VR/AR/XR simulators are advanced technological tools that enable the creation of realistic simulations and interactive virtual, augmented, or mixed environments. Users can interact with the virtual environment to practice and hone skills that require precision, experience, or training in a safe and controlled environment. The simulators are used in education, medicine, aviation, industry, and entertainment.
VR/AR/XR Simulators
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Simulation algorithms: Software that recreates real-world conditions and scenarios in a virtual environment, such as simulating medical procedures, flying an airplane, or operating machinery.
- Motion tracking: Systems that monitor user movements and convert those movements into interactions with the virtual environment.
- Rendering engines: Software to create 3D models and visualisations for realistic representation of VR/AR/XR environments.
- VR/AR kits: Devices, such as goggles, sensors, and controllers, that enable users to be fully immersed in the simulated environment.
- User interfaces: Tools that enable intuitive interaction with virtual objects and simulations.
Industry usage
- Medicine: Simulators for surgical operations, patient diagnosis, and medical procedures.
- Aviation: Pilot training in simulated flight conditions, emergency scenarios, and navigation tests.
- Industry: Training in machine operation, simulation of emergency repairs in factories, and occupational safety tests.
- Military: Realistic operational training and simulation of tactical operations under combat conditions.
- Entertainment: Simulators for car racing, extreme sports, and space flight.
Importance for the economy
VR/AR/XR simulators are widely used in sectors that require intensive training and skill development, such as medicine, aviation, industry, and the military. They lower the cost of physical training equipment, reduce the risk of errors, and enable multiple exercises under controlled conditions. With simulators, employees can practice high-risk scenarios, such as surgical operations or test flights, without risk to health and safety.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI can support dynamic adaptation of scenarios in simulators depending on user behaviour.
Cloud Computing
Simulators can use cloud computing power to store and process large amounts of data and synchronise in real time.
Big Data
VR/AR/XR simulators can collect and analyse data from user interactions to improve simulation scenarios.
Internet of Things
Integration with IoT devices makes it possible to simulate real processes, e.g. in industry or logistics.
Robotisation
Simulators can be integrated with automation systems to enable realistic training in simulated factories or production lines.
Automation
Simulators can be integrated with automation systems to enable realistic training in simulated factories or production lines.
Mechanism of action
- VR/AR/XR simulators are based on integrating user tracking devices with simulation algorithms that recreate realistic scenarios in a virtual environment. Users wear VR goggles or use AR/XR devices that provide 3D images and enable interaction with virtual objects in real time. The rendering engines generate visualisations that change according to the user’s movements and interactions with the virtual environment. Simulators can also offer feedback, such as vibrations or sounds, to enhance the realism of the experience.
Advantages
- Safe training: VR/AR/XR simulators enable training in a virtual environment, eliminating the risks associated with real-world situations.
- Cost savings: Ability to run simulations without the need for physical models or expensive equipment.
- Repeatability: With simulators, scenarios can be repeated several times, which increases the efficiency of learning.
- Realism: Advanced rendering engines and simulation algorithms reproduce realistic conditions, making training more effective.
- Flexibility: The simulators can be customised for different industries and scenarios, which makes them versatile.
Disadvantages
- Cost of implementation: The initial cost of creating an advanced VR/AR/XR simulator can be high, especially for small companies.
- Technological complexity: Creating realistic simulations requires advanced technical knowledge and programming skills.
- User fatigue: Prolonged use of VR/AR/XR simulators can lead to physical or mental fatigue.
- Equipment dependence: The quality of the simulation depends on the performance of the hardware, such as VR goggles, controllers, and sensors.
- Adaptation problems: Some users may have difficulty adapting to virtual environments, which can affect the effectiveness of simulations.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- VR/AR devices: Goggles, sensors, and controllers that enable interaction with virtual simulations.
- Simulation software: VR/AR/XR simulation design and management tools, such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
- Servers and cloud computing: Infrastructure for storage and processing of simulation data and real-time synchronisation.
- Technical team: Programmers, software engineers, 3D graphics specialists, and training scenario designers.
- Computing environment: Computing power for processing data related to realistic real-time simulations.
Required competences
- Programming: Ability to create realistic VR/AR/XR simulations using technologies such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
- Simulation algorithms: Knowledge of advanced simulation algorithms that reproduce real-world conditions in a virtual environment.
- Computer graphics: Ability to design three-dimensional models and environments that support realistic simulations.
- Project management: Competence in the planning and implementation of VR/AR/XR simulators in various sectors, such as medicine, industry, and aerospace.
- Software optimisation: Ability to optimise algorithms and software to run smoothly in real time without lag.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: VR/AR/XR simulators require significant computing power to render realistic simulations, which leads to increased energy consumption, especially for prolonged use.
- Raw material consumption: Manufacturing VR/AR devices, such as goggles, controllers, and sensors, requires the use of advanced technologies and raw materials, including rare earth metals.
- Emissions of pollutants: The production of VR/AR equipment and the operation of data centres supporting simulators can lead to CO2 and other emissions.
- Recycling: In the case of VR/AR/XR technology, hardware upgrades and frequent replacements generate electronic waste, which must be properly recycled to minimise negative environmental impact.
- Water consumption: Cooling data centres that support advanced VR/AR simulators can lead to increased water consumption.
Legal conditions
- Legislation governing the implementation of solutions, such as AI Act (example: regulations for simulators used in medicine and aviation, which must meet certain safety standards).
- Safety standards: Regulations for the security of users of VR/AR/XR simulators and the protection of data that is processed by these systems (example: ISO/IEC 27001 regarding information security).
- Intellectual property: Protection of 3D models, simulation algorithms, and software used in simulators (example: copyright on simulation algorithms and technologies).
- Data security: Regulations for the protection of the personal data of simulator users, especially in sectors such as medicine and aviation (example: GDPR in the European Union).
- Export regulations: Restrictions on the export of advanced VR/AR/XR technologies and equipment used in simulation to sanctioned countries (example: regulations for the export of VR/AR simulation technologies to restricted countries).