Virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) have gained significant attention in the technology world, though AI has stolen the spotlight. However, according to Dr. Rolf Illenberger, Managing Director of VRdirect, it is important to note that VR is not fading away but rather evolving alongside AI.
In fact, the convergence of these two technologies is shaping the future of our digital interactions and the emergence of the metaverse, another technological buzzword that seems to have faded since its inception. In this article, we will explore how VR and AI are intertwined and the exciting possibilities they offer based on insights shared by Dr. Illenberger.
The Metaverse and VR’s Role
When discussing the metaverse, it is vital to remember that it is not limited to VR. It encompasses augmented reality (AR), voice recognition, and contextual technologies as well. Of course, VR is an essential part of the metaverse since it enables immersive experiences, but it is not alone in shaping the future of interaction with technology.
Another crucial detail to understand is that VR is not competing with AI. They are complementary technologies that do and will coexist.
Ultimately, the metaverse aims to make human interaction with the digital world more intuitive, revolutionizing how we engage with technology. AI takes on a different role.
AI’s Behind-the-Scenes Power
While AI is a powerful technology, it primarily operates behind the scenes, enhancing the intelligence and capabilities of systems. AI won’t fundamentally change how we interact with technology, but it will make technology smarter.
To that end, the metaverse future will be AI-enabled, with big players investing in both VR and AI. It’s important to recognize that the hype surrounding AI will inevitably follow a typical hype cycle, much like other technologies. That is not to undermine its importance, but it is not the only revolutionary technology on the horizon.
VR’s Journey and Inflection Point
One can look at VR when discussing hype cycles. It went through its own hype cycle, taking a decade to reach the slope of productivity. Now, the initial hype has subsided, and we are witnessing real-world deployment of VR in various industries.
In fact, the hardware is ready, especially for business-to-business (B2B) applications. Software solutions like VRdirect’s platform are proof of that, empowering users to create, manage, and share VR projects effortlessly. This convergence of factors marks a significant inflection point for VR’s broader adoption.
AI Integration in VRdirect
VRdirect is at the forefront of VR technology. Their software platform enables enterprises to master VR projects with their internal teams, but it does not exist entirely devoid of AI.
Recently, VRdirect introduced its first AI-enabled feature, allowing content creators to generate virtual environments using text prompts. The integration of AI in the creator process will simplify and streamline VR project creation further. It is expected that AI will continue to be used and empower VR moving forward.
The Intelligent Interaction Options
One way AI and VR will join is through intelligent interaction options within VR projects. For instance, integrating AI-powered avatars to provide intelligent answers and facilitate user engagement.
The use of AI within VR will enable a natural and immersive experience for users, creating personalized interactions tailored to their needs. VRdirect is also exploring partnerships with companies in different sectors, like insurance, and is open to integrating AI engines with their VR platform.
The Return to Work and VR’s Role
VR is also involved in the cultural shift of remote work and returning to the office. As more people return to work, VR can play a significant role in facilitating remote collaboration and training.
With VR’s immersive capabilities, teams can engage in realistic simulations, virtual showrooms, and training sessions, regardless of physical location. For example, VRdirect’s platform allows enterprises to harness VR’s potential to enhance productivity, employee training, and customer engagement.
Conclusion
The future of VR and AI integration is promising. As the metaverse continues to evolve, VR will remain an integral part of this digital realm, and the convergence of VR and AI will lead to more immersive and intelligent experiences, transforming various industries.
VRdirect’s innovative software platform showcases the immense potential of VR in enterprise settings. With AI’s continuous advancement and VR’s growing adoption, we are on the cusp of a technological revolution that will redefine how we interact with the digital world.
John Boitnott is a reporter at Grit Daily on From the Ground Up and Grit Daily’s Daily Update. He is a journalist and digital strategist who has worked at TV, print, radio and Internet companies for almost 25 years. As a professional writer with a background in the newsroom, he’s advised and created content for a wide variety of companies and publishers, helping them build their popularity. He has also written for Entrepreneur, Motley Fool, Inc., BusinessInsider, Fortune, NBC, Fast Company, USA Today and Venturebeat.