Virtual reality in maritime: Opportunities and challenges.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of virtual reality (VR) technologies and their applications in maritime sector along with potential benefits and critical challenges. Virtual reality (VR) is not a new invention. Scientific research has been working in this field for decades, having recognised it as a very powerful tool for creating more natural and intuitive human computer interactions (HCIs). VR can be described as an interactive, computer-generated three dimensional (3D) environment with which users can interact using specialised peripherals such as 3D displays, data gloves and haptic/force feedback devices. VR is also interpreted as a natural extension to 3D computer graphics with advanced HCIs that simulate a functionally realistic environment. As the technologies of VR evolve, the applications of VR become literally unlimited. It is assumed that VR will reshape the interaction manners between users and computer technology by offering new approaches for the communication of information, the visualisation of processes and the creative expression of ideas. This paper offers a brief primer to the history, current state, and potential future growth of VR. It includes a short history of the technology, a review of the most common VR interfaces, a look at some of the most critical challenges to implementation and a discussion of the future of VR. Finally a description of the potential benefits to the maritime sector that can be gained by implementation of VR technologies is presented.