The Metaverse at Work

The metaverse is a new frontier of digital transformation that connects the physical and virtual worlds in immersive and interactive ways. Through the metaverse, people can access, create, and share digital content and experiences across various devices and platforms, blurring the boundaries between reality and simulation. There are many applications and benefits for various industries and sectors, such as education, collaboration, research, and development. Despite AI (Artificial Intelligence) taking the main stage in communication these days, the metaverse is not dead – quite the contrary. It is evolving in various industries and sectors beyond meeting people or hanging out with colleagues. The enterprise and industrial metaverses are going forward strong and are real. 

1. Nokia report: The metaverse at work
2. How Microsoft Mesh enables the metaverse at work 
3. Mixed Reality: Enabling the Metaverse for Industries 
4. Conclusion 

Nokia report: The metaverse at work

A recent report by EY and Nokia, titled “The metaverse at work”, explores how companies across different industries are using the metaverse to improve their productivity, customer experience, innovation, and sustainability. The report is based on a survey and interviews with business leaders who have interest in or experience with the metaverse. 

Nokia’s report reveals that the metaverse is not just hype, but a reality that is already delivering value and benefits to companies that have deployed or piloted use cases. It also highlights that companies believe in the metaverse as only 2% of study respondents see metaverse as a fad and 58% of companies who plan to enter industrial or enterprise metaverses already have at least a pilot program going on. 

 In the report you can also discover the key use cases, enablers, risks, and challenges of the metaverse. There is guidance for companies that want to start or scale their metaverse journey. 

• The industrial and enterprise metaverses are expected to grow and are creating business value. On average 80% of respondents believe that industrial use cases will have an impact on the way they do business.  
• The most common use cases for the metaverse are training and education, design and engineering, collaboration and communication, and marketing and sales. 
• The key enablers for the metaverse are cloud computing, 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and data collection. 
• The main risks and challenges for the metaverse are security and privacy, people with the right expertise, proving ROI (return on investment), driving adoption and the list goes on. Pilot projects help to build confidence and knowledge to reduce risks.  

Report shows that the metaverse is not only a vision for the future, but a present reality that can transform the way we work and create value. It also highlights the importance of having a clear strategy, a robust infrastructure, and a strong ecosystem to succeed in the metaverse. 

 Training and onboarding 

One of the most popular and impactful use cases for the metaverse is training and onboarding. By using immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), companies can create realistic and engaging learning environments that can improve the skills and knowledge of their employees, customers, and partners. 

Promises of the benefits of using the metaverse for training and education are: 

• Cost reduction: The metaverse can reduce the need for physical equipment, travel, and instructors, as well as the downtime and waste associated with traditional training methods. 
• Safety improvement: The metaverse can provide a safe and controlled environment for training in hazardous or complex situations, such as operating machinery, handling chemicals, or performing surgery. 
• Scalability and accessibility: The metaverse can enable training to be delivered anytime, anywhere, and to anyone, regardless of their location, device, or language. 

Design and engineering 

Another important use case for the metaverse is design and engineering. By using digital twins, spatial computing, and generative design, companies can create and test virtual models of their products, processes, and systems, and optimize them for performance, quality, and sustainability. The metaverse can facilitate the collaboration and co-creation of designs and solutions across teams, departments, and organizations, as well as with customers and stakeholders, by providing a shared and interactive virtual environment. 
 

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse and how it can benefit your business, I recommend you read the full Nokia’s report here.  

How Microsoft Mesh enables the metaverse at work 

Microsoft Mesh is a cloud-based platform that enables the creation and delivery of immersive and collaborative experiences in the metaverse: a new way to connect and feel presence. It leverages the power of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Cloud to provide a seamless and secure way to connect people and data in the metaverse / virtual reality. 

Some of the scenarios where Microsoft Mesh can be used to enhance the metaverse at work are: 

• Training and learning: Microsoft Mesh can help employees and students learn new skills and knowledge in a more engaging and effective way. For example, Microsoft Mesh can enable remote and hands-on training for complex tasks, such as operating machinery, repairing equipment, or performing surgery. Microsoft Mesh can also facilitate immersive and interactive learning experiences, such as visiting historical sites, exploring scientific concepts, or practicing languages. 
• Collaboration and communication: Microsoft Mesh can improve teamwork and communication among employees and partners in different locations and time zones. For example, Microsoft Mesh can enable virtual meetings, presentations, and brainstorming sessions with avatars and holograms.  
• Research and development: Microsoft Mesh can accelerate innovation and discovery by enabling researchers and developers to access and analyze data and information in the metaverse. For example, Microsoft Mesh can enable data visualization, simulation, and testing of new products, processes, and solutions in a virtual environment. Microsoft Mesh can also enable collaboration and feedback from experts and stakeholders in different fields and domains. 
• Custom industrial metaverse solutions: Microsoft Mesh can empower businesses and organizations to create their own metaverse solutions that suit their specific needs and goals. For example, Microsoft Mesh can enable the creation of virtual replicas (Digital Twins) of physical assets, such as factories, production lines, ships, mines, power plants, and so on. These digital twins can be used to monitor, optimize, and control the performance and efficiency of physical systems. Microsoft Mesh can also enable the creation of virtual scenarios and environments that can be used to explore, experiment, and learn from different situations and outcomes. 

Microsoft Mesh is a powerful and versatile platform that can enable the metaverse at work for various industries and sectors. With Microsoft Mesh, businesses and organizations can enhance their productivity, creativity, and competitiveness in the digital age. To learn more about Microsoft Mesh and how it can help you achieve your metaverse goals, read more articles about Mesh in this blog and visit Microsoft Mesh website. 

Mixed Reality: Enabling the Metaverse for Industries 

Mixed reality is a key component of the metaverse, as it allows users to blend the physical and digital worlds in immersive and interactive ways. Mixed reality can enhance the capabilities and experiences of workers and customers across various industries and scenarios. Microsoft is among the leaders in mixed reality technology, with its HoloLens 2 and its applications like Dynamics 365 Guides and Remote Assist. 

On top of the standard edition there are also variations of HoloLens 2 available for industrial use, hard-hat integrated version Trimble XR10 and they are developing a military version with US Army.  

The latest updates for HoloLens 2 have included a camera viewfinder, new policies and improvements in hand tracking, and faster eye position updates. Just to name a few. 

Dynamics 365 Guides is an application that allows users to create and consume step-by-step instructions in mixed reality. Dynamics 365 Guides can help users learn new skills, perform complex tasks, and troubleshoot problems in a hands-free and contextual way using Hololens 2. Dynamics 365 Guides can be used with HoloLens 2 or any mobile device (this support came out summer 2023), making it accessible and flexible. 

Together, HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Guides can enable the metaverse for various industries and use cases, such as: 

• Manufacturing: HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Guides can help manufacturing workers improve their productivity, quality, and safety. For example, they can use mixed reality to access real-time information, instructions, and guidance on how to operate, maintain, and repair machines and equipment. Mixed reality can be used to collaborate with remote experts and colleagues using Microsoft Teams, and to inspect and verify the quality of products and processes. 
• Healthcare: HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Guides can help healthcare professionals improve their efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes. For example, they can use mixed reality to access patient records, medical images, and treatment plans in a convenient way. They can also use mixed reality to assist in surgeries, procedures, and diagnostics with enhanced precision and confidence.  
• Education: HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Guides, Mixed Reality in overall, can help educators and learners enhance their engagement, comprehension, and retention. For example, they can use mixed reality to create and explore immersive and interactive learning environments, such as historical sites, scientific phenomena, and artistic expressions. Mixed reality can help learners practice skills and concepts in a realistic way. Check out HoloLens 2 for Cultural Heritage. 

These are just some of the examples of how HoloLens 2, Dynamics 365 Guides and mixed reality can enable the metaverse for various industries and scenarios. The possibilities are growing all the time, as mixed reality, artificial intelligence, and other technologies are evolving at a fast pace. 

Conclusion 

The metaverse is a rapidly growing and evolving frontier of digital transformation that offers numerous benefits and opportunities for businesses across various industries. The metaverse can improve productivity, enhance customer experience, foster innovation, and reduce costs. Key use cases include training and education, design and engineering, collaboration and communication, and marketing and sales. To succeed in the metaverse, companies need to have a clear strategy, robust infrastructure, and strong ecosystem. Microsoft Mesh is a powerful platform that enables the creation and delivery of immersive and collaborative experiences in the metaverse. The metaverse is not just a vision for the future, but a present reality that can transform the way we work and create value. 

Thank you for reading, feel free to drop a comment! You can also contact me at Sulava, if you need any help or advice on how to leverage the metaverse for your specific needs and goals.