By Jennifer Mullen
Historically, 3D virtual worlds such as those seen in gaming, were digital places that existed on their own, operating in parallel like a virtual multiverse.
However, the confluence of the 3D internet and emerging technologies like extended reality (XR) and digital twins have created the right conditions for this virtual multiverse to converge and evolve into a unified, interoperable metaverse.
The metaverse concept encompasses the virtualised ecosystem, the ways we interact within it, and what we are interacting with. This new plane brings with it infinite potential for greater connection and a more human digital experience.
Enter the metaverse
The 2-dimensional (2D) Internet of Information’s search, server, and browser functionalities put vast encyclopedic knowledge at our fingertips. Now, the 3-dimensional (3D) Internet of Value connects us to information, services, and to each other in dynamic, interactive ways. It combines two different technologies—the internet and 3D graphics—to allow users to communicate with other users and interact with features within that virtual space in real time.
Through the 3D internet, the metaverse displays interconnected services as virtual worlds to build organisational cohesion that defies time, distance, and global disruption. This enables better decision-making by putting deep data insights at our fingertips and it facilitates faster processes through automation and cloud-enabled access to critical information.
Experience the metaverse
The fully immersive experience envisioned for the metaverse is enhanced through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) technologies. These types of devices remove the avatar as an intermediary and allow users to virtually view anything themselves.
AR, VR, and XR give us eyes to experience the metaverse. Through them, we explore a virtual representation of the physical world and the things in it.
From societal and cultural elements to products and components to human systems, digital twins map the physical world in ways that can be viewed, manipulated, and maintained digitally and then applied in the physical world.
In many ways, the world we see through AR could be more accurate than the one we see without. This is because AR technology allows us to extend past what we are observing and can glean contextual details or simulate scenarios that predict future events based on the inputs we provide.
Not only do digital twins help to streamline the design and development of new products, but they are also invaluable in designing the facilities where they are manufactured. The data collected from connected medical devices and other healthcare data may allow us to create identical digital twins of ourselves.
Rather than replacing, digital twins and the metaverse are augmenting the human experience. From the cities we live in, to the products we use, and even to our own health, the metaverse eliminates the constraints of time and distance to connect us with the services we need and the people we rely on.
Across multiple sectors, these capabilities carry revolutionary potential that can touch every aspect of an organisation. Let’s explore some of the industries already putting the metaverse to use.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers can use virtual environments to design and test prototypes which allows them to iterate on designs more quickly, and reduce costs associated with physical prototyping.
In the design process, remote collaboration enables teams to work together in real-time regardless of their physical location—an invaluable benefit for manufacturers serving global customers.
The metaverse brings benefits for worker training and safety, as well. Manufacturers can simulate complex processes which allow workers to practise in a safe, controlled environment before performing their tasks in the real world.
Simulation training applications reduce errors and mitigate the risk of reportable workplace incidents which makes workers and facilities more efficient.
Healthcare
When it comes to the healthcare sector, the metaverse can improve access to healthcare services, enhance medical education and training, and provide new research and therapy tools.
Telemedicine capabilities allow patients and providers to interact in a virtual environment and enable remote consultations, diagnoses, and treatments.
Medical simulations improve healthcare education by allowing students to perform procedures virtually, giving them first-hand experience that benefits real-world patients.
Health data visualisation gives patients and practitioners deeper insight into medical conditions and allows them to work together towards a tailored treatment that both parties feel good about.
Researchers can simulate healthcare treatments and test their efficacy, understand potential interactions, and even identify other maladies their treatment might be beneficial for.
Remote service
As XR capabilities continue to improve, the metaverse will become more instrumental in enabling remote service.
The metaverse will facilitate remote training and knowledge transfer. Technicians can train in a virtual environment and tap real-time information which can aid in their skills development and reduce field errors down the road. This is particularly beneficial for global service organisations where teams and expertise are spread out geographically.
The metaverse’s collaboration and communication benefits enable technician teams and engineers to work together in real-time to solve issues which improves response time and reduces downtime. Technicians can use the metaverse’s virtual environments to diagnose and repair issues remotely on their own, further improving service quality and service continuity.
The future
The digital world enables users to experience situations as if they are physically present and the improved simulations made possible by the metaverse mitigate risk, reduce costs, and avoid unnecessary labor.
The metaverse’s true potential lies in how sectors are able to put it to use. Virtual and augmented reality and simulation technology are already manifesting transformative benefits for many industries, and this will continue to grow.
Jennifer Mullen is emerging technology solutions manager at Keysight Technologies
