VR/AR
Haptics in Ready Player One: an analysis of fact and fiction
The release of Ready Player One this past weekend is a significant moment for the Virtual Reality industry. Ernest Cline's bestselling science fiction adventure will achieve a Spielberg-fueled launch to new heights of popular culture fame. It describes a world where living in the virtual reality of the OASIS becomes preferable to living within a dystopian future society riddled by war and energy crises.
The benefits of exploring the virtual world
Since its inception in 1957, VR has been used for a multitude of purposes, from computer gaming and music videos to training simulations and product prototyping. Manufacturing is the latest industry to take the plunge as it incorporates virtual worlds into building information modelling (BIM). Glyn Shawcross, Group Design Manager at Boulting Group, explains the practicalities and benefits of VR and BIM.
Creating VR solutions with Citrix technology
In recent years, VR has become increasingly popular in automotive, aerospace, and built environment sectors. ebb3 is utilising Citrix technology to offer new VR technology solutions for designers in these industries. Thanks to its ability to help users visualise the projects they are developing, and to enable non-technical clients to engage in the design process.
IMU improves virtual and augmented reality applications
At electronica China in Shanghai, Bosch Sensortec has launched the BMI085, a high-performance 6-axis IMU. The BMI085 integrates a 3-axis, 16-bit MEMS acceleration sensor and a 3-axis, 16-bit MEMS gyroscope in a single compact package. This powerful IMU is ideally suited for demanding VR and AR applications as well as other applications, such as navigation, body/human motion tracking and high-end gaming.
A visual information system for the hearing-impaired
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a visual communication system for hearing-impaired employees in logistics. Data glasses display information relevant to the work process in the employee's field of view. AR, which unites the real and virtual worlds, has long been a research focus area at the TUM Chair for Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics, says Prof. Willibald Günthner.
From something you can feel to something that feels right
Helped by EU funding, Ultrahaptics is the first and only company in the world to develop a device which allows users to feel sensations with their bare hands while interacting in mid-air with a touchless sensing system. This frontier heralds a fundamentally new relationship with technology. The EU-funded UTOUCH project has enabled the development of ultrasonic speakers which project Invisible forces into the air, capable of being felt on hum...
Planning entire systems with virtual reality
Schnaithmann implements the demand for support in planning conveyor or assembly systems with the help of virtual reality. Already in the conception phase, the customer can experience his subsequent installation on a holodeck, realistically, and then virtually examine it for ergonomic aspects or maintenance easiness. The use of virtual reality technology also promises advantages when training employees.
Virtual living in the architectural world
When you buy a car, you test drive it first, right? When you buy an expensive piece of jewellery or clothing, you’ll try it on before handing over the cash. When you buy a house, you take a good walk around it, inspect every corner and tap every wall - probably several times - before taking out the mortgage. However, if you decide to invest thousands or even millions in building your own property, the first time you get to see the fini...
MicroLED-based AR and VR HUD concept displayed at CES 2018
Plessey Semiconductors has successfully demonstrated how its monolithic microLED technology can be used to deliver the next-gen of Head-Up Displays (HUDs), enabling new AR and VR applications. MicroLEDs are emerging as the only technology that can provide high luminance in a small format. All leading manufacturers of wearable technologies are currently pursuing manufactures that can deliver a suitable microLED solution.
Blade smart glasses developer kit programme launches
Supplier of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and products for the consumer and enterprise markets, Vuzix has announced its launch of the developer kit pre-order programme for its Vuzix Blade AR Smart Glasses.