Immersive technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), 360° virtual tours, and digital twins, are profoundly transforming how we interact with the digital and physical worlds. Beyond their applications in entertainment and marketing, these technologies are gaining attention for their social impact potential, particularly in supporting individuals with social vulnerabilities or motor difficulties.
Virtual Reality and Social Inclusion
Virtual reality offers immersive experiences that can break down physical and social barriers. For example:
- Training and Rehabilitation: VR can be used to develop motor rehabilitation programs in controlled and safe environments. Through interactive simulations, users can perform specific exercises with real-time progress monitoring.
- Virtual Socialization: VR platforms enable users to attend events, courses, or support groups without leaving their homes. For individuals with reduced mobility or those living in social isolation, this opportunity is transformative.
- Inclusive Education: With VR, students with special needs can access personalized learning experiences, such as exploring virtual environments to learn complex concepts or simulating everyday life scenarios.
Augmented Reality for Autonomy
Augmented reality overlays digital information onto the real world, creating tools that enhance autonomy and quality of life for people with motor or cognitive challenges. Applications include:
- Mobility Support: AR applications can guide users along accessible routes, highlighting ramps, elevators, or alternative paths to avoid obstacles.
- Learning and Communication: AR-based tools can help individuals with autism spectrum disorders or other cognitive challenges better understand their surroundings through intuitive visual instructions.
- Access to Information: AR technology can enhance the accessibility of physical spaces, such as museums or public offices, by providing translations, voice descriptions, or step-by-step guides directly through mobile devices or smart glasses.
360° Virtual Tours: Access and Awareness
360° virtual tours offer immersive experiences that allow users to explore real-world environments without physical travel. Applications include:
- Cultural Visits: Through virtual tours, individuals with limited mobility can visit museums, historical sites, or art galleries, enjoying a rich and interactive experience.
- Educational Exploration: Students can access hard-to-reach places, such as scientific laboratories or natural habitats, to complete educational pathways.
- Accessible Planning: Users with specific needs can virtually explore public spaces to evaluate accessibility and prepare for a physical visit.
We at AR Market have created a 360° immersive virtual experience for the Biodiversity Group of the Catanzaro Carabinieri to give young students the chance to explore the Sila area, with all its natural beauty, and the Biodiversity Park in Catanzaro.
https://youtube.com/shorts/hODzXfHKP6A?feature=share
Digital Twins: Simulations for Inclusion
Digital twins—virtual representations of physical objects, spaces, or systems—offer new opportunities for supporting vulnerabilities. Practical applications include:
- Inclusive Design: With digital twins, it is possible to simulate how a person with disabilities would interact with a space, optimizing the design of public and private environments.
- Health Monitoring: Digital twins can be used to create personalized models of the human body, aiding doctors and therapists in diagnosis and treatment.
- Educational Simulations: For individuals with cognitive challenges, digital twins can recreate daily life scenarios to facilitate learning.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite their potential, the adoption of these technologies faces some challenges:
- Economic Accessibility: The costs of devices and software can be a barrier for many users.
- Technical Training: Operators and users need education on using these technologies to ensure effective adoption.
- Integration with Existing Services: Immersive technologies must be organically integrated with existing social and healthcare services.
With technological advancements and increasing attention to inclusion, these barriers are likely to diminish. In the future, we can expect more widespread use of augmented reality, virtual reality, 360° virtual tours, and digital twins to enhance autonomy, socialization, and the quality of life for those living in vulnerable conditions. Immersive technologies are not just innovative tools but also powerful means of building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
