Innovation Labs / Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented and Virtual Reality

Discovering the power of Extended Reality Technology

Exploring Augmented and Virtual Reality

With a commitment to allowing our customers to engage with the latest cutting edge technology, Version 1 Innovation Labs have been researching Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) solutions to add value to our customer’s businesses. Version 1 has a wide variety of customers working across multiple different industries such as retail, manufacturing and pharmaceutical, which has given the Innovation Labs the opportunity to research and build interactive, innovative experiences.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where objects in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information. Augmented Reality can be defined as a system that fulfils three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation experience that can be similar to, or completely different from the real world. Virtual Reality is fully immersive, allowing the user to explore and interact with a three-dimensional world as if there were there. Applications of Virtual Reality can include entertainment and educational purposes.

Extended reality (XR) is the term used to refer to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables.

The Technology behind Augmented and Virtual Reality

  • Augmented Reality
    Modern smartphones and tablets contain camera and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors such as an accelerometers, GPS, and solid-state compasses, making them suitable AR platforms. Custom AR headsets such as Microsoft Hololens and Magic Leap are recommended for an optimal experience.

    A key measure of AR systems is how realistically they integrate augmentations with the real world. The software must derive real-world coordinates, independent of camera, and camera images. That process is called image registration and uses different methods of computer vision, mostly related to video tracking.
  • Virtual Reality
    Virtual Reality can be experienced using smartphones combined with a lightweight headset (ex. Google Cardboard) but for the best experiences, a headset powered by a computer is recommended (ex. Oculus or PS4 VR).

    The Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) was intended for the development of "virtual worlds" without dependency on headsets. Nowadays, VRML needs frameworks and headsets such as Unity or Unreal to build experiences.

Use Cases

Augmented and Virtual Reality isn't limited to just entertainment - Version 1 are exploring ways the technology can be applied in real use cases for enterprises.

Data Visualisation
Augmented and Virtual Reality provide new platforms to visualise data in new, interactive ways.
Remote Assistance
Extended Reality can be used to detail repairs, utilising specialised experts in remote areas.
Training
Using Augmented and Virtual Reality for training can reduce costs for employee onboarding through intrusive learning experiences.
Retail
Augmented and Virtual Reality provide a platform for shoppers to view products and associated information both remotely and digitally.
Education
Extended Reality can be used to deliver interactive and innovative learning experiences to students.

Using AR and VR to Visualise Data

Version 1 is proud to announce a joint initiative between DAE Capital and the Innovation Labs, in which the Innovation Labs will investigate new and intrusive ways of visualising and exploring their data in a more interactive manner using Extended Reality technology.

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