(Photo: © timofeev/123RF.com)
Read aloud:
1 October 2024
Crafts 4.0: The metaverse promises entirely new learning and work opportunities – thanks to the merging of virtual worlds with the real world. But how can skilled trades businesses benefit from this?
Virtual site visits, collaboration across thousands of kilometers, or training on machines in virtual space: Even today, the metaverse offers tradespeople numerous advantages , enabling entirely new workflows and greater efficiency . According to a survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom in August 2024, 32 percent of German companies with 20 or more employees consider the metaverse an important future technology .
Nevertheless, only 13 percent have so far explored the use of the metaverse in their own company . These figures show that the metaverse is still in its infancy. However, even today, many opportunities exist for craft businesses to benefit from the new technologies in their daily work.
But what is the Metaverse? And how do you get there? The Metaverse (a portmanteau of "meta" and "universe") is essentially a fusion of the real world with virtual worlds ( Virtual Reality ) and augmented reality . This creates a " Mixed Reality "—a boundless, digital space with various ways to interact with other users and with real and virtual objects . In the Metaverse, everyone can act in real time as their own digital avatar and thus, for example, communicate, buy goods, or work.
It's important to understand that there isn't just one metaverse: It's estimated that several thousand metaverses are currently under development , each with different graphics, content, and users . Some even have their own economy with cryptocurrencies . And of course, any business can develop its own small metaverse to achieve its own goals. Specialized service providers and platforms exist for this purpose , such as rooom.com , senselab.io , and metaverse-cms.com.
The most important requirement for experiencing the metaverse is powerful technology . A PC or smartphone is sufficient for entering some metaverses. However, for the full experience, virtual reality , augmented reality , or mixed reality headsets are recommended . These are larger headsets with displays, cameras, headphones, and microphones.
These devices are simply connected to a powerful computer or smartphone with internet access. Now, trades businesses only need the appropriate platform or software to implement their desired applications. With just a few clicks, they can then meet customers and business partners in the Metaverse , collaborate across different locations worldwide , or attend real and virtual events.
Particularly interesting for tradespeople is the possibility of demonstrating products to customers in their own virtual showrooms or participating in training courses in virtual spaces . This not only completely eliminates the time and expense of travel, but also creates entirely new opportunities to interact with customers, employees, and trainees.
Experts predict that the Metaverse will be as commonplace as the Internet in a few years. Therefore, craftspeople should engage with the new technology early on and examine what options are already available to work more efficiently and future-oriented with the help of the metaverse.
It is estimated that several thousand metaverses are currently under development.
In a nutshellImportant technical terms
XR: Extended Reality
The term Extended Reality encompasses all technologies that can be used to expand the real world – for example, augmented, virtual or mixed reality.
AR: Augmented Reality
With augmented reality, users supplement their real world – for example, with additional digital information, 3D objects, animations or real-time images.
VR: Virtual Reality
Virtual reality allows users to immerse themselves in new digital worlds while completely blocking out the real world. This is particularly successful with VR headsets.
MR: Mixed Reality
Mixed reality not only combines the capabilities of VR and AR, but also complements them with direct interaction between the two worlds. Using special mixed reality glasses, users can, for example, place virtual objects, such as digitally generated tools, on a real table.
The Metaverse - Application ideas for craft businesses
Training and further education
Companies can conduct or complete training and continuing education courses in virtual spaces without being physically present. This saves time and travel costs.
customer advice and support
In virtual showrooms, craftspeople present products and services to their customers in a realistic environment. Materials and designs can be viewed and selected in 3D.
Project planning and visualization
Construction projects and renovations can be optimally planned and visualized in the metaverse – including virtual site visits, concepts, and improved communication with customers and partners.
Cooperation and support
Using external cameras on headsets, colleagues can monitor what a field worker is currently seeing in real time – and thus provide targeted support. Another practical feature: AR glasses can be used to display instructions, plans, or other specific information in their field of vision.
Exchange and network
In the metaverse, craftspeople can collaborate and exchange ideas with colleagues and experts around the world – thanks to real-time translation, without any language barriers.
marketing and advertisement
When tradespeople present their services and products in virtual worlds, they reach a larger audience. Virtual trade fairs and events offer additional advertising opportunities.
Specialists and trainees
For younger generations, the metaverse will soon become a natural part of everyday life. Therefore, companies should optimally present themselves in the metaverse – with the goal of also specifically targeting trainees and skilled workers in the future.
DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
Newsletter
Write a comment