AR/VR Technology To Become Mainstream in Business within 3 Years

 

Very soon, we will stop calling AR/VR technology new tech and consider it a regular part of daily business operations. This is the key finding of a recent in-depth study conducted by Capgemini Research Institute. The world-leading research company surveyed over 700 companies – located in the USA, China, Germany, the UK, France, and Nordic countries- the majority of whom are already experimenting with or using AR/VR technology in their operations. The findings of the report are also based on the analysis of 35 use cases focusing on:

• The way AR/VR technology is used in industrial operations: product design, engineering, and field services;
• Key industry sectors that use AR/VR: automotive, utilities, and manufacturing.

AR/VR Technology Set to Become Mainstream in The Near Future

One of the key questions respondents were asked was: “When will AR/VR become mainstream in your organization?” The answers indicate a definite move towards a near-future adoption.

For augmented reality, the respondents stated:

• 7% less than 1 year
• 41% 1-3 years
• 37% 3-5 years
• 14% more than 5 years.

For virtual reality, the potential timeframe for mainstream adoption is:

• 9% less than 1 year
• 34% 1-3 years
• 38% 3-5 years
• 16% more than 5 years.

Thus, an average 46% of the respondents believe that AR/VR technology will become mainstream within the next 3 years, while 53% see this deadline pushed forward towards 5 years.

Augmented Reality – More Beneficial and Relevant than Virtual Reality

When it comes to differentiations between the two immersive technologies, 66% of the companies included in the Capgemini survey indicated that AR technology is more applicable to their operations than VR. This perception is supported by the fact that AR creates a blend of the real world and holographic objects, with text-based and image-based instructions being superimposed on the field of vision.

Thus, the survey found that among the companies that have already adopted AR/VR technology to a certain level:

• 45% of them implemented AR in their operations;
• 55% are currently experimenting with AR.

In contrast, the adoption rate for VR is significantly focused on experimenting (64%) compared to actual implementation (36%).

US, China, and France Lead the AR/VR Technology Adoption Race

When it comes to the countries with the highest adoption rate of AR/VR technology, the largest and most developed economies are in the lead.

AR implementations are led by:

• 59% USA
• 51% China
• 48% France

However, the countries with the most intense AR experimentation efforts are Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland) – 85%, followed by the UK with 64% and Germany with 62%.

Virtual reality adopters are:

• 51% China
• 43% France
• 42% USA

When it comes to VR experimentation, the undisputed leaders are:

• 77% Germany
• 72% Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland)
• 67% UK

Key Business Operations Benefiting Most from AR/VR Technology

Focusing on the actual benefits of immersive technologies for their daily operations, the survey respondents indicated two large activity sectors:

• Repair and maintenance
• Design and assembly

For repair and maintenance, the key perceived benefits are:

• 31% – ability to visualize reference videos and instruction manuals;
• 30% – ability to be guided by a remote expert;
• 30% – ability to visualize specific components and functions hidden from sight by physical barriers;
• 29% – ability to superimpose step-by-step instructions.

For design and assembly activities, AR/VR technology will provide benefits in terms of:

• 28% – simulation of product performances in extreme conditions;
• 28% – visualizing a large infrastructure project from various angles;
• 27% – displaying digital instructions for assembly and configuration;
• 26% – holographic overlay of design components onto an existing item.

Early Adopters Already Perceive Significant Benefits

The companies included in the Capgemini study that have already implemented AR/VR technology are reaping the benefits. According to the decision-makers within the companies, the use of immersive technologies allowed the organizations to increase efficiency, safety, and productivity, and reduce complexity.

Steps Needed to Adopt Immersive Technologies

Finally, the respondents shared their own journey toward the adoption of AR/VR technologies. These answers were centralized by Capgemini in a 4-step process recommended for all organizations which are currently not using immersive technologies:

• Step 1: upskill existing staff and recruit new employees with AR/VR skills;
• Step 2: develop a centralized governance structure, where all AR/VR activities are coordinated by a specialized team, and build AR/VR awareness among employees;
• Step 3: focus on identifying an adequate use case with long-term benefits,
• Step 4: update and prepare the technology interface to support and integrate AR/VR technology.