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Technology Trends/Augmented and Virtual Reality (view source)

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<h2>Industry Usage</h2>

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AR and VR technology has a wide variety of applications from both commercial and business standpoints and more possibilities are being explored constantly. The global AR market is expected to grow to $60.55 billion (USD) <ref>Markets and Markets. (July, 2017). Augmented Reality Market by Offering, Device Type, Application, and Geography. MarketsandMarkets Research Private Ltd. Retrieved on 13-February-2019 from: [www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/augmented-reality-market-82758548.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_J60r6_Q4AIVCZ7ACh3BuQ4tEAAYASAAEgLvq_D_BwE. ]</ref> by 2023 and the VR market is expected to be $44.7 billion by 2024<ref> Markets and Markets. (January, 2019). Virtual Reality Market by Offering, Device Type, Application, and Geography. MarketsandMarkets Research Private Ltd. Retrieved on 13-February-2019 from: [www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/augmented-reality-market-82758548.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_J60r6_Q4AIVCZ7ACh3BuQ4tEAAYASAAEgLvq_D_BwE. ]</ref> . Within the workplace, several companies are experimenting with virtual workstations. The Virtual Desktop app capable of being used on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive is designed to provide users with a virtual Windows Desktop that can be physically interacted with in virtual reality. <ref>Heaney, David. (November 29th, 2018). Virtual Desktop (Mobile) Review: The Best Way to Access Your PC From Occulus Go. UploadVR. San Francisco, USA. Retrieved on 13-February-2019 from: [https://uploadvr.com/virtual-desktop-oculus-go-review/ ]</ref> On the AR side, a company called Meta is testing the use of an interactive holographic workstation to replace desktop computers. Users can instead use a 3D environment to store, display, and interact with virtual objects and other documents. <ref> Wang, Selina. (July 18th, 2017). This Startup Wants to Replace Your Office With 3d Holograms. Bloomberg L.P. New York, USA. Retrieved on 11-February-2019 from: [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-18/this-startup-wants-to-replace-your-office-with-3d-holograms ]</ref>

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AR and VR technology has a wide variety of applications from both commercial and business standpoints and more possibilities are being explored constantly. The global AR market is expected to grow to $60.55 billion (USD)<ref>Markets and Markets. (July, 2017). Augmented Reality Market by Offering, Device Type, Application, and Geography. MarketsandMarkets Research Private Ltd. Retrieved on 13-February-2019 from: [www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/augmented-reality-market-82758548.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_J60r6_Q4AIVCZ7ACh3BuQ4tEAAYASAAEgLvq_D_BwE. ]</ref> by 2023 and the VR market is expected to be $44.7 billion by 2024<ref> Markets and Markets. (January, 2019). Virtual Reality Market by Offering, Device Type, Application, and Geography. MarketsandMarkets Research Private Ltd. Retrieved on 13-February-2019 from: [www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/augmented-reality-market-82758548.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_J60r6_Q4AIVCZ7ACh3BuQ4tEAAYASAAEgLvq_D_BwE. ]</ref> . Within the workplace, several companies are experimenting with virtual workstations. The Virtual Desktop app capable of being used on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive is designed to provide users with a virtual Windows Desktop that can be physically interacted with in virtual reality<ref>Heaney, David. (November 29th, 2018). Virtual Desktop (Mobile) Review: The Best Way to Access Your PC From Occulus Go. UploadVR. San Francisco, USA. Retrieved on 13-February-2019 from: [https://uploadvr.com/virtual-desktop-oculus-go-review/ ]</ref>. On the AR side, a company called Meta is testing the use of an interactive holographic workstation to replace desktop computers. Users can instead use a 3D environment to store, display, and interact with virtual objects and other documents<ref> Wang, Selina. (July 18th, 2017). This Startup Wants to Replace Your Office With 3d Holograms. Bloomberg L.P. New York, USA. Retrieved on 11-February-2019 from: [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-18/this-startup-wants-to-replace-your-office-with-3d-holograms ]</ref>.

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For general use, Google Translate running on a smartphone can be used in AR mode to translate speech and text. When using the camera on a smartphone the Google Translate application can process an image with text written in one language and translate it to another. Another sensory modality of AR is provided by Google in the form of natural language translation. A recent update has enabled all Google Assistant optimized headphones and Android phones with the ability to do live audio translations. <ref>Google. (2019). What are Google Pixel Buds?. Google. Retrieved 11-February-2019 from: [https://support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7545575?hl=en&ref_topic=7544331 ]</ref>

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For general use, Google Translate running on a smartphone can be used in AR mode to translate speech and text. When using the camera on a smartphone the Google Translate application can process an image with text written in one language and translate it to another. Another sensory modality of AR is provided by Google in the form of natural language translation. A recent update has enabled all Google Assistant optimized headphones and Android phones with the ability to do live audio translations<ref>Google. (2019). What are Google Pixel Buds?. Google. Retrieved 11-February-2019 from: [https://support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7545575?hl=en&ref_topic=7544331 ]</ref>.

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The process of prototyping is undergoing a major shift towards using AR and VR to explore and test new prototypes in a cost-effective way. The benefit of these technologies is that it allows all interested parties (engineers, assembly line workers, customers, management, marketers, safety regulators, etc.) of a project to come together and interact with a model before it goes into production. For example, the tech firm Finger Food created an AR solution for the truck manufacturer Paccar, which could be seamlessly integrated into their design workflow. <ref>Finger Food. (2019). Paccar: Fundamentally changing big industry with big technology. Finger Food Studios. Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Retrieved 11-February-2019 from: [https://www.fingerfoodstudios.com/case-study/paccar/ ]</ref> It allows the user to view and interact with full scale models of trucks and to test various physics simulations on the models in real time. Another example is the global architecture firm IA (Interior Architecture) who is using InsiteVR to build models of their designs. <ref>InsiteVR. (2019). VR Meetings for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. InsiteVR. 2019. Retrieved 13-February-2019 from: [https://www.insitevr.com/ ]</ref> This also allows clients of the company to “tour” the designs and give input before designs are finalized. Ford is another company using VR technology to help its engineers when designing elements of their vehicles. Audi has taken this technology to the consumer allowing customers to view, configure, and customize certain elements of their vehicles.

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The process of prototyping is undergoing a major shift towards using AR and VR to explore and test new prototypes in a cost-effective way. The benefit of these technologies is that it allows all interested parties (engineers, assembly line workers, customers, management, marketers, safety regulators, etc.) of a project to come together and interact with a model before it goes into production. For example, the tech firm Finger Food created an AR solution for the truck manufacturer Paccar, which could be seamlessly integrated into their design workflow<ref>Finger Food. (2019). Paccar: Fundamentally changing big industry with big technology. Finger Food Studios. Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Retrieved 11-February-2019 from: [https://www.fingerfoodstudios.com/case-study/paccar/ ]</ref>. It allows the user to view and interact with full scale models of trucks and to test various physics simulations on the models in real time. Another example is the global architecture firm IA (Interior Architecture) who is using InsiteVR to build models of their designs<ref>InsiteVR. (2019). VR Meetings for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. InsiteVR. 2019. Retrieved 13-February-2019 from: [https://www.insitevr.com/ ]</ref>. This also allows clients of the company to “tour” the designs and give input before designs are finalized. Ford is another company using VR technology to help its engineers when designing elements of their vehicles. Audi has taken this technology to the consumer allowing customers to view, configure, and customize certain elements of their vehicles.

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Education and training are also starting to change thanks to the adoption of AR and VR. Through VR, trainees can be immersed in a training environment where they can get hands-on practice without the possibility of real life mistakes. The aviation industry has been using simulation technologies for decades, but now with the relative ease of access to those technologies more sectors are adopting AR and VR for training purposes. For example, the forklift training company certify.me created a VR app for certifying new forklift operators where trainees are presented with a variety of virtual scenarios that demonstrate what to do and what not to do. <ref>CertifyMe.net (September, 2016) Virtual Reality Training: New Forklift Training Video in VR Certifyme.net. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://www.certifyme.net/virtual-reality-training/ ]</ref> NASA has a mixed reality space where astronauts in training are immersed in a VR simulation while also being in a 1:1 physical space where they can walk around and touch real objects presented to them in the VR environment. <ref> Kolodny, Lora. (2017). Nasa is using a mixed reality space station to train astronauts. TechCrunch. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/26/nasa-is-using-a-mixed-reality-space-station-to-train-astronauts/ ]</ref>

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Education and training are also starting to change thanks to the adoption of AR and VR. Through VR, trainees can be immersed in a training environment where they can get hands-on practice without the possibility of real life mistakes. The aviation industry has been using simulation technologies for decades, but now with the relative ease of access to those technologies more sectors are adopting AR and VR for training purposes. For example, the forklift training company certify.me created a VR app for certifying new forklift operators where trainees are presented with a variety of virtual scenarios that demonstrate what to do and what not to do<ref>CertifyMe.net (September, 2016) Virtual Reality Training: New Forklift Training Video in VR Certifyme.net. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://www.certifyme.net/virtual-reality-training/ ]</ref>. NASA has a mixed reality space where astronauts in training are immersed in a VR simulation while also being in a 1:1 physical space where they can walk around and touch real objects presented to them in the VR environment<ref> Kolodny, Lora. (2017). Nasa is using a mixed reality space station to train astronauts. TechCrunch. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/26/nasa-is-using-a-mixed-reality-space-station-to-train-astronauts/ ]</ref>.

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Repair and construction work have also been augmented. Recently, some AR solutions have been created to help workers make effective repairs. For example, Boeing engineers are now equipped with glasses that overlay instructions and the proper placement of wires over a physical object that is being repaired. <ref>Upskill. (2019) Upskill and Boeing: Reinventing aerospace manufacturing and supply chain management. Upskill. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://upskill.io/landing/upskill-and-boeing/]</ref> The glasses are also equipped with a camera that lets a supervisor view the work being done and give live feedback. The adoption of AR has reduced production time for Boeing by 25% and lowered error rates to practically zero. The construction industry is also adopting a mixed reality approach for completing construction projects. A recent development is an augmented reality app for construction workers that super-imposes the 3D mockup of a construction project over the real environment being built. <ref>Lorek, Sarah. (January 30th, 2018) Mixed Reality in Construction Gets Real with Trimble’s Hololens Hard Hat. Constructible. Retrieved 13-February-2019 from: [https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/mixed-reality-in-construction-gets-real-with-trimble-hololens-hard-hat-video ]</ref> This has helped with accurately finishing projects with fewer interpretation errors, as opposed to the traditional method of comparing the worksite to a two dimensional architectural plan.

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Repair and construction work have also been augmented. Recently, some AR solutions have been created to help workers make effective repairs. For example, Boeing engineers are now equipped with glasses that overlay instructions and the proper placement of wires over a physical object that is being repaired<ref>Upskill. (2019) Upskill and Boeing: Reinventing aerospace manufacturing and supply chain management. Upskill. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://upskill.io/landing/upskill-and-boeing/]</ref>. The glasses are also equipped with a camera that lets a supervisor view the work being done and give live feedback. The adoption of AR has reduced production time for Boeing by 25% and lowered error rates to practically zero. The construction industry is also adopting a mixed reality approach for completing construction projects. A recent development is an augmented reality app for construction workers that super-imposes the 3D mockup of a construction project over the real environment being built<ref>Lorek, Sarah. (January 30th, 2018) Mixed Reality in Construction Gets Real with Trimble’s Hololens Hard Hat. Constructible. Retrieved 13-February-2019 from: [https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/mixed-reality-in-construction-gets-real-with-trimble-hololens-hard-hat-video ]</ref>. This has helped with accurately finishing projects with fewer interpretation errors, as opposed to the traditional method of comparing the worksite to a two dimensional architectural plan.

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Augmented reality is also well suited for the itemization of tasks, in the sense that all of the steps of a process or a task are neatly overlaid on a wearer’s field of view, until the item is completed properly. For example, AR has been used to help workers navigate large and complicated warehouse layouts to locate packages they need to find to complete an order. <ref>Porter, Michael, et al. (November-December 2017) A Manager’s guide to Augmented Reality. Harvard Business Publishing. Retrieved 11-February-2019 from: [https://hbr.org/2017/11/a-managers-guide-to-augmented-reality ]</ref>

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Augmented reality is also well suited for the itemization of tasks, in the sense that all of the steps of a process or a task are neatly overlaid on a wearer’s field of view, until the item is completed properly. For example, AR has been used to help workers navigate large and complicated warehouse layouts to locate packages they need to find to complete an order<ref>Porter, Michael, et al. (November-December 2017) A Manager’s guide to Augmented Reality. Harvard Business Publishing. Retrieved 11-February-2019 from: [https://hbr.org/2017/11/a-managers-guide-to-augmented-reality ]</ref>.

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AR and VR are providing marketers with novel spaces and new formats for creating campaigns. Many business have developed AR solutions that let consumers “test drive” products before they are purchased, like trying on clothes, glasses, and hairstyles. Ikea, for example created the Ikea Place app that lets users see how a virtual piece of furniture would look inside their home at full scale. <ref> Dasey, Daniel. Try Before you Buy: Ikea Place Augmented Reality. Ikea. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://highlights.ikea.com/2017/ikea-place/ ]</ref> There is also a shift towards making advertisements more interactive and immersive as they will leave a longer lasting impression on the audience, as opposed to traditional advertising efforts.

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AR and VR are providing marketers with novel spaces and new formats for creating campaigns. Many business have developed AR solutions that let consumers “test drive” products before they are purchased, like trying on clothes, glasses, and hairstyles. Ikea, for example created the Ikea Place app that lets users see how a virtual piece of furniture would look inside their home at full scale<ref> Dasey, Daniel. Try Before you Buy: Ikea Place Augmented Reality. Ikea. Retrieved 15-February-2019 from: [https://highlights.ikea.com/2017/ikea-place/ ]</ref>. There is also a shift towards making advertisements more interactive and immersive as they will leave a longer lasting impression on the audience, as opposed to traditional advertising efforts.

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To promote the horror franchise “Saw” a VR mini-game was created where users needed solve a puzzle within an interactive room. <ref>D’Angleo, Matt. (December 5th, 2017). How Virtual Reality is Impacting the Ad Industry. Business.com. Retrieved 27-February-2019 from: [: https://www.business.com/articles/virtual-reality-advertising-augmented/ ]</ref> Biometric data from that group was compared with a control group that only saw a trailer in VR, and it revealed that the VR room left a longer lasting impression. Within a VR environment, biometric data can be measured in real time which lets marketers know how effective a campaign really is.

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To promote the horror franchise “Saw” a VR mini-game was created where users needed solve a puzzle within an interactive room<ref>D’Angleo, Matt. (December 5th, 2017). How Virtual Reality is Impacting the Ad Industry. Business.com. Retrieved 27-February-2019 from: [: https://www.business.com/articles/virtual-reality-advertising-augmented/ ]</ref>. Biometric data from that group was compared with a control group that only saw a trailer in VR, and it revealed that the VR room left a longer lasting impression. Within a VR environment, biometric data can be measured in real time which lets marketers know how effective a campaign really is.

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Entertainment is still one of the largest uses for AR and VR. The explosive and sustained popularity of Pokémon Go (a mobile game AR application with 147 million monthly users <ref>Philips, Tom. (June 27th, 2018). Pokemon Go Active Player Count Highest Since 2016 Summer Launch. EuroGamer. Retrieved 27-February-2019 from: [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-27-pokemon-go-player-count-at-highest-since-2016-summer-launch ]</ref>) proves there is a large base of users who are open to using the technology. VR games come in all shapes and sizes and the market is projected to hit 22.9 billion by 2020 <ref>Statista. (2015). Virtual Reality video gaming sales revenue worldwide from 2015-2020. Statista. Retrieved 29-Fabruary-2019 from: [https://www.statista.com/statistics/499714/global-virtual-reality-gaming-sales-revenue/ ]</ref>. VR as a medium is also being explored for the film industry and it is said to improve empathy and it can be used as a teaching tool. Even in the world of law, Bloomberg Law speculates that VR might be incorporated into the courtroom, so that evidence can be better understood in an immersive environment. <ref>Kaufman, Bruce. (November 16th, 2017). The Next Frontier for Virtual Reality: Courtrooms. Bloomberg BNA. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [https://www.bna.com/next-frontier-virtual-n73014472186/ ]</ref>

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Entertainment is still one of the largest uses for AR and VR. The explosive and sustained popularity of Pokémon Go (a mobile game AR application with 147 million monthly users <ref>Philips, Tom. (June 27th, 2018). Pokemon Go Active Player Count Highest Since 2016 Summer Launch. EuroGamer. Retrieved 27-February-2019 from: [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-27-pokemon-go-player-count-at-highest-since-2016-summer-launch ]</ref>) proves there is a large base of users who are open to using the technology. VR games come in all shapes and sizes and the market is projected to hit 22.9 billion by 2020 <ref>Statista. (2015). Virtual Reality video gaming sales revenue worldwide from 2015-2020. Statista. Retrieved 29-Fabruary-2019 from: [https://www.statista.com/statistics/499714/global-virtual-reality-gaming-sales-revenue/ ]</ref>. VR as a medium is also being explored for the film industry and it is said to improve empathy and it can be used as a teaching tool. Even in the world of law, Bloomberg Law speculates that VR might be incorporated into the courtroom, so that evidence can be better understood in an immersive environment<ref>Kaufman, Bruce. (November 16th, 2017). The Next Frontier for Virtual Reality: Courtrooms. Bloomberg BNA. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [https://www.bna.com/next-frontier-virtual-n73014472186/ ]</ref>.

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Use cases have also been explored in the medical field. Since medical practitioners rely heavily on visual information, AR and VR is well placed to help them visualize tasks. One such creation is a handheld device developed by Accuvein that reads the heat signature of a patients veins and projects an AR map of the underlying vasculature onto their skin. <ref>AccuVein. (2015). AccuVein Vein Visualization: The Future of Healthcare is Here. AccuVein. Retrieved 18-February-2019 from: [https://www.accuvein.com/why-accuvein/ar/ ]</ref> This has increased the likelihood of finding a vein on the first try by 3.5 times for those using the machine. A patient’s information can also be used to pre-plan surgeries in VR, their CT and MRI scans can be used to recreate a digital body that can be explored in detail in VR. <ref>mVR Division. Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform. Surgical Theater LLC. Los Angeles, California. Retrieved 18-February-2019 from: [https://www.surgicaltheater.net/plan-navigate/ ]</ref> Similarly, those same scans can be super-imposed onto the patient in real-time to guide doctors to the problem area before a surgery and have a better idea of what they are targeting under the patient’s skin.<ref>Microsoft Reporter. (February 8th, 2018). Surgeons use Microsoft HoloLens to see inside patients before they operate. Microsoft. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2018/02/08/surgeons-use-microsoft-hololens-to-see-inside-patients-before-they-operate-on-them/ ]</ref>

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Use cases have also been explored in the medical field. Since medical practitioners rely heavily on visual information, AR and VR is well placed to help them visualize tasks. One such creation is a handheld device developed by Accuvein that reads the heat signature of a patients veins and projects an AR map of the underlying vasculature onto their skin <ref>AccuVein. (2015). AccuVein Vein Visualization: The Future of Healthcare is Here. AccuVein. Retrieved 18-February-2019 from: [https://www.accuvein.com/why-accuvein/ar/ ]</ref>. This has increased the likelihood of finding a vein on the first try by 3.5 times for those using the machine. A patient’s information can also be used to pre-plan surgeries in VR, their CT and MRI scans can be used to recreate a digital body that can be explored in detail in VR<ref>mVR Division. Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform. Surgical Theater LLC. Los Angeles, California. Retrieved 18-February-2019 from: [https://www.surgicaltheater.net/plan-navigate/ ]</ref>.Similarly, those same scans can be super-imposed onto the patient in real-time to guide doctors to the problem area before a surgery and have a better idea of what they are targeting under the patient’s skin<ref>Microsoft Reporter. (February 8th, 2018). Surgeons use Microsoft HoloLens to see inside patients before they operate. Microsoft. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2018/02/08/surgeons-use-microsoft-hololens-to-see-inside-patients-before-they-operate-on-them/ ]</ref>.

<h2>Canadian Government Use</h2>

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The GC has invested $9.5 million in AR technology developed by Vancouver-based software company NGRAIN. <ref>Market Wired. (June 26th, 2013). Harper Government Supports Market-Leading Canadian SME. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved 22-February-2019 from: [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/harper-government-supports-market-leading-180734827.html ]</ref> The software company has developed an interactive 3D AR platform for aerospace company Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin uses this interactive platform as a tool to perform maintenance on fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22. The company reports reduced maintenance time and less errors. The Canadian Military is also investing in VR, they have recently purchased a mixed reality simulation to train helicopter operators in the use of a hoist system.<ref>Burke, David. (April 10th, 2018) Fear makes virtual training lessons stick in Nova Scotia’s thriving VR industry. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/virtual-reality-business-technology-nova-scotia-1.4609172 ]</ref> This and other projects like it reduce the training costs associated with hands-on jobs, where no costly accidents can happen and learners are allowed to learn from their mistakes in a risk-free environment.

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The GC has invested $9.5 million in AR technology developed by Vancouver-based software company NGRAIN<ref>Market Wired. (June 26th, 2013). Harper Government Supports Market-Leading Canadian SME. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved 22-February-2019 from: [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/harper-government-supports-market-leading-180734827.html ]</ref>. The software company has developed an interactive 3D AR platform for aerospace company Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin uses this interactive platform as a tool to perform maintenance on fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22. The company reports reduced maintenance time and less errors. The Canadian Military is also investing in VR, they have recently purchased a mixed reality simulation to train helicopter operators in the use of a hoist system<ref>Burke, David. (April 10th, 2018) Fear makes virtual training lessons stick in Nova Scotia’s thriving VR industry. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/virtual-reality-business-technology-nova-scotia-1.4609172 ]</ref>. This and other projects like it reduce the training costs associated with hands-on jobs, where no costly accidents can happen and learners are allowed to learn from their mistakes in a risk-free environment.

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The GC has also been investing in AR and VR as tools of education and entertainment. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, $482,000 was awarded to Motive.io to develop a location based AR experience that takes users through Ottawa’s cultural heritage. <ref>Public Services and Procurement Canada. (November 20th, 2017). Government of Canada supports BC augmented reality startup through Build in Canada Innovation Program. Published by Cision Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 22-February-2019 from: [https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-british-columbia-augmented-reality-startup-through-build-in-canada-innovation-program-658845663.html ]</ref> Although there is no substantial research yet to support the claim that immersive VR experiences increase empathetic responses, many projects are being developed with that goal in mind. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) helped fund a VR Residential School that takes viewers into a world crafted by survivors and researchers, it’s hoped that the project will eventually be adopted as a teaching tool for high schools. <ref>University of Manitoba. (September 12th, 2018). Launch of a virtual reality Canadian Residential School. University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [http://news.umanitoba.ca/launch-of-a-virtual-reality-canadian-residential-school/ ]</ref> Even the Parliament of Canada has been turned into an interactive augmented virtuality environment, this time by partnering with Carleton University to create a virtual tour of the Senate where users can walk around the building and click on points of interest to learn of their historical significance.

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The GC has also been investing in AR and VR as tools of education and entertainment. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, $482,000 was awarded to Motive.io to develop a location based AR experience that takes users through Ottawa’s cultural heritage<ref>Public Services and Procurement Canada. (November 20th, 2017). Government of Canada supports BC augmented reality startup through Build in Canada Innovation Program. Published by Cision Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 22-February-2019 from: [https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-british-columbia-augmented-reality-startup-through-build-in-canada-innovation-program-658845663.html ]</ref>. Although there is no substantial research yet to support the claim that immersive VR experiences increase empathetic responses, many projects are being developed with that goal in mind. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) helped fund a VR Residential School that takes viewers into a world crafted by survivors and researchers, it’s hoped that the project will eventually be adopted as a teaching tool for high schools<ref>University of Manitoba. (September 12th, 2018). Launch of a virtual reality Canadian Residential School. University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Retrieved 20-February-2019 from: [http://news.umanitoba.ca/launch-of-a-virtual-reality-canadian-residential-school/ ]</ref>. Even the Parliament of Canada has been turned into an interactive augmented virtuality environment, this time by partnering with Carleton University to create a virtual tour of the Senate where users can walk around the building and click on points of interest to learn of their historical significance.

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<ref>Senate of Canada. (March 1st, 2017). Senate Virtual Tour. Government of Canada. Retrieved 6-February-2019 from: http://tour-ext.sencanada.ca/tour/index.html and [https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/how-why/the-senate-virtual-tour-your-digital-admission-to-the-red-chamber/ ]</ref>

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<ref>Senate of Canada. (March 1st, 2017). Senate Virtual Tour. Government of Canada. Retrieved 6-February-2019 from: http://tour-ext.sencanada.ca/tour/index.html and [https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/how-why/the-senate-virtual-tour-your-digital-admission-to-the-red-chamber/ ]</ref>.

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The Canadian Military stands to benefit the most from the use of AR and VR technology, given their needs for logistics management, training solutions, and personnel management. At present, the military mainly uses those technologies for training purposes. Some simulations are entirely based in VR, and some have real physical equipment that can be “used” in a VR environment. Bluedrop, a performance learning and IT consulting and development firm, has designed both types of training programs, and one of their mixed reality simulations in particular integrates a real CH-47 Chinook helicopter fuselage into a virtual training program. <ref>Arellano, Nestor. (August 26th, 2019). VR, gaming technology and training the future soldier. Vanguard Canada. Retrieved 6-February-2019 from: [https://vanguardcanada.com/2016/08/26/vr-gaming-technology-training-future-soldier/ ]</ref> The Canadian Armed Forces has more than 230 simulators in 125 locations across Canada, and not included in this count is the number of Navy and Airforce simulators<ref>Boutilier, Alex. (January 1st, 2015). Canadian Forces expand virtual reality training capabilities. Toronto Star Papers. Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/01/01/canadian_forces_expand_virtual_reality_training_capabilities.html ]</ref> Military therapists have also explored the use of VR to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers, as a way for them to safely explore the source of their trauma and move past it. <ref>Madigan, Jennifer. (December 19th, 2017). Virtual reality simulation and neurofeedback to help PTSD. Blueline, Annex Business Media. Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [https://www.blueline.ca/news/features/virtual-reality-simulation-and-neurofeedback-to-help-ptsd-5076 ]</ref> Through the Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security program, a few projects involving AR and VR have received funding from the Department of National Defense. Categories include cognitive performance enhancement, Resilient Non-GPS Based Positioning Navigation and Timing, and understanding and addressing PTSD.<ref>Department of National Defense. IDEas Recipients. Government of Canada. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas/past-opportunities/ideas-recipients.html ]</ref>

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The Canadian Military stands to benefit the most from the use of AR and VR technology, given their needs for logistics management, training solutions, and personnel management. At present, the military mainly uses those technologies for training purposes. Some simulations are entirely based in VR, and some have real physical equipment that can be “used” in a VR environment. Bluedrop, a performance learning and IT consulting and development firm, has designed both types of training programs, and one of their mixed reality simulations in particular integrates a real CH-47 Chinook helicopter fuselage into a virtual training program<ref>Arellano, Nestor. (August 26th, 2019). VR, gaming technology and training the future soldier. Vanguard Canada. Retrieved 6-February-2019 from: [https://vanguardcanada.com/2016/08/26/vr-gaming-technology-training-future-soldier/ ]</ref>. The Canadian Armed Forces has more than 230 simulators in 125 locations across Canada, and not included in this count is the number of Navy and Airforce simulators<ref>Boutilier, Alex. (January 1st, 2015). Canadian Forces expand virtual reality training capabilities. Toronto Star Papers. Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/01/01/canadian_forces_expand_virtual_reality_training_capabilities.html ]</ref>. Military therapists have also explored the use of VR to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers, as a way for them to safely explore the source of their trauma and move past it<ref>Madigan, Jennifer. (December 19th, 2017). Virtual reality simulation and neurofeedback to help PTSD. Blueline, Annex Business Media. Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [https://www.blueline.ca/news/features/virtual-reality-simulation-and-neurofeedback-to-help-ptsd-5076 ]</ref>. Through the Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security program, a few projects involving AR and VR have received funding from the Department of National Defense. Categories include cognitive performance enhancement, Resilient Non-GPS Based Positioning Navigation and Timing, and understanding and addressing PTSD<ref>Department of National Defense. IDEas Recipients. Government of Canada. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas/past-opportunities/ideas-recipients.html ]</ref>.

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The Government of Canada (GC) can provide better services to citizens and other departments through the use of AR and VR technology. The government can provide a clearer vision of its planning and documentation. For architectural projects, for example, virtual tours of proposed sites and renovations can be given to citizens and other stakeholders. The same concept can also be used in courtrooms to help explain evidence in a convincing and immersive way. Policy and documentation can now become more interactive in the world of AR and VR technology.

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Additionally, AR and VR technology can accommodate the accessibility needs of GC employees and citizens interacting with the GC. AR and VR are part of a suite of technologies known as Adaptive Computer Technology (ACT), which aids in providing assistance to those with sensory, mobility, dexterity and learning disabilities who work on or communicate through computers. AR and VR can reduce the barriers presented by the standard computer interface and can offer new and adaptive ways for GC employees and citizens to interact with GC information and data. <ref>Shared Services Canada. (April 3rd, 2019). Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT). Government of Canada. Aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca. (819) 994-4835. Retrieved 03- May-2019 from: [https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/aaact-program.html ]</ref>

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Additionally, AR and VR technology can accommodate the accessibility needs of GC employees and citizens interacting with the GC. AR and VR are part of a suite of technologies known as Adaptive Computer Technology (ACT), which aids in providing assistance to those with sensory, mobility, dexterity and learning disabilities who work on or communicate through computers. AR and VR can reduce the barriers presented by the standard computer interface and can offer new and adaptive ways for GC employees and citizens to interact with GC information and data<ref>Shared Services Canada. (April 3rd, 2019). Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT). Government of Canada. Aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca. (819) 994-4835. Retrieved 03- May-2019 from: [https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/aaact-program.html ]</ref>.

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The use of AR and VR technology can also aid and support public safety and emergency services. For example, if emergency vehicles are fitted with AR Head-Up windshield displays this could help with route navigation, allowing responders to find the quickest route and obtain traffic information in real-time. Location based AR technology could also allow first responders to gain insight on dangers and hazardous conditions around them. Through the Innovative Solutions Canada program, a current challenge open to the public is the creation of a heads up and hands free solution for supporting firefighters in the field. <ref> Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. (2018). Head Up Hands Free Firefighting. Government of Canada. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/101.nsf/eng/00056.html]</ref>

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The use of AR and VR technology can also aid and support public safety and emergency services. For example, if emergency vehicles are fitted with AR Head-Up windshield displays this could help with route navigation, allowing responders to find the quickest route and obtain traffic information in real-time. Location based AR technology could also allow first responders to gain insight on dangers and hazardous conditions around them. Through the Innovative Solutions Canada program, a current challenge open to the public is the creation of a heads up and hands free solution for supporting firefighters in the field<ref> Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. (2018). Head Up Hands Free Firefighting. Government of Canada. Retrieved 8-February-2019 from: [http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/101.nsf/eng/00056.html]</ref>.

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Prolonged use of AR and VR gear has not been extensively studied, and there could be unknown risks that have yet to be uncovered, such as health risks to employees etc. The use of AR and VR in the form of wearable technology in the workplace could also provide further challenges. Although the technology can increase connectivity among employees and simplicity of user interfaces, AR and VR technology could also cause employees to lose focus on the task at hand when working using the AR and VR technology. This challenge could be expected to diminish as AR and VR technologies become more commonplace.

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AR and VR technologies are great for the immersion factor, however being disconnected from the physical world while still being physically present within it can make users “blind” to the environment around them. According to a study from Purdue University done in Tippecanoe County (US), the popular AR game Pokemon Go has been linked to two deaths and has caused an increase in car accidents near “PokeStops” (real world locations with in-game components) since users are playing the game while driving or walking. <ref>Sharwood, Simon. (November 27th, 2019). Pokemon Go Caused Hundreds of Deaths, Increased Crashes. The Register. International. Retrieved 27-February-2019 from: [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/27/pokemon_go_caused_car_accidents_and_deaths/ ]</ref> There is also anecdotal evidence of VR headset wearers forgetting their surroundings and tripping over physical objects within a room, falling out of chairs, and even hitting other people around them. Developers will need to consider elements of special awareness when designing solutions and how liability laws may affect them.

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AR and VR technologies are great for the immersion factor, however being disconnected from the physical world while still being physically present within it can make users “blind” to the environment around them. According to a study from Purdue University done in Tippecanoe County (US), the popular AR game Pokemon Go has been linked to two deaths and has caused an increase in car accidents near “PokeStops” (real world locations with in-game components) since users are playing the game while driving or walking<ref>Sharwood, Simon. (November 27th, 2019). Pokemon Go Caused Hundreds of Deaths, Increased Crashes. The Register. International. Retrieved 27-February-2019 from: [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/27/pokemon_go_caused_car_accidents_and_deaths/ ]</ref>. There is also anecdotal evidence of VR headset wearers forgetting their surroundings and tripping over physical objects within a room, falling out of chairs, and even hitting other people around them. Developers will need to consider elements of special awareness when designing solutions and how liability laws may affect them.

Another issue for AR and VR is that of interoperability between devices. For mobile devices, there are a number of platforms from which to access VR applications but not all platforms are available on all devices. iPhone and Android users are limited by what they are able to download from their respective application stores. AR headsets are not limited by their hardware like smartphones, but applications must live within a platform for them to function and there are many platforms to choose from on the market. An AR platform in this context is similar to an operating system for the headset, where developers can create solutions that run on the platform.

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SSC should consider working through its Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) team to pilot AR and VR solutions to those with sensory, mobility, and learning needs. <ref>Shared Services Canada. (April 3rd, 2019). Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT). Government of Canada. Aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca. (819) 994-4835. Retrieved 03- May-2019 from: [https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/aaact-program.html]</ref> SSC could engage with employees who have requested assistance from AAACT and collaborate with them to test various technologies in order to assess whether or not they reduce the barriers to work for those with impairments.

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SSC should consider working through its Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) team to pilot AR and VR solutions to those with sensory, mobility, and learning needs<ref>Shared Services Canada. (April 3rd, 2019). Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT). Government of Canada. Aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca. (819) 994-4835. Retrieved 03- May-2019 from: [https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/aaact-program.html]</ref>. SSC could engage with employees who have requested assistance from AAACT and collaborate with them to test various technologies in order to assess whether or not they reduce the barriers to work for those with impairments.

Given that the AR and VR markets are not yet mature and that more advancements are projected, SSC senior management should proceed with caution as it relates to the procurement of AR and VR. Additionally, caution is advised regarding the hype surrounding the promises of immersive technologies. What is depicted in popular films such as “Ready Player One” has already inflated the expectations of consumers and does not accurately reflect the business reality and utility of AR and VR today.

Felix.legros

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Technology Trends/Augmented and Virtual Reality (view source)

Revision as of 10:32, 14 February 2020

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