Latest news with #VirtualReality
Business Wire
10 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Suva and BearingPoint revolutionize workplace safety with virtual reality
AMSTERDAM & ZURICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Preventing workplace accidents is essential not only for protecting employees but also for reducing financial and operational risks for companies. This is especially true in the construction industry, where workers face daily exposure to hazards. While safety measures are continuously being improved, Switzerland still records between 260,000 and nearly 300,000 workplace accidents annually – often on construction sites – due to non-compliance with safety protocols, time pressure, or negligence. By combining immersive technology with real-life risk scenarios, Swiss Safety VR makes training more engaging, more impactful, and more scalable. Share A scalable simulation platform with real-life scenarios for safety training In collaboration with BearingPoint, Suva has developed a cutting-edge training platform incorporating Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (XR). After evaluating the technological potential of these tools, BearingPoint created immersive training scenarios focused on high-risk tasks such as securing heavy loads on construction sites or preventing falls from unprotected areas. This step was crucial in identifying ways to enhance traditional safety approaches. The project team then developed prototypes to demonstrate how immersive technologies can help prevent accidents and convey safety instructions clearly. The platform was also designed to be scalable and user-friendly for a large audience. Together, BearingPoint and Suva created a comprehensive operating model, a robust technological architecture, and a new end-to-end service offering for the Swiss market called Swiss Safety VR. A growing library of 20-minute interactive VR experiences – illustrating the real-world consequences of unsafe practices or workplace accidents and proving more educational, efficient, and cost-effective than traditional methods – is continuously updated. The team also provided structured support for ongoing process improvement and scenario simulation and facilitated change management through train-the-trainer services, which were critical for integrating the XR platform into Suva's internal workflows. A key success factor was the strong focus on collaboration. By co-investing in VR safety content with various industry stakeholders – such as Swiss trade associations and major construction companies – the collaboration unlocked significant synergy potential. Matthias Roeser, Partner at BearingPoint, states: 'Together with Suva, we are using virtual reality to deliver practical and effective workplace safety training. By combining immersive technology with real-life risk scenarios, Swiss Safety VR makes training more engaging, more impactful, and more scalable. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation: we have harnessed advanced technology to enhance workplace safety while also improving efficiency and controlling costs. By making the platform widely accessible, we are helping raise safety standards across industries.' Immersive training experiences to enhance workplace safety The launch of the Swiss Safety VR platform allows companies and their customers to improve their business processes while integrating modern, innovative training and communication techniques into daily operations. This new tool enables a significant improvement of existing training initiatives and supports a seamless transition to fully mobile and immersive training formats. The platform has the potential to greatly reduce the need for on-site workshops, which can lead to substantial time and cost savings. Additionally, participants can retain safety information better than with traditional classroom or e-learning formats. By offering the content free of charge to all organizations – including Swiss schools – BearingPoint and Suva are democratizing access to high-quality VR training, even for smaller organizations with limited budgets. The platform is available on the Meta Quest 3 headset in Switzerland's official national languages: German, French, and Italian, as well as English. Nathanaël Bonvin, Programme Manager for New Technologies at Suva, explains: 'The Swiss Safety VR platform allows us to offer truly engaging and effective training experiences that not only motivate participants but significantly improve safety outcomes. We chose to work with BearingPoint because their expertise and innovative approach were a perfect match for Suva's commitment to advancing safety training.' About Suva Founded in 1918, Suva employs over 4,700 people at its headquarters in Lucerne, across 18 agency locations throughout Switzerland, and in its two rehabilitation clinics in Bellikon and Sion. As an independent public-sector enterprise, Suva insures more than 138,000 companies and over 2.2 million employees against the consequences of occupational accidents and diseases. Unemployed individuals are also automatically insured through Suva. In addition, Suva manages the military insurance and the accident insurance for individuals in disability (IV) programs on behalf of the Swiss federal government. Its services span prevention, insurance, and rehabilitation. Suva operates on a self-financing basis, without public funding, and returns profits to policyholders in the form of lower premiums. The Suva Council includes representatives from social partners – employers and employees – as well as the federal government. About BearingPoint BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. The company operates in three business units: Consulting, Products, and Capital. Consulting covers the advisory business with a clear focus on selected business areas. Products provides IP-driven digital assets and managed services for business-critical processes. Capital delivers M&A and transaction services. In addition, BearingPoint runs the joint venture Arcwide, focused on business transformation and consulting excellence based on IFS. BearingPoint's clients include many of the world's leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 70 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success. BearingPoint is a certified B Corporation, meeting high standards of social and environmental impact. For more information, please visit:
Hans India
15 hours ago
- Hans India
How AR and VR are changing architecture education
In a world where technology is rapidly transforming design, architecture education is undergoing a profound shift. Tools like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are taking students beyond sketches and models, allowing them to walk through spaces before a s ingle brick is Prof. Anand Achari, Principal at VES College of Architecture, shares how immersive technologies are changing the way future architects think, feel, and create—and why adaptability and empathy are now essential design skills. Excerpts from an interview What excites you most about the role of immersive technologies like AR and VR in reshaping how architecture is taught and experienced today? What excites me is the shift from imagination to immersion. In traditional architecture education, students relied heavily on drawings, physical models, and their ability to mentally visualise a space. AR and VR remove those limitations. Now, students can step inside their designs, exploring scale, proportions, and light in real time. That kind of spatial understanding, especially early in their journey, is transformative. Key takeaway for students: Don't just draw your designs—experience them. Immersive tools help you notice details you'd miss on paper. How are AR and VR redefining how students and professionals approach form, function, and human interaction within built environments? These tools are blurring the old separation between form and function. In VR, you can feel how people might move through a space before it's even built. For example, you might notice that a hallway feels too narrow or that natural light shifts in ways you didn't expect. But the biggest impact is empathy. AR and VR allow you to experience your design from different perspectives—a child's, an elderly person's, or someone with mobility challenges. That leads to more inclusive, people-centred design. Key takeaway for students: Use immersive tech to design for all users, not just the average one. Are there moments where AR or VR directly led to a breakthrough in student understanding or innovation? One example comes from a community housing project last year. On paper, the design seemed perfect. But when students walked through it in VR, they immediately saw that common areas felt too enclosed and lacked natural light. They reworked the layout, opening courtyards andreorienting buildings to improve light and circulation. The change wasn't just technical—it made the space feel alive. We've seen similar breakthroughs in school, market, and transport hub designs. Students stop seeing their projects as lines and start experiencing them as life. That sense of connection makes them more committed to quality and usability. Key takeaway for students: Be ready to redesign. Immersion often reveals flaws you can't see in 2D plans. How important is it for future architects to engage with disciplines outside architecture—such as coding, environmental science, or behavioural psychology—especially when working with emerging tech? It's essential. Architecture no longer exists in a silo. If you understand coding, you can develop your own simulation tools or responsive designs. Environmental science deepens your approach to sustainability—it's not just about green facades but about energy loops, materials, and microclimates. Behavioural psychology helps you design for how people feel in a space, not just how they move through it. That's where human-centred design thrives. We actively encourage students to collaborate with technologists, environmentalists, and social workers. The most innovative ideas often come from these cross-disciplinary conversations. Key takeaway for students: Step outside your discipline. Innovation often comes from the intersections. Looking ahead, what skills or mindsets must architecture students cultivate to stay relevant in a tech-accelerated, climate-conscious world? You must become adaptive thinkers with a strong ethical foundation. The world is changing rapidly—climate challenges, technological disruptions, and shifting social needs require architects who are flexible and committed to lifelong learning. This means: • Staying curious about new tools and methods. • Designing with sustainability as a baseline, not an afterthought. • Building inclusivity into every project. • Working comfortably in interdisciplinary teams. Architecture isn't just about creating beautiful spaces—it's about designing responsibly for a complex, evolving world. Key takeaway for students: Your mindset matters as much as your skillset. Be adaptable, ethical, and socially aware. As Dr. Achari puts it, immersive technologies like AR and VR aren't just digital gimmicks—they are bridges between imagination and reality. They sharpen spatial awareness, build empathy, and encourage a richer, more human-centred approach to design. sFor students, the lesson is clear: embrace these tools, explore other disciplines, and never lose sight of architecture's purpose—to create spaces that improve lives.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for J&K flood victims' family, ₹1 lakh for injured
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the severely injured people in the flash flood triggered by a cloud burst in Kishtwar. The Jammu and Kashmir Government will also provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the people who suffered minor injuries. The government will provide Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures from the CM's Relief Fund. The announcement came after CM Omar Abdullah visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. In a post on X, JK CMO said, "Chief Minister visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage and said the Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of grief. As a mark of solidarity and immediate succor, Chief Minister announced ex-gratia relief from the CM's Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased. Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures. Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures. Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures. Instructions were also issued for immediate restoration of the affected infrastructure in the area." Earlier in the day, J-K CM met with the families affected by the flash flood due to a cloud burst in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district. CM Abdullah also reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations and received a detailed briefing from Army personnel. He used a Virtual Reality (VR) headset to review the destruction and said immediate relief measures would be taken to support affected families. The cloudburst, which occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route, triggered flash floods and widespread destruction on Thursday, killing at least 60 people. On Friday, Abdullah confirmed the deaths and said that the number of missing people was still being verified. "Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground," Omar Abdullah told reporters. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Kishtwar Cloudburst: CM Omar Abdullah Visits Affected Families, Announces Compensation
J&K Cloudburst: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, and Rs 1 lakh for individuals who sustained serious injuries in the flash floods caused by a cloudburst in Kishtwar. The Jammu and Kashmir Government will also extend financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. Additionally, compensation will be provided for damaged property, with Rs 1 lakh allocated for fully damaged structures, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged ones, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged buildings. These funds will be disbursed from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The announcement followed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's visit to the affected areas in Kishtwar, where he met with families impacted by the disaster. In a post on X, JK CMO said, "Chief Minister visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage and said the Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of grief. As a mark of solidarity and immediate succor, Chief Minister announced ex-gratia relief from the CM's Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased. Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures. Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures. Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures. Instructions were also issued for immediate restoration of the affected infrastructure in the area." Earlier in the day, J-K CM met with the families affected by the flash flood due to a cloud burst in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district. CM Abdullah also reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations and received a detailed briefing from Army personnel. He used a Virtual Reality (VR) headset to review the destruction and said immediate relief measures would be taken to support affected families. The cloudburst, which occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route, triggered flash floods and widespread destruction on Thursday, killing at least 60 people. On Friday, Abdullah confirmed the deaths and said that the number of missing people was still being verified. "Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground," Omar Abdullah told reporters. (With Inputs from ANI)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virtual Reality Market to Reach $38 Billion by 2029: Key Trends & Forecasts
Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The report "Virtual Reality Market by Technology (Non-immersive, Semi & Fully Immersive), Offering, Device Type (Head-mounted Devices, Gesture Tracking Devices, Projectors & Display Walls), Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2029", The global virtual reality market was valued at USD 15.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 38.0 billion by 2029; it is expected to register a CAGR of 19.1% during the forecast period. The rise in demand for virtual reality device is attributed to the growing penetration of the Metaverse, Rapid adoption of digital technologies in healthcare and gaming & entertainment sectors, Increased investments in virtual reality market and Significant adoption of HMDs across various sectors. Download PDF Brochure: Major Key Players in the Virtual Reality Industry: Meta (US), Sony (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Microsoft (US), Unity Technologies (US). Virtual Reality Market Segmentation: By Offering: Software segment to account for the larger virtual reality industry share in the forecasted year. The software segment accounted for the largest share of ~52% of the virtual reality market in 2029. Software enables virtual reality experiences such as informative overlays, interactive games, and navigation aids. In contrast, virtual reality software creates entirely digital environments where users can explore, interact, and manipulate objects. This software often includes 3D modeling, physics simulations, and rendering engines to provide immersive virtual reality experiences like gaming, simulations, training, and virtual tours. Virtual reality software is critical for delivering the content and interactions that define the user's experience within these immersive environments. Increasing penetration of virtual reality software solutions and their compatibility with existing hardware devices are expected to grow the virtual reality market for software during the forecast period. By Application: Consumer application to account for the largest virtual reality industry share in the forecasted year. Consumer segment accounted for the largest share of ~44% of the virtual reality market in 2029. The growth in consumer segment is attributed as VR offers a level of immersion that traditional gaming can't match. By placing you right in the center of the action, VR lets you feel like you're truly part of the game world. Imagine dodging bullets or swinging a sword, all while feeling the virtual environment around you. Also, Museums are using VR to create captivating experiences that bring collections and exhibits to life. VR allows visitors to virtually travel through time and space, immersing themselves in historical periods or getting up close and personal with artworks in ways that wouldn't be possible otherwise. Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest share of the virtual reality industry during the forecast period. Asia Pacific held the second largest share of ~38% in the virtual reality market in 2029. The growth of VR in the Asia Pacific region is contributed from gaming, training, and entertainment industry. The region boasts a huge and passionate gaming community, particularly in countries like China and South Korea. VR's immersive experiences perfectly cater to this audience, offering a whole new level of engagement. Also, Many Asia Pacific countries are investing heavily in education, recognizing the importance of building a skilled workforce. This investment includes adopting new technologies like VR to enhance learning experiences. Ask for Sample Report: Virtual Reality (VR) Market Key Takeaways By tapping into the metaverse, VR is redefining digital interaction, offering more lifelike experiences in fields like education, customer service, and healthcare. From medical simulations to virtual classrooms, VR is opening new possibilities for engagement and training. By leading innovation in immersive gaming and eSports, Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the VR market, driven by rising investments in technology hubs across countries like Japan, South Korea, and China. Gamers in the region are seeking deeper, more engaging experiences powered by VR. By overcoming latency and power challenges, the VR industry is striving for longer, more seamless sessions, especially in sectors where precision and endurance are key, such as aerospace training or immersive telemedicine. Reducing delays and improving battery life are now major priorities. By riding the wave of 5G, VR applications are becoming faster, sharper, and more mobile, making possible real-time immersive experiences like 360° sports broadcasting and cloud-rendered virtual tourism. 5G is helping push VR beyond home gaming into business, education, and events. By improving gesture tracking, VR is becoming more intuitive and human-centered, allowing users to interact with digital environments through natural movements. This shift makes VR more accessible and engaging, especially in design, simulation, and interactive storytelling. By focusing on user-friendly design, the VR industry is working to eliminate barriers to adoption, making it easier for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy immersive content. Prioritizing comfort, intuitive navigation, and accessibility is vital for broader consumer uptake. By boosting hardware innovation, VR headsets and accessories are becoming more sophisticated and in demand, especially in gaming. As realistic visuals and physical interactions become core expectations, hardware makers like Meta, Sony, and HTC are leading the charge in shaping future experiences. Recent Developments of Virtual Reality (VR) Market industry In December 2023, DPVR collaborated with SchooVR, provider of immersive educational content. The collaboration between DPVR and SchooVR aims to enhance learning solutions for teachers and students by integrating virtual reality (VR) into the classroom environment. In October 2023, Sony unveiled PlayStation 5 Slim version. It's a redesigned version of the original PS5 that's smaller and lighter, with a few other improvements. The PS5 Slim is about 30% smaller in volume than the original PS5. It's also lighter, making it easier to transport and fit into entertainment centers. CONTACT: About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. 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