Virtual reality (VR) technology has transformed the gaming world, but its applications extend far beyond entertainment. These computer-generated environments offer innovative solutions and fascinating experiences. Let’s dive into some of the most impressive and unconventional uses of virtual reality.
From exploring the neural responses of zebrafish to simulating Amazonian hallucinogenic rituals, VR is being applied in surreal yet captivating ways. These advancements raise ethical questions, but one thing is clear: virtual reality is changing the world.
Taking Sick Children on a Trip to the Zoo
It’s heartbreaking to see children in pain, especially those in hospitals. Virtual reality offers a beacon of hope. In 2015, Robots for Good launched a project at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, enabling young patients to visit the zoo virtually.
Using 3D printing, they created human-like robots controlled remotely by children in the hospital. These androids navigate the zoo, transmitting live video via VR headsets. This allows sick children to experience the zoo and interact with animals from their hospital beds.
The technology is primarily open source, encouraging wider participation. Richard Hulskes, a founder of Robots for Good, envisions a network of robots worldwide, allowing children in different cities to explore various locations remotely. This concept is becoming a reality, offering hospitalized children unique experiences.
Studying the Brain Behavior of Zebrafish
Zebrafish possess a fascinating trait: they predict future threats like humans. In 2021, researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science used VR to study zebrafish neural networks.
Scientists created an aquarium equipped with VR and brain imaging technologies, focusing on the telencephalon, an area crucial for decision-making. The zebrafish navigated VR zones, distinguishing between safe blue zones and dangerous red zones. Findings revealed that zebrafish create a “hazard map” in their brains, efficiently navigating risks.
Reproduce the Sounds of Stonehenge
Stonehenge, a site steeped in history, was brought to life by British researchers in 2017 using VR to recreate its ancient sounds.
While Stonehenge’s exact purpose remains a mystery, theories suggest it was used for ritual magic. Scientists created a mathematical reconstruction, modeling the acoustics. They discovered that the stones could resonate with low-frequency vibrations, potentially inducing trances. Were these vibrations part of ancient rituals? The mystery endures.
McDonald’s Happy Meal Boxes in Sweden
In 2016, McDonald’s Sweden introduced Happy Meal boxes that transformed into VR headsets. By folding along perforated lines, the packaging became “Happy Goggles.”
The intent was for users to insert smartphones, browse apps, and play games. Slope Stars, a ski simulator, was the first game launched. However, the idea didn’t spread globally. Perhaps the thought of placing something that held greasy food on one’s head wasn’t appealing.
Experimental Treatment for Sex Offenders
VR may revolutionize the treatment of sex offenders. Massil Benbouriche from the University of Montreal hopes VR can improve understanding of the impulses driving such behavior.
Benbouriche envisions a “technological cave”—an immersive VR setup with multiple stimuli and screens to create realistic illusions. Researchers can then study participants’ responses, tracking eye movements and arousal. However, ethical concerns exist regarding the images used and the possibility of participants deceiving the system.
Recreating the Experience of Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca, a South American hallucinogen, has gained popularity in the West. Developers now claim to offer a VR experience that mirrors the real thing, eliminating the need for travel.
Does it replicate the actual experience? One journalist described it as too odd to be truly effective. While interesting, the experience felt more like a unique vacation than a profound, consciousness-altering trip.
Helping Paralyzed Patients Regain Sensation
In 2016, Duke University scientists helped eight paralyzed individuals regain muscle control and sensation using VR training. These patients, with spinal cord injuries, underwent 12 months of VR training, restoring some somatic sensation. Half were reclassified from complete to partial paralysis.
Miguel Nicolelis stated that many patients diagnosed with complete paraplegia might have intact spinal nerves. VR training may have reactivated these nerves, enough to transmit signals from the brain to the spinal cord.
Recreate and Relive the Past
In an era of constant recording, memories are often captured on video. Wist Labs, a U.S. startup, aims to bring these videos to life, allowing users to relive moments through VR or augmented reality.
Launched in 2023, Wist transforms 3D recordings into immersive experiences, allowing physical interaction with past memories. However, some critics find the technology dystopian, comparing it to scenarios in Minority Report and Black Mirror, where reliving memories has dire consequences.
Training Astronauts for their Mission to Space
In 2015, NASA astronauts used VR underwater to prepare for space missions. As part of NEEMO 20 (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations), they used HoloLens headsets to enhance communication with the control center.
The astronauts spent a month underwater near Key Largo, Florida, testing the kit. Despite focusing on communication efficiency, NEEMO 20 included deep-sea exploration, analyzing coral samples to study climate change effects.
Playing a Role in Phobia Treatment
Phobias, though common, can be challenging to treat. VR has emerged as a valuable tool for overcoming these fears. The oVRcome app combines VR exposure therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy, showing promising success.
Patients with common phobias, like fear of needles, flying, or dogs, experienced a 75% symptom reduction after six weeks. Cameron Lacey noted the app’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for those unable to access in-person therapy.
Virtual reality offers incredible potential beyond gaming. Its applications span from healthcare to historical recreations, transforming how we understand and interact with the world.
Explore the endless possibilities of VR and its impact on our future. What innovative uses of VR excite you the most?
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