are used. Then, when the images are broadcast, you get an immersive experience. For its part, Augmented Reality, unlike VR, does not place you inside this world, but rather your experience takes place within the environment where you are physically located.

In both cases, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality offer us new perspectives for continuing our working routines. For employees who can do their jobs from home, Virtual and Augmented Reality solutions give them new channels of communication with their colleagues, new tools with complete information and a much more effective capacity for learning.

Imagine it: they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth a thousand pictures. But sometimes, a video is still not enough to learn all the features of a product, set out every aspect of a project, or hold attention when learning a new syllabus. That is when we need a much more powerful solution, one that gives us additional information (like AR) or a sensation similar to being physically present (like VR). These solutions give us a much more complete view, and one that perfectly complements the more usual technologies.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to optimise teleworking and learning

We can conclude that Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are a great help when we combine them with other technologies. But, on many occasions, a big question arises: can every sector sign up to these technologies? And are employees just as productive when they use them?

Both VR solutions (Virtual Reality) and AR solutions (Augmented Reality) can help us introduce teleworking and keep up the usual productive pace. That is, each employee at home, but working in the same way as if they were all together in the office or at their company's premises.

The collaborative, interactive work environments that Virtual Reality offers are suitable for practically any type of company. These are technologies capable of adapting to the specific needs of their teams. Another feature is the high level of customisation they allow, so that employees can carry out their usual tasks, and interact with their colleagues in the same way as if they were physically in the same place.

This solution can be applied, for example, in the field of education. Students could enter a class created with Virtual Reality where they can watch their teacher giving the lessons. Or in all kinds of work teams, who can meet in virtual rooms and share documents and information in real time. You only need to study your situation to understand how Virtual and Augmented Reality can help you in your sector.

Benefits of Virtual and Augmented Reality for improving communication and teleworking

Here are some of the benefits companies gain from implementing immersive technologies within their production processes, when employees cannot be physically in the same place:

• Learning retention rises significantly if elements of Virtual or Augmented Reality are added. This is because, in that immersive environment, some of the distractions disappear and you are more focused on the images we see.
• The visual impact that Virtual and Augmented Reality can offer is greater than reality itself, creating a sense of professionalism.
• We do not need to be in one specific place to have access to the tools we usually use to do our work.
• The cost savings are significant, since travel and subsistence expenses are avoided.
• In all VR solutions you can customise the workspace according to the needs and tastes of the company or the employee using them.
• Collaboration between the different members of work teams is easier when you feel close to the others. It is not the same to talk over a chat as to be able to share screens or for everyone to have live access to write on the same whiteboard.
• In the case of industries, it is Augmented Reality that allows a member of the technical team to help an operator repair a machine without having to travel to the site. And Virtual Reality allows them to test and check the features of a product remotely.
• It can even help to increase the company's sales, since innovation is a key factor in attracting customers' attention.
  

Virtual Reality for teleworking or remote communication: different solutions for different sectors

In reality, every sector can embrace Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to encourage teleworking or communication and other remote tasks. And each of these sectors can opt for a different VR or AR solution, depending on its end goal.

• Tourism companies, for example, can show their travel and hotel offers without being there physically, making an even greater impact on the potential customer.
• In education, learning can be enhanced and this more novel method can be used to capture students' attention.
• The healthcare sector can improve its diagnoses and train its future doctors before they treat a real patient.
• Or industry itself, which can showcase its product catalogue without having the products physically to hand. Trade fairs, for example, can be replaced by Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality creations, in addition to other possibilities that we explain in this other article.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality solutions tailored to each sector and type of company

As you can see, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality bring us great benefits. But it is also important to know each company's needs in order to bring out the best advantages of these solutions in their specific cases.

At Invelon we offer you different Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality solutions to introduce teleworking in your company, or to foster your business digitalisation. We have already helped very different sectors, such as education, industry or tourism. And they are all amazed to discover how these VR and AR solutions have helped them improve their ability to work remotely.

Little by little, society is adapting more and more to this new reality that we are creating. One where new technologies are positioned as indispensable for continuing to grow as a business. If you want to find out about them and see how they can help your company, do not hesitate to contact our team of professionals. We will advise you on the best options for you and your company.