Technology explained
Not sure where to start? Match what you need to do with the technology that fits it.
| You want to | Start with | Real example |
|---|---|---|
| Train operators safely on a machine | Virtual reality | Tata AutoComp |
| Show a product at actual size on a phone or tablet | Augmented reality | TAFE, Edgetech |
| Let a buyer walk around a machine you cannot ship | Mixed reality or VR | Gandhi Automation |
| Answer visitor questions from your own material | An AI avatar | Maruti Suzuki MQFC 2.0 |
| Turn CAD files into sales content | 3D modelling | NBG |
TechnologyWhat is 3D modelling? A plain guide for business
What 3D modelling is, how it works and where industry uses it, from product design and engineering to AR and VR, plus how we use 3D models in our work.
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TechnologyWhat is artificial intelligence? A plain guide for business
What artificial intelligence is, how machine learning, language processing and computer vision work, where industry uses AI, and how we build it into our work.
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TechnologyWhat is assisted reality? A plain guide for business
What assisted reality is, how hands-free smart glasses such as RealWear work, and where it helps in manufacturing, field service and remote assistance.
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TechnologyWhat is augmented reality (AR)? A plain guide for business
What augmented reality (AR) is, how it works on phones, tablets and AR glasses, where industry uses it, and how we use AR to show products at actual size.
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TechnologyWhat is a digital twin? A plain guide for business
What a digital twin is, how sensor and IoT data keep it up to date, where manufacturing and other industries use digital twins, and how we build them.
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TechnologyWhat is the metaverse? A plain guide for business
What the metaverse is, how people access it through VR, AR, PCs and phones, how businesses use it for training and sales, and where it connects to our work.
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TechnologyWhat is mixed reality (MR)? A plain guide for business
What mixed reality (MR) is, how it differs from VR and AR, how devices like HoloLens work, where industry uses MR, and how we use it for machine demos.
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TechnologyWhat is virtual reality (VR)? A plain guide for business
What virtual reality (VR) is, how VR headsets work, where industry uses VR for training, design and sales, and how we use it in manufacturing training.
Read the explainerFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between AR, VR and XR?
XR, or extended reality, is the umbrella term. It covers virtual reality (a fully simulated environment in a headset), augmented reality (digital content placed in the real world) and mixed reality (virtual and real elements that respond to each other).
What is immersive technology?
The group of tools that place people inside digital content or add digital content to the room around them. It covers virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, and businesses use it to train staff and to show products.