VR/AR/XR infrastructure is a set of technologies and hardware that support the operation of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. It includes both hardware components (such as VR goggles, cameras, sensors, and controllers) and software and platforms that enable users to interact with 3D worlds in real time. VR/AR/XR infrastructure is crucial to the development of applications in fields such as education, entertainment, industry, and medicine.
VR/AR/XR Infrastructure
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- VR/AR goggles: Devices that enable users to immerse themselves in a virtual world (VR) or overlay information on the real world (AR).
- Cameras and sensors: Tracking the movement of the user and objects in the environment for accurate reproduction of movements in the virtual world.
- Controllers: Devices that enable interaction with the virtual world, such as through gestures or buttons.
- Cloud servers and platforms: They enable real-time processing and rendering of VR/AR/XR content.
- Tracking and rendering software: Algorithms that track motion and generate 3D images in real time.
Industry usage
- Industry: Simulations of production lines and training for employees in simulated environments.
- Medicine: Virtual surgeries, surgical training, and real-time anatomical visualisations.
- Education: Virtual classrooms and labs that enable students to experiment interactively.
- Entertainment: VR games, 360° videos, and interactive virtual reality experiences.
- Architecture and design: Visualisations of construction projects and simulations of spaces before their physical construction.
Importance for the economy
VR/AR/XR infrastructure has a huge impact on the development of many sectors, from entertainment and gaming to education, medicine, and industry. In education, VR enables remote training and simulation. In industry, it can be used to design, test prototypes, and manage production lines. In the medical sector, VR and AR support surgeons in precision operations and enable training in a simulated environment. The development of VR/AR/XR infrastructure also opens up new opportunities in retail, tourism, and marketing.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI is used to optimise rendering and motion analysis in VR/AR/XR environments.
Cloud Computing
The VR/AR/XR infrastructure uses cloud computing power to render and process data in real time.
Big Data
Analysing large data sets from sensors and cameras supports more realistic representation of motion and objects.
Internet of Things
Integration with IoT devices enables real-world data to be synchronised with the virtual environment.
Robotisation
VR/AR/XR infrastructure can be integrated with industrial automation systems, e.g. for simulating manufacturing processes.
Automation
VR/AR/XR infrastructure can be integrated with industrial automation systems, e.g. for simulating manufacturing processes.
Mechanism of action
- VR/AR/XR infrastructure is based on processing data from sensors, cameras, and other devices to generate interactive experiences in a virtual or augmented environment. The VR/AR/XR goggles, equipped with screens and sensors, track the movements of the user’s head and change the image to match the field of view. Controllers and sensors enable users to manipulate objects in a virtual world. In advanced XR systems, the real world is enhanced with virtual elements in real time. The whole system is based on a network and cloud infrastructure that enables data synchronisation and processing.
Advantages
- User immersion: VR/AR/XR enables the user to be fully immersed in a virtual world or to enhance reality with additional information.
- Improving efficiency: In industrial applications, VR/AR/XR helps to test solutions before they go into production.
- Time and cost savings: With VR/AR/XR simulations, it is possible to conduct training and testing without creating physical prototypes.
- Remote support: Possibility of remote training, consultation, and repair in industrial and medical environments.
- Personalising the experience: VR/AR/XR enables users to customise content in real time.
Disadvantages
- Implementation costs: Building an advanced VR/AR/XR infrastructure requires large investments.
- Data security: Processing large amounts of sensor and camera data can lead to privacy risks.
- Technological complexity: Implementing advanced VR/AR/XR solutions requires specialised knowledge.
- Ergonomic problems: Prolonged use of VR/AR devices can lead to physical discomfort.
- Dependence on connectivity: High-quality VR/AR/XR requires fast Internet connections and low latency.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- VR/AR devices: Goggles, sensors, and controllers that enable users to interact with the virtual environment.
- Computing power: Cloud servers and platforms that support real-time rendering.
- Software: VR/AR/XR design and content creation tools, such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
- Technical team: Specialists in software engineering, 3D graphics, and VR/AR project management.
- Computing environment: Platforms for managing and synchronising data in real time.
Required competences
- Computer graphics: Ability to create three-dimensional models and virtual environments.
- Programming: Knowledge of programming languages used in VR/AR/XR, such as C#, Python, and JavaScript.
- VR/AR project management: Competence in VR/AR/XR project planning and execution.
- Process optimisation: Ability to optimise VR/AR applications and devices to run smoothly in real time.
- Data security: Knowledge of methods to protect user privacy and secure infrastructure.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High electricity demand to power VR/AR devices and servers that process data in real time.
- Emissions of pollutants: The production and operation of VR/AR equipment and computing infrastructure can contribute to CO2 emissions, especially in data centres.
- Raw material consumption: Manufacturing high-tech VR goggles, sensors, and controllers requires raw materials, including rare earth metals that are difficult to obtain.
- Recycling: VR/AR equipment upgrades and replacements generate electronic waste that must be disposed of properly.
- Water consumption: Cooling data centres that support VR/AR/XR infrastructure can lead to significant water consumption.
Legal conditions
- Legislation governing the implementation of solutions, such as AI Act (example: regulations on accountability for interactive VR/AR/XR systems in education and medicine).
- Safety standards: Regulations for the security of users using VR/AR/XR technologies and the data that is processed in these systems (example: ISO/IEC 27001 regarding information security).
- Intellectual property: Protection of 3D designs, models, and software used in VR/AR/XR systems (example: copyright on 3D models).
- Data security: Regulations for data protection of VR/AR/XR users (example: GDPR in the European Union).
- Export regulations: Restrictions on the export of advanced VR/AR devices and computing technologies to sanctioned countries (example: regulations for the export of VR/AR technologies to restricted countries).