By: Sean Boelman
You’ve probably heard a lot about the metaverse being described as the “future of work,” but what exactly does that mean? How might this technology — and a seemingly abstract one, at that — affect the workplace?
To better grasp the impact that metaverse technology could have on work, we must first understand the nature of this complex innovation. Common metaverse technology that many people have interacted with is virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR).
VR and AR games were once a fringe technology themselves, but have since gone mainstream with the launch of platforms like Meta Quest and Oculus, as well as VR/AR platforms tied to existing systems like PlayStation and Xbox. As a result, this technology can create experiences that provide a high level of immersion.
Expanding the Metaverse From Entertainment to Work
Given these advancements, innovators are finding increasingly practical ways to apply VR and AR technology. In the retail sector, for example, VR and AR are playing a key role in enabling tools like “virtual try-on” features, which allow customers to see a product on their body or in their space before making a purchase. Other businesses are exploring VR and AR to create digital showrooms, where they showcase their products in the metaverse. And this is just one example of what VR and AR might offer in the business world.
The technology at the forefront of this transition from entertainment to practical applications is the digital twin — a virtual replica of a real-world asset. Generally, the real-world asset is outfitted with sensors that collect data on the machine, helping the digital twin to closely represent its counterpart in real time. As a result, businesses may implement tools such as real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.
One of the companies contributing to advancements in spatial computing technology is Ciright, an innovative Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) company specializing in digital twin technology. Although Ciright began by working with businesses in the applied services and HVAC industries, the company’s leaders recognized the potential of their technology to support businesses across various other industries.
How Digital Twins Could Elevate Training
One of the exciting use cases for digital twin technology is its potential to enhance training in the metaverse.
“Using digital twins, employees can train with a realistic and accurate digital replica of the machine’s real-life counterpart,” explains Joseph Callahan, founder and CEO of Ciright, along with Sansar and the Portals Organization. “This level of detail can help businesses train their employees more effectively, such as giving them an opportunity to examine a machine and its components in great detail or perform simulations that are highly immersive and realistic.”
One of the primary benefits of metaverse-based training is that it tends to be significantly more efficient than traditional in-person training. “Using AR- and VR-powered activities, new employees can train and learn at their own pace,” Callahan adds. “Those employees who grasp concepts quickly can move through the training faster, while those who need more time can take it before working in real-world scenarios.”
Furthermore, metaverse-based training may offer new employees the opportunity to learn in an environment with reduced pressure and lower stakes than they would typically face in the real world. If a new employee is learning how to use an expensive piece of machinery, there is some risk that they could damage it due to inexperience. The repairs could be costly, not to mention the potential for injury. By training with digital twins, employees can become familiar with the equipment before using the real thing.
This approach is especially valuable when the equipment is hazardous or used in high-risk situations. “For example, if working with equipment at heights, it’s often safer for employees to practice in the metaverse before facing a precarious real-world situation, where a mistake could be dangerous,” Callahan suggests. “The same applies if an error might cause harm to the employee or others.”
An additional benefit of metaverse training is that it can help improve consistency across employees. Because the metaverse is widely accessible, employees in different locations can undergo the same training.
“This feature is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations, such as chains or franchises, helping ensure that guests experience consistent service, regardless of which location they visit,” says Callahan.
In summary, VR and AR technology appear well-positioned to significantly enhance the training process. By applying the principles of immersion and interactivity that have driven VR/AR’s success in entertainment, innovators are developing training that is more engaging, immersive, and safer. The result could be a workforce better equipped than before.
Published by Jeremy S.
