How to Ensure Safety from XR Technology
August 02, 2023: How to Ensure Safety from XR Technology Natural or human-caused disasters can devastate life and property. Proper preparedness and disaster management are crucial for minimizing the impact of such events. Technology plays a significant role in disaster management, and one area that has shown promise is the use of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies, collectively known as Extended Reality (XR), offer unique opportunities in information communication, rapid damage assessment, reliable Building Information Modeling (BIM), and more.
Understanding AR, VR, and MR:
AR, VR, and MR are computer graphics application areas allowing users to interact with computer-generated imagery in natural and virtual environments. VR creates an entirely virtual environment, while AR overlays virtual elements onto the natural environment. MR combines virtual and authentic ingredients to provide a seamless user experience. These technologies have proven valuable tools for Disaster Management Applications, allowing cost-effective rapid prototyping and human-in-the-loop design.
Benefits and Applications:
Various governmental agencies and academic institutions utilize XR technology in training activities, including emergency management and public health preparedness. These tools offer realistic simulations and immersive experiences that enhance training effectiveness and preparedness. Additionally, XR can recreate disaster scenarios for researchers, government authorities, and rescue teams, providing valuable insights into disaster responses without risking real-life hazards.
Challenges and Solutions:
Despite the advantages of XR in disaster management, there are some barriers to overcome. Efficient processing in low-cost XR, smart rendering, and minimizing motion sickness are among the challenges. Disaster simulation designers must balance ecological validity and the psychological impact of scenarios. Addressing these issues requires ongoing research and development to optimize XR technologies for disaster management applications.
Future Directions:
Systematic reviews of XR usage in disaster management are needed to identify trends, preferences, and common research areas. Understanding why XR is preferred and its boundaries will contribute to its effective integration into disaster management strategies. Addressing the gaps and challenges in the literature will pave the way for future improvements and innovations in XR technologies for disaster preparedness and response.
Practical Takeaways:
Embrace XR Technology: Government agencies, academic institutions, and disaster management organizations should explore applying XR technology in training and preparedness activities.
Foster Research and Collaboration: Encouraging research and collaboration among experts in XR, disaster management, and technology will drive advancements and address challenges effectively.
Invest in Safety Measures: When implementing XR in disaster simulations, prioritize safety measures to minimize the risk of motion sickness and ensure a positive user experience.
Evaluate and Improve: Continuously assess the effectiveness of XR applications in disaster management and seek opportunities for improvement based on user feedback and research outcomes.
In conclusion, AR, VR, and AI technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize disaster management. By harnessing these tools effectively, disaster response teams can enhance preparedness, improve training, and save lives in the face of emergencies. Addressing challenges and fostering further research and collaboration will propel the application of XR technology toward a safer and more resilient future.
