Researchers from the University of Toronto discovered that virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) can temporarily change how people perceive distance in real life. VR users tended to undershoot targets while AR users overshot them; these results demonstrate the need to understand better how VR and AR impact real-world skills training.
(Image source: University of Toronto)
Understanding Mixed Reality: When technology increasingly blurs the distinction between physical and digital worlds, researchers at the University of Toronto have unlocked fascinating insights into how virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies may temporarily alter how people perceive and interact with the real world. Their study, recently published in Scientific Reports, suggests these cutting-edge technologies may impair our ability to accurately gauge distances - which could have serious ramifications for industries using these cutting-edge platforms for training purposes.
The research team, led by research associate Xiaoye Michael Wang of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education and Professor Tim Welsh, set out to answer an intriguing question: Does being immersed in mixed reality environments like VR or AR affect our ability to perform everyday tasks once back in reality?
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VR immerses users into a completely digital environment, while AR overlays digital elements onto real-world environments to allow users to see and interact with their surroundings. Because each technology differs greatly, researchers speculated that they might influence real-world perception differently - their findings confirmed it!
This study's astonishing results: VR users undershoot their targets in real life--meaning they need to reach farther to touch or grab objects accurately--while AR users often overshoot by reaching too far beyond actual objects. These perceptual errors indicate how our brains and bodies adapt to digital environments such as VR and AR in ways that carry over into physical reality.
"We were quite amazed to discover that movement patterns seen in VR and AR carried over into real-world movements," states Wang. This suggests that our brains and bodies don't instantly switch off these digital adaptations once back in the real world; instead, there may be an extended period where their effects persist."
One of the most compelling findings from this study was how quickly participants adjusted back into reality after experiencing VR or AR, respectively. With AR users still being able to interact with and see their surroundings more naturally than VR users do, this likely helped maintain more accurate depth and distance perceptions.
These findings have far-reaching ramifications, particularly as VR and AR become increasingly integral parts of training programs in various industries. From surgeons honing their surgical skills in virtual operating rooms to pilots practicing flight simulations or everyday activities like driving - understanding how VR/AR technologies impact real-world performance is of utmost importance.
“These findings are significant because they highlight potential difficulties associated with translating VR/AR skills to real-world applications, according to Welsh. As more industries and training programs implement such technologies for skill development purposes, it's critical that we fully comprehend how they may impact real-world performance.”
An intensive VR training experience could cause depth perception changes when transitioning back into real operating room settings, just as pilots who spend long hours in flight simulators may need time to readjust back onto an aircraft. By understanding these effects, industries can develop effective protocols for these temporary perceptual shifts and ensure VR and AR technologies are used safely and effectively.
The University of Toronto researchers are continuing with their efforts. Their next steps include exploring how different virtual and augmented reality experiences, particularly more complex or immersive ones, impact real-world performance. Furthermore, they plan to look at factors like training duration and individual differences, such as prior experience with these technologies, which have an effect on how quickly people adapt and readapt after using VR/AR technologies.
"This research will enable us to understand better how to design VR and AR systems that minimize negative side-effects while optimizing training and skill development potential," states Wang.
The ultimate aim is to perfect VR and AR technologies so that training with them can reap maximum benefit without adverse consequences affecting real-world performance. By exploring these questions further, researchers hope to contribute to creating VR/AR systems that are both more effective and safer for users across a broad spectrum of applications.
As VR and AR technologies advance and become part of everyday life, understanding their effect on our perception of reality becomes more crucial. This research from the University of Toronto takes an essential step toward this end, providing insight into how VR/AR technologies may temporarily alter perception and emphasizing the need for continued studies to ensure they reach their full potential without compromising safety or effectiveness.
As digital and physical worlds merge, research like this reminds us that the line between reality and virtuality is not simply technological but psychological. And as we navigate this new frontier safely, studies like this will be indispensable guides. Stay tuned to Education Post News for more articles like this.
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