Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation model of an artificial environment that is experienced with head-mounted displays. The virtual environment can be realistic, stylized or both. The user can interact by moving their head or hands, which is tracked using the head-mounted displays.

The VR experience can be immersive, which means the user is surrounded by a virtual environment and cannot perceive the real world around them; or non-immersive in which the user has limited interaction with the simulated environment, for example, standard console video games. Fully immersive VR makes use of headsets that display slightly different images for each eye, resulting in the illusion of stereoscopic three-dimensionality. Input tracking is employed to create an immersive experience that is real.

The most frequent use of VR is for training and rehearsal simulations. This could be part-task training (such ‘buttonology,’ where a surgeon learns to push a certain button for an exact task) or a full motion simulators that train law enforcement or military pilots or personnel to handle situations that are too dangerous to practice on actual equipment or ordinance.

Immersive VR technology is extremely powerful. It’s important to keep in mind that, although it’s typically used in entertainment and games (the latest Fortnite game grossed 1,25 billion dollars for Epic) but its potential goes beyond just soaring through space in an XWing or shooting down criminals from in a dumpster. VR is also becoming increasingly popular in the industrial and business shaping the future with next-gen tech incubators sector, particularly where the ability to test ideas or products in a non-risky environment can be beneficial.