4 Ways Virtual Reality Is Helping Save the World (and Lives)

#1 - VR Use Minimizes CO₂ Emissions

The environmental impact of working from home versus commuting to the office is understood and easily calculable. As an engineer who has worked from his home for three years, I can take pride in knowing that my own carbon footprint is significantly reduced. But more obviously, I see the difference in my wallet. Saving money while reducing your carbon footprint is an ecological/financial win-win situation.

In the same way, creative solutions using virtual reality technology can also provide the same win-win scenario for marketing, training and technical support. Imagine the economic and ecological costs that can be avoided if you replace a typical in-person training session or marketing opportunity with a virtual one: flights, rental car, shipping of materials and equipment. Since anything in the real world can be produced digitally, you can contain all PPE, electrical equipment and other items into a single application loaded onto a wireless standalone VR headset.

One company, Multiphoton Optics, was creating about 96 tons of CO2 per round trip to showcase their large 3D printer. With a VR solution, they reduced their average trade show emissions down to about 1.5 tons, a carbon footprint reduction of almost 99%! [1]

#2 - VR Use Complements Social Distancing

As global events like the coronavirus pandemic occur and frequently result in travel bans, quarantines, event cancellations and workday adjustments, the use of virtual reality technology provides flexibility for businesses and individuals whose day-to-day routines have been altered.

A wireless, standalone VR headset can be used by employees in their homes and then transported to the next employee as needed (after a good wipe down!). Coupled with online presentations and seminars, a comprehensive training solution can be achieved despite any setbacks to the normal way of doing things.

#3 - VR Use Augments Learning

Research suggests many benefits of implementing virtual reality technology: efficiency, effectiveness, increased engagement, and improved retention and recall. [2] While traditional classroom and slideshow formats convey necessary information, real learning takes place once you actually perform a task, or embody the information.

When explaining the value that Virtual Reality content offers, I often say “Once you try it, you’ll understand it.” The experience of performing tasks in a virtual world sells itself. It’s just fun.

#4 - VR Use Prepares for the Zombie Apocalypse

And last but not least, you get practice saving yourself and the world from zombies, aliens, robots and the like. You can practice your lightsaber swordsmanship and use any number of tools, weapons and firearms in a safe, comfortable environment. Think you’re calm under pressure? Only one way to find out…

[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/4-reasons-why-vr-virtual-reality-future-safety-stephen-byers-p-e-/

[1] https://vrgineers.com/how-vr-can-significantly-reduce-a-companys-carbon-footprint-and-save-money/

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