Top 10 VR/MR Application Scenarios in 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The year 2024 marked significant advancements in XR hardware, with major players like Apple, Meta, PICO, and HTC releasing new products. However, the content ecosystem remained relatively lackluster, except for the immersive video experience provided by Apple's Vision Pro. From a commercial perspective, the most prominent applications of XR still lie in the B2B sector. While B2B applications are maturing, the launch of Vision Pro has also highlighted some C2B applications, such as immersive films and e-commerce. This article will delve into the top 10 VR/MR application scenarios in 2024, providing a detailed breakdown of each sector.

1. Industrial Manufacturing: The Pioneering Commercial Path

Industrial manufacturing has been the first sector to successfully commercialize XR technology. Despite the consumer market's lukewarm response to XR products, B2B applications, especially in industrial settings, have continued to grow. Key applications include:

• Industrial Design: Companies like Ford, Volvo, and Rivian have adopted MR headsets for product design, enhancing collaboration and reducing design cycles.

• Simplified Workflows: AR/MR overlays digital information onto physical objects, improving assembly efficiency and maintenance tasks.

• Industrial Training: AR/MR simulates real mechanical operations in virtual environments, reducing training costs and downtime.

• Warehouse Management: AR/MR aids in locating and managing inventory, reducing picking errors and streamlining operations.

• Real-Time Data Visualization: AR/MR integrates real-time manufacturing data into management, enabling better decision-making and process optimization.

Major players in this sector include Apple, Microsoft, Vuzix, Magic Leap, RealWear, and KIT-AR. In 2024, the industrial manufacturing sector saw stable growth, with Vuzix securing a $20 million strategic investment from Quanta. The domestic market also showed strong growth, with China's industrial metaverse market reaching 17.5 billion yuan in 2023, a 18% increase from the previous year.

2. Healthcare: A Promising and Maturing Market

The healthcare sector has seen significant potential with the integration of XR technology. Notable cases in 2024 include the use of Vision Pro in various surgical procedures:

• Jilin University's Third Hospital used Vision Pro to assist in laparoscopic sigmoidectomy.

• Fujian Provincial Hospital applied Vision Pro in multiple cardiac valve intervention surgeries.

• Peking University's Shougang Hospital utilized Vision Pro for adrenal tumor resection.

• Peking University People's Hospital used Vision Pro for thoracoscopic lung cancer resection.

• Xiangya Hospital applied Vision Pro for preoperative planning and patient communication in knee replacement surgeries.

These cases highlight the potential of XR in healthcare. Other companies like Lenovo, Cellid, Siemens, PICO, and HTC are also actively involved. The global AR and VR market in healthcare is projected to grow to $1.96 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 20.2%.

3. Education and Training: A Growing and Diverse Sector

The education sector has seen increasing adoption of XR technology, with applications ranging from industry-specific training to K12 and STEM education. Key developments include:

• Industry Education: Meta collaborated with universities in the US and UK to test VR education, and Siemens and BILT used Vision Pro for employee training.

• Knowledge Education: Immersive experiences enhance learning, with Meta developing VR courses for higher education institutions.

• K12 and STEM: XR labs and virtual classrooms are being implemented in schools and universities, with the Chinese Ministry of Education supporting virtual simulation projects.

Companies like PICO and HTC are actively deploying XR solutions in education, providing immersive learning environments for students.

4. Military and Defense: A Leading and Influential Sector

The military and defense sector has been a significant driver of XR technology. Key applications include:

• Virtual Combat Environments: Simulating combat scenarios for training.

• Soldier Simulation Training: Enhancing individual soldier training.

• Weapon and Equipment Operation Training: Improving proficiency in operating military equipment.

• Medical and Casualty Simulation: Training medical personnel in battlefield scenarios.

The US military has been particularly active, with initiatives like the IVAS Next program, attracting over 80 companies. The global military simulation and training market is projected to grow to $17.94 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 7.4%.

5. Cultural Tourism: LBE Becomes a New Trend

The cultural tourism sector has seen the integration of XR technology, with LBE (Location-Based Entertainment) becoming a new trend. Key developments include:

• AR Guided Tours: Enhancing visitor experiences with AR navigation and digital guides.

• Immersive Cultural Experiences: Combining AR with cultural heritage sites to create interactive experiences.

• LBE Projects: Large-scale XR installations in tourist attractions, such as those in Beijing, Dunhuang, and Xiamen.

These projects are gaining traction, with local governments actively supporting the development of LBE projects.

6. Real Estate and Construction: Steady Growth with Notable Innovations

The real estate and construction sector has seen steady growth in XR applications, with notable innovations in:

• VR House Viewing: Providing virtual tours of properties, enhancing the home-buying experience.

• Real Estate Marketing: Using VR for property auctions and marketing campaigns.

• 3D Virtual Interior Design: Companies like Lowe's and Wayfair are using Vision Pro for immersive interior design applications.

7. Retail and E-commerce: Innovative Experiences in a Massive Market

The retail and e-commerce sector has seen innovative XR applications, with companies like Alibaba and Amazon exploring 3D shopping experiences. Key developments include:

• 3D Shopping: Virtual try-on and product visualization.

• Immersive Retail: Creating immersive shopping environments for consumers.

While still in the early stages, 3D shopping is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

8. Immersive Films: Apple Leads the Way, Meta and Cameron Follow

The immersive film sector has seen significant advancements, with Apple leading the way with Vision Pro. Notable developments include:

• Immersive Content: Apple released multiple immersive films, including "Submerged," a 17-minute scripted film.

• Collaborations: Meta partnered with director James Cameron to create immersive 3D content for the Meta Quest platform.

9. Social and Collaboration: Moving Towards MR, but Still Far from True Human-like Avatars

The social and collaboration sector has seen the transition from VR to MR, with Apple's Vision Pro introducing Spatial Personas. While promising, the technology still needs improvement to achieve true human-like virtual avatars.

10. Entertainment and Gaming: Upgraded Virtual Interaction, Turning Reality into Games

The entertainment and gaming sector remains a core area for consumer VR/MR. Key developments include:

• MR Gaming: Games like "Spatial Ops" that blend virtual and real environments.

• Hand Tracking: Increased adoption of hand tracking in VR games.

• AR Entertainment: LBS AR games like "Pokémon GO" continue to drive urban economies.

Conclusion

While the ecosystem remains a challenge, the application scenarios of VR/MR are steadily advancing. The key to success lies in finding the right scenes and use cases. As the technology matures, we can expect more innovative and impactful applications in the future.