No metaverse without augmented and virtual reality. Meta’s Tino Krause assesses the prospects he sees for augmented reality and virtual reality in commerce. Our preview lists eight commercially available AR and VR projects.
A tourist stands at the Nikolaikirche in Potsdam. His next stop is Sanssouci Palace. But the visits make you thirsty. On the way, he would like to have a coffee – preferably with lactose-free milk. He doesn’t need to ask passers-by. The smartphone stays in your pocket. The thirsty tourist simply speaks his Augmented reality glasses “Which means of transportation will get me there the fastest – with a short stopover at the best bakery in town?” The route is displayed on the glasses a few milliseconds later, and a nearby e-scooter is activated. Nothing stands in the way of a coffee and a visit to the castle.
Metaverse Basics
Photo: © stylephotographs/123RF.com
A beautiful view. But technologies like augmented reality (RA) and virtual reality (VR) will soon make it a reality. In addition to AR and VR, a term keeps coming back: that metaverse. Tino Krause explains what’s behind it. “The metaverse connects independent parts in a three-dimensional environment. This is the further development of the mobile Internet.” But for the head of Meta in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there are still worlds between what the Metaverse should be and what it can already do .
Lighter and more mobile glasses
On the one hand there is the Material. Most VR glasses models are anything but mobile. “You are suspended from a cable which is in turn connected to a powerful desktop computer.” Also wearing comfort leaves a lot to be desired. It is difficult to work for more than an hour with the relatively bulky and heavy equipment.
From one world to another
On the other hand, there is also a problem with them apps. In the metaverse, various Applications communicate with each other, objects from one medium to another be transferable. Online gamblers are familiar with the phenomenon. The elaborately equipped character is tied to his game world and cannot, for example, switch to another program as an avatar.
Hear and feel better
The worksites also include the speech Recognition. “We are already working on a voice assistant that uses artificial intelligence to capture and process human speech.” In addition to acoustic perception, there is also improved haptics on the meta-calendar. At the moment they are gloveswith which visitors to the metaverse are also supposed to feel materials, very awkward.
AR and VR in commerce
It still exists metaverse do not. Tino Krause expects virtual space created in the next ten years. Development and design are one process, involving many actors. His employer Meta is one of them. “No switches are flipped and, bang, the metaverse is here.” Some well-known brand makers are already exploring how they can present themselves in a virtual space and make money.
VR environments
Is it necessary that craft also on the way? Tino Krause is ambivalent. “A virtual reality environment itself for createrequires a lot of 3D design know-how, and it’s still incredibly expensive.” It’s a different story when the VR environment provided will be. So could vocational schools or training workshops offer part of their distance courses in virtual reality. “It would be especially beneficial for interns who would otherwise have to walk a long way or spend a lot of time in boarding school.”
In any case, companies should do their homework in terms of online presence To do. For him, this includes about a site optimized for search engines and well-maintained social media channels. In the medium to long term, augmented reality is likely to offer businesses the greatest opportunities, according to him.
AR apps
Virtual objects such as furniture can be placed in a real room via AR. Photo: © Alexei Gorodenkov/123RF.com
That virtual objects in the visible real world become is fans of Pokemon Go long-time familiar. Thanks to the smartphone’s camera, they see both their surroundings and a Pikachu on the screen.
Such AR app could easily be in craft to transfer. A customer could furniture place in his apartment, various glasses try a suitable one Reconcile choose or register for a mural decide. “In 99% of cases, a smartphone is sufficient for such AR applications”, explains Tino Krause.
Using Spark AR
the Startedorder first own augmented reality effects To create one, Meta offers the free Spark AR program and accompanying guides and video tutorials. “Instagram’s filters are powered by Spark AR technology.” programming skills will be not required. Craftsmen such as carpenters, metalworkers, model builders or technical system planners should provide a small advantage. “Anyone who already uses CAD software or similar programs should quickly and easily get to grips with Spark AR”, is convinced Tino Krause.
Commercial AR/VR Projects
in the craft It already exists some projectsdealing with the use of augmented reality (RA) and virtual reality (VR) employ. All projects described below were or are funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Current projects
AR makes visible what cannot be seen at first glance. Such applications can be used, for example, to train technicians in automotive mechatronics. Photo: © sharpness86/123RF.com
In the project context “AR Training Scenarios for the Automotive Trade” (ARTKfz), the Center for Business Promotion Götz of the Potsdam Chamber of Crafts will offer inter-company training Car mechanic modernize. Apprentices must come augmented reality (AR) train how to repair and maintain vehicles. The project runs from January 2021 to March 2023.
The Götz Trade Promotion Center of the Potsdam Chamber of Crafts is involved as a partner in another project: Digital concepts for modern training in the mechatronics of agricultural and construction machinery (DiKonA). The goal is to digitally complete, test and evaluate nine ÜLU courses. For this, each of the four partners develops two to three course concepts whose content is coordinated beforehand within the association. In the didactic design of the courses, the project team uses digital media and innovative training materials such as AR and VR apps and tablets. The project runs from September 2020 to June 2023.
In the project context “Augmented Reality for the implementation of digital models of buildings“(ARUB) plan the construction industry training centers in Krefeld, Augmented reality apps in inter-company training Mason, Tiler and road builder to integrate and enhance them digitally. The project runs from January 2022 to June 2023.
professionals in the craft plan bathrooms or assemble stairs more and more using augmented reality (AR). The Schweinfurt training center of the Lower Franconia Chamber of Crafts therefore wants to integrate AR technology into inter-company training. The project “Augmented reality in manual training(ARihA) runs from October 2020 to June 2023.
Smart buildings require specialists to have a broad understanding of processes and systems. That is why the Dresden Center for Electrical Education and Technology provides cross-company training for Electronic engineer specialized in energy and building technologies adapt to changing qualification requirements. The project team “Digital innovations for training in electrical trades” (DInA-Elektro) is developing a qualification concept to promote the media skills of educational staff and to train trainers for new learning scenarios with digital media such as virtual reality or enrich it with gamification elements. The project runs from September 2020 to June 2023.
In the project “Technical communication in mechatronics of agricultural and construction machinery” (tekom_LandBauMT), the Bau-ABC Rostrup training center wants to adapt inter-company training to technological developments. Digital technologies such as analysis and design software and augmented reality go into service. The project runs from September 2020 to June 2023.
Finished projects
In the project “Action-oriented learning in the VR paint shop” (HandLeVR) has become the hands-on learning of techniques to perform automotive paint jobs between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021 for future vehicle painter didactically and technically examined, systematized and implemented using a VR paint shop. The group included the chair for complex multimedia application architectures at the University of Potsdam and the central office for continuing education in the professions. The application partner was Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH.
In the project “Insertion into vocational training in the particular case of automotive mechatronics using virtual reality technology” (InKraFT) From October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020, the targeted use of digital media has been the inclusion in the training business automotive mechatronics technician tested. The concept: classical education is complemented by learning content accessible to people with disabilities virtual reality completed, transmitted via an online platform and adapted to the needs of learners. The hands-on activities of the GK4/15 course can be learned and practiced in a barrier-free VR learning app.
DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital DHB!