Virtual Reality: Definitions, Characteristics and Applications in the Workplace

In the context of the Factory of the Future, industries are implementing a number of technologies to improve their production, and to be more innovative and competitive. Virtual reality is one of these technologies. This chapter introduces this technology and explains how it can be used, both generally and in industries. It defines virtual reality from three angles: its purpose, its potential functionalities and its technical characteristics. Virtual reality systems are computer systems that include various peripherals. These are referred to as devices and can be classified in four categories: display devices; motion and position capture devices; proprioceptive and cutaneous feedback devices; and sound input and presentation devices. Each of these device categories is discussed. The final parts of this chapter are devoted to the applications of virtual reality.