How are companies using Microsoft HoloLens?

 In Mixed Reality Industry Insight

Since the release of Microsoft HoloLens, both Microsoft and various companies have showcased remarkable creativity in harnessing the capabilities of HoloLens. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has spurred even greater ingenuity, leading to impressive results. New uses for HoloLens 2 continue to emerge on a daily basis, ranging from aiding customer online shopping experiences to assisting in medical diagnoses. Here are a few of these uses, some of which you may already be familiar with and others that could be new to you.

One innovative use case might not have crossed your mind. Microsoft and Salvatore Ferragamo have successfully bridged the gap between traditional retail shopping and the virtual realm. Given the restrictions brought about by Covid-19, shoppers are now unable to physically visit brick-and-mortar stores. This is where HoloLens comes into play. Through a virtual showroom with interactive sales associates, the personal touch that conventional e-commerce often lacks is restored. Sales associates can assist customers in ways that simulate or even enhance the in-store experience. While a virtual representation of a shoe can’t replace the tactile sensation of trying on footwear, it does empower customers to envision how the products would look on them.

The military sector has also embraced HoloLens for training purposes. However, its applications extend beyond training scenarios. In its early stages of development, the U.S. Army and Marines have uncovered navigation, thermal imaging, and training capabilities. Future applications are slated to include actual field deployment, leveraging HoloLens for enhanced night vision, stealth, and even the ability to see through smoke—attributes that would undoubtedly deter potential adversaries from engaging.

U.S. Army soliders training with Microsoft Hololens 2 in the woods

In the medical domain, we’ve witnessed the emergence of diverse HoloLens applications. Even before the onset of Covid-19, universities had begun training and teaching students using HoloLens. The outcomes speak for themselves, with visual learning leading to a remarkable “50% improvement in student scores, along with faster learning and improved knowledge retention.” The pandemic has further compelled universities to adopt virtual learning as the primary mode of instruction.

HoloLens has also found utility in surgical and medical procedures. Surgeons benefit from HoloLens by being able to work more fluidly and unhindered. Vital information such as heart rate can be displayed within their futuristic field of view, eliminating the need to shift attention between screens and patients. An example of this can be seen in the image below.

Doctors performing surgery hands free with Microsoft HoloLens 2

Additionally, hospitals have employed HoloLens and Remote Assist to reduce the risk of Covid-19 exposure. A solitary doctor or nurse equipped with a HoloLens conducts in-person patient consultations, while other medical personnel remain isolated in separate areas. Remote Assist facilitates a video call that bridges both ends, significantly minimizing the risk of exposure. This approach effectively curbs the potential for outbreaks while maintaining crucial medical operations.

Furthermore, HoloLens finds extensive application in training across various industries. One of its prominent training features is Dynamic 365 Guides, which enables employees to learn complex procedures through step-by-step instructions similar to a PowerPoint presentation. This empowers employees to acquire skills at their own pace. If issues arise, they can readily seek assistance from managers or supervisors.

Another popular training feature is Dynamic 365 Remote Assist. Companies utilize Remote Assist for diverse training applications. Through this, employees can receive training from experts regardless of their geographical location, as long as they have internet access. Remote Assist offers a shared field of view, enabling experts to guide trainees through troubleshooting, maintenance tasks, and even site walkthroughs remotely.

What was initially designed for workers to show experts their perspective has evolved, as experts now share their viewpoints as well. Virtual instructor-led training, resembling webinar-style sessions through Remote Assist, have gained traction, proving invaluable during the Covid-19 pandemic. Even beyond the pandemic, virtual instructor-led training (VILTs) is set to remain a preferred method of training.

Microsoft HoloLens 2 has substantially contributed to the ongoing growth of the digital workplace. How else would you envision using HoloLens? The possibilities are truly boundless.

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