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Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to
create a virtual simulator, away from real environment.
Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR puts the user
inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front
of them, users are immersed and able to interact with
3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible,
such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the computer
Fig. 12.6: VR Headset
is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world.
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived through our senses. From this came
the idea that if we can present our senses with made-up or non-real information, our perception
of reality would also alter in response to that.
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR headsets. In order to make the experience of VR
more realistic, it promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, motion, temperature,
etc. It is a comparatively new field and has found its applications in gaming (Fig. 12.6), military
training, medical procedures, entertainment, social science and psychology, engineering and
other areas where simulation is needed for a better understanding and learning.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the biggest technology trends today and it is only going to get
bigger as AR-ready smartphones and other devices become more accessible around the world.
AR lets us see real-life environment right in front of us—trees swaying in the park, dogs chasing
balls, kids playing soccer—with a digital augmentation overlaid on it.
This superimposition of computer-generated perceptual information over the existing physical
surroundings is called Augmented Reality. It adds components of the digital world to the physical
world, along with the associated tactile and other sensory requirements, thereby making the
environment interactive which can be digitally manipulated. AR adds digital elements to a live
view often by using the camera in a smartphone.
Examples of Augmented Reality experiences include Snapchat lenses and the game Pokémon
Go. In other words, if you see the real world supplemented with digital objects, that is AR.
Imagine you want to buy a piece of furniture—let’s say a chair. Augmented reality technology
can help you check how different chairs will look in your room and pick the one that fits best.

12.2.4 Robotics
Emerging Trends
Robotics is an interdisciplinary research area at the interface
of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves design,
construction, operation and use of robots. The goal of robotics is to
design intelligent machines that can help and assist humans in their
day-to-day lives and keep everyone safe.
Robotics helps develop machines that can substitute for humans and
replicate human actions. Robots can be used in many situations and
for several purposes, but today many are being used in hazardous
environments (including inspection of radioactive materials, bomb Fig. 12.7: Robotics
detection and deactivation), manufacturing processes, or where
12.5
humans cannot survive (e.g., in space, under water, in high temperature).