10 ways virtual reality is used to make the world a better place

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We used to think that virtual reality gadgets are only needed for incredibly realistic video games and movies. In fact, there are many more applications for VR devices, and many of them bring huge benefits to people.

Virtual reality gadgets have tremendous potential and can change the future in different areas of life - from medicine, business and architecture to tourism and manufacturing of goods.

1. Treatment of paralysis of the lower extremities

In a study at Duke University, it was found that treating paralyzed people using virtual reality gives amazing results.

During the experiment, patients played virtual football in a VR helmet. After this therapy, the brain regions responsible for leg movements were restored. Of the eight participants in the experiment, all regained control over their legs to varying degrees, and in four the diagnosis of "complete paralysis of the lower extremities" was changed to "partial paralysis."

2. Treatment of PTSD

Exposure therapy is commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During the course of treatment, the patient imagines the traumatic events and tells the doctor what happens when he is faced with a stressful situation.

Virtual reality works in a similar way, only from the patient's imagination the action is transferred to the screen of the VR helmet. In the virtual space, an environment is created that corresponds to the traumatic events. For example, for war veterans, it will be a world with helicopters, machine guns and missiles. After viewing, the doctor asks the patient to tell what happened in virtual reality. When faced with traumatic events in a safe environment, a person gradually learns to control their fears.

3. Education of students of medical faculties

Virtual reality provides future doctors with a safe environment for operations and procedures. During virtual practice, students can make mistakes without risking the patient's life and health, as well as prepare for various unforeseen circumstances in real life.

The ability to interact with a virtual patient allows students to develop the necessary skills to treat real people.

4. Pain relief

Virtual reality gadgets are used to deliver distraction therapy to help people cope with pain during treatment.

In 2011, a study was conducted in which the military was asked to play SnowWorld instead of taking painkillers - a virtual game where you have to throw snowballs at penguins to the music of Paul Simon. It turned out that such a pastime helps to cope with pain better than morphine.

5. Treatment of panic attacks

Play is used as an analogue of diaphragmatic breathing exercises and helps people cope with fear and anxiety. The player puts on a special breathing belt, immerses himself in the virtual underwater world and performs breathing exercises in a relaxing environment.

Just five minutes of concentration on your breath provides deep relaxation and a sense of serenity.

6. Assistance in acquiring social skills for children with autism

Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas created a program that uses virtual reality to develop social skills in children with autism Michelle R. Kandalaft, Nyaz Didehbani, Daniel C. Krawczyk, Tandra T. Allen, Sandra B. Chapman. … …

By placing children and adolescents in social scenarios such as a job interview or blind date, the program teaches them to recognize and respond to social cues. During the use of his development by children, the professor noticed an increase in brain activity in areas responsible for understanding social signals.

7. Helping business

Virtual reality is already being used in a variety of businesses to reduce costs, reduce business travel, conduct interviews, excursions and meetings, and predict trends.

Instead of real-world travel or face-to-face interviews with candidates, companies use virtual meeting rooms.

Businesses dealing with dangerous or new products can use virtual reality to assess the safety and functionality of their products without risking employee health.

8. Creation of architectural models

Virtual reality has taken a firm place in the design industry. Designers and architects have long enjoyed the benefits of virtual space: computer-generated models have replaced freehand drawings, dramatically speeding up layout adjustments, lowering costs, and increasing security.

Real-world modeling not only simplified the creation of structures and the organization of space, but also allowed the environment to be tested before the building was built. For example, you can find out how quickly people can leave a building in an emergency.

9. Car safety check

Virtual reality allows the design engineer to check the safety of a vehicle before it goes into production.

In addition to the manufacturing process, many large car companies such as Ford, Volvo or Hyundai are using virtual reality for sales, inviting potential buyers to try on a VR headset for a virtual ride in their vehicles.

10. Vacation planning

Soon, travelers looking to purchase a tour will be able to explore the place, hotel or city they plan to travel to. This technology has already been tested at the Bluewater Shopping Center in Kent, UK. It includes virtual helicopter tours over Manhattan, a visit to a swimming pool in Rhodes in Greece and a restaurant in Cyprus.

As you can see, virtual reality is useful not only in the gaming industry. She is rapidly conquering new areas of activity and helping to make the world a little better.

In what other areas do you think virtual reality can be applied?