Mixed reality to become the new reality
MODERN technologies such as cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and mixed reality are impacting every industry and every company in South Africa and across the globe. Companies need to innovate to stay ahead of emerging trends, take advantage of new opportunities, and meet growing customer needs.
Yet, businesses across the Middle East and Africa are just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with one of the lesser adopted technologies of the list: mixed reality.
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in a recent report forecast that the mixed-reality market would increase from $11.4 billion (R164bn) last year to a massive $215bn in 2021, which translates to a growth rate of more than 100%.
According to the IDC, the Middle East and Africa accounted for about 8% of global shipments in the second quarter of last year, a figure which was projected to grow into double digits over the next five years.
Mixed reality is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualisations where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.
Mixed reality enables collaboration and remote work, allowing information workers to interact more naturally with the digital world through interfaces that help them connect seamlessly with others.
It’s estimated that first-line workers account for 80% of the workforce – totalling over 2 billion worldwide.
They are the first in line to engage with customers, represent a brand and see products and services in action.
Microsoft recently introduced Dynamics 365 Remote Assist and Dynamics 365 Layout to empower first-line workers.
These employees need information in context to apply their knowledge and craft. For example, a field service worker who performs semi-skilled and manual labour associated with the construction, maintenance and repair of public works, often needs to call for expert help. With mixed reality, it’s possible to bring the expert to them virtually.
Already we are seeing how global businesses are making use of this technology for their first-line workers.
For example, Chevron is achieving impressive results with its global HoloLens deployment. Previously, an inspector had to fly from Houston to Singapore once a month to inspect equipment. Now, the organisation has real-time inspection using Dynamics 365 Remote Assist and can identify issues or provide approvals immediately.
It’s essential for all employees in various sectors to be trained on new products, processes and equipment so that they remain relevant within the business, and so the business remains relevant and efficient. However, this training can be expensive and time-consuming.
Using mixed reality, it’s possible to deliver immersive training to each employee tailored to their position and available for them to do in their own time. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Mercedes-Benz.
Their training centre is now equipped with more than 100 HoloLens units.