Simulation Training’s Transition to the Metaverse

Cobra launches its latest platform to support the growth of the Metaverse in simulation and training:  immersive-metaverse.com.

What is the Metaverse? The term Metaverse is typically used to describe the concept of a future iteration of the internet, made up of persistent, shared, 3D virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual and connected universe. The Metaverse in a broader sense may not only refer to virtual worlds, but the internet as a whole, and may include the entire spectrum of augmented reality. Using virtual and mixed reality interactive devices it will serve as a hub for any person, organisation or business to interact, commercially transact and make connections or experiences within.

The Metaverse is replacing the internet as we know it today. We will interact with the Metaverse using all of our five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste). Creating what Cobra refers to now as the sixth sense "PRESENCE". "Presence creation" is the key to the future of immersive software and hardware development.

Presence creation is all about the user experience and how they are engaged within the Metaverse. It’s what the simulation training industry has been striving to achieve since the conception of devices to simulate a real-world event.

The Metaverse does not actually exist “yet” per say, but the seeds have been sowed with big business investing billions. Why should we pay attention? Simply draw a parallel to the real world. If you don’t have a presence, a place to interact with potential clients, then you cannot expect to get clients. Then consider the digital shop front, how many times have you purchased something via an online store or contacted customer services using chat box? How many training courses or tutorials online have you experienced on the internet? When I was a kid, it was not possible. Now it’s normal.

Interacting with virtual environments be it in mixed or fully immersed will creep into everything we do until it too becomes the norm. The Metaverse is the enabling factor and will overlay onto our existing internet infrastructure, like the Windows user interface was to the computer. There are various portals into a conceptual Metaverse, for example business focused like Varjo Teleport and consumer focused like Meta Horizon Worlds. Eventually these will become connected as one, a seamless transition from one experience to another, real world to virtual world or both.

To interact with these portals, devices come in many formats. Our range of single channel immersive domes, Teslasuit’s full body wireless haptic feedback, motion capture and biometrics or Varjo’s class leading VR/XR headsets to name a few.

This is why our industry must start to prepare today. Where do you start? What do you need? Who can you turn too? How can you invest? How do you make a return? These are questions that many businesses are asking today.

Cobra believes that your Metaverse strategy should split into three core areas of focus starting with the basic “presence”.

This can take on many factors, much in the way you design and build your website. Every company is going to need a digital headquarters, a place that communicates everything about your brand, products, and services. A place you can interact with colleagues and clients, build relationships, collaborate, give product demonstrates and customise solutions in real time. A place where you own your content.

Once your digital HQ is operational, the attention can shift to “virtualising your training”. Virtualising your training needs brings practical, cost, and environmental benefits. Even at the basic levels of company process, for example induction day, clients or new employees could train before ever setting foot on your site.

The foundation is then in place to virtualise your products and services. Digital twins of your real-world training solutions that can either be demonstrated or used by your clients and end users. Virtual academies, virtual product demos, customisable changes reducing design review phases. Only the best shop fronts will attract the greatest number of clients.

The final phase “deployment”. Having the correct interactive hardware and software devices are critical to adoption. UI & UX interfaces, taking the complex and making it simple. Knowing how, where and when to connect with your clients.

The Cobra Simulation team has built its reputation delivering immersive interactive devices and experiences to an international client base for a decade. The company is an Epic Games MegaGrant recipient and a Meta “ presence platform” international prize winner. Our experienced team of immersive software engineers, designers, and hardware specialists offer a range of products and services to generate “presence” with a focus in the simulation and training industry.

Get in touch and discuss your Metaverse training needs here  immersive-metaverse.com.