VR/AR/XR software is a set of tools, applications, and platforms that enable the creation, management, and interaction with virtual, augmented, and mixed environments. With these technologies, users can interact with simulated worlds, receive real-time data, and visualise three-dimensional objects. The software is used in a wide range of fields, including education, industry, entertainment, medicine, and marketing.
VR/AR/XR Software
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Rendering engines: Real-time 3D graphics creation and rendering software, such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
- Motion tracking: Algorithms to monitor the position and movements of the user and objects in a VR/AR environment.
- User interfaces: Software responsible for designing intuitive interactions in virtual and augmented environments.
- Communications software: Tools to integrate VR/AR/XR with other systems, such as IoT and cloud computing.
- Simulation tools: Software to support the creation of realistic simulations in virtual and augmented realities.
Industry usage
- Education: Creating virtual classrooms and labs to enable interactive experiments and simulations.
- Industry: Design virtual prototypes and test manufacturing processes under simulated conditions.
- Medicine: Training of surgeons, simulation of operations, and diagnostics using anatomical visualisations in AR.
- Trade: Presenting products in augmented reality to enable customers to virtually try on or view goods.
- Entertainment: VR games and applications that offer users full immersion in virtual worlds.
Importance for the economy
VR/AR/XR software is increasingly being used in various business sectors. In education, it enables remote teaching and virtual experiments. In industry, it supports the design and testing of prototypes. In medicine, it facilitates the training of surgeons and the diagnosis of patients. In retail, AR software enables products to be displayed in augmented reality, improving the shopping experience. As VR/AR/XR technology evolves, software will have an even greater impact on process optimisation and the creation of new business models.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI optimises interactions in virtual environments, e.g. by personalising user experience.
Cloud Computing
VR/AR/XR software often uses the cloud for data storage and real-time synchronisation.
Big Data
VR/AR software can analyse large amounts of data from user interactions, supporting the development of more personalised environments.
Internet of Things
Integration of VR/AR software with IoT devices enables real-time analysis and visualisation of sensor data.
Automation
VR/AR/XR software can be used in industrial process automation, such as production line simulation.
Mechanism of action
- The VR/AR/XR software is based on processing data from sensors, cameras, and control devices and rendering 3D images that adapt to the user’s position and movement. In augmented reality (AR) environments, the software overlays virtual elements on top of real camera images, enabling interaction with visual data in real time. The software also enables integration with data analytics systems to create intelligent environments that dynamically respond to user actions.
Advantages
- Interactivity: VR/AR/XR software enables the creation of interactive environments that enhance user engagement.
- Scalability: The ability to easily customise the software to meet the needs of different sectors, from education to industry.
- Faster prototyping: Virtual reality simulations enable prototypes to be tested without the need for physical models.
- Remote training: VR/AR enables training and simulations to be conducted remotely, which is particularly useful in the context of limitations when travelling.
- Personalisation: The software can tailor content to individual user preferences in real time.
Disadvantages
- High implementation costs: Implementing advanced VR/AR/XR software can be expensive, especially for smaller companies.
- Data security: VR/AR/XR software processes users’ personal data, which carries privacy risks.
- Technical complexity: Developing and maintaining VR/AR/XR software requires specialised skills and advanced technical infrastructure.
- Risk of addiction: Prolonged use of virtual environments can lead to addiction and psychological problems.
- Hardware limitations: The effectiveness of VR/AR/XR software depends on the quality and performance of the hardware it works with.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- 3D graphics software: Tools, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, for creating virtual environments.
- VR/AR devices: Goggles, controllers, and sensors to interact with the software.
- IT infrastructure: Servers and cloud computing to support real-time rendering and data synchronisation.
- Technical team: 3D graphics specialists, software engineers, programmers, and interface designers.
- Computing environment: The computing power needed to render complex 3D models in real time.
Required competences
- Computer graphics: Ability to create and optimise three-dimensional models and interactive environments.
- Programming: Knowledge of languages used in VR/AR application programming, such as C#, Python, and JavaScript.
- Interface design: Creating intuitive and functional user interfaces in VR/AR environments.
- Performance optimisation: Ability to optimise software to run smoothly on various VR/AR devices.
- Project management: Competence in VR/AR/XR project planning and execution.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Rendering 3D graphics in real time requires a lot of processing power, which increases electricity consumption.
- Raw material consumption: Manufacturing VR/AR devices, such as goggles and sensors, requires the use of raw materials, including rare earth metals that are difficult to mine and process.
- Emissions of pollutants: The production of VR/AR devices and software support servers can lead to CO2 and other emissions.
- Recycling: Upgrading VR/AR equipment generates electronic waste that needs to be properly managed and recycled.
- Water consumption: Cooling data centres that support VR/AR infrastructure can lead to high water consumption.
Legal conditions
- Legislation governing the implementation of solutions, such as AI Act (example: regulations on accountability for interactive VR/AR applications used in education and medicine).
- Safety standards: Regulations for the security of users using VR/AR software and the protection of data that is processed in these systems (example: ISO/IEC 27001 regarding information security).
- Intellectual property: Protection of algorithms, 3D models, and software developed in VR/AR environments (example: copyright on technologies used in VR/AR applications).
- Data security: Regulations for the protection of users’ personal data in VR/AR applications, especially if used in medicine and education (example: GDPR in the European Union).
- Export regulations: Restrictions on the export of advanced VR/AR software and devices to sanctioned countries (example: regulations for the export of VR/AR technologies to restricted countries).