Location-Based Virtual Reality (LBVR) is an immersive experience that combines virtual environments with specially designed physical spaces. Unlike traditional VR, which is often limited to a single user, LBVR allows multiple participants to share the same interactive experience in a real space, while moving together in a virtual world.

This technology is appealing to the entertainment sector, but also opens up new opportunities for industry, education, and professional training.

What is LBVR?

LBVR relies on physical spaces equipped with XR headsets, sensors, and sometimes haptic systems to provide an immersive multi-user virtual reality experience.

Unlike traditional VR, where users remain isolated, LBVR promotes real-time collaboration, whether participants are in the same room or connected remotely.

It relies on free-roaming VR technologies, which allow users to move freely in a virtual environment, without being restricted to a limited play area.

Key technologies

  • Motion tracking systems (outside-in tracking, such as OptiTrack cameras, or inside-out tracking, which is featured in many headsets, such as the HTC Vive Focus Vision) for optimal precision.
  • Collaborative software for interacting with virtual objects and annotating 3D projects.
  • Cloud-based or local networks for synchronizing experiences, using WiFi or 5G (such as the solution offered by HTC’s G Reigns) to connect devices.

Why choose LBVR over a traditional VR experience?

LBVR offers several advantages over a traditional virtual reality experience, whether individual or collaborative. Sharing a VR session in the same place, in a co-located manner, allows for more natural collaboration.

It allows everyone to interact in the same space, with their own point of view, while promoting communication.

LBVR spaces are also ready-to-use spaces. In some cases, dedicating a space to VR can be seen as a constraint.

However, for industrial or educational uses, a dedicated space ensures smooth VR use and reduces barriers to use. The room is immediately available and does not require lengthy preparation and calibration, thus increasing the utilization rate and benefits of these solutions, such as:

  • For industry: cost reduction, time savings, improved collaboration…
  • For education and higher education: better information retention, increased engagement, access to environments that are difficult to visit…

What are the applications for LBVR?

While LBVR has become widely available for entertainment applications, the advantages of this solution are also significant for professional and educational uses.

Design Review and Project Review

LBVR allows teams to view and manipulate 3D prototypes before they are manufactured. For example:

Project reviews and design reviews

  • Automotive: Engineers can inspect a virtual car body and identify design flaws.
  • Architecture: Architects and clients walk through a virtual building to validate plans.
  • Aerospace: Simulate the assembly of an aircraft or satellite as a team.

Creativity Sessions

The LBVR stimulates innovation by providing an immersive brainstorming space:

  • Design thinking: Creation of 3D products.
  • Rapid prototyping: Instant modification of concepts without material constraints.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Designers, engineers, and marketers work together in the same virtual environment.

Training and Education

LBVR transforms training by making learning more concrete and engaging:

  • Technical simulations: Training operators on complex machines without risk.
  • Medical: Medical students practice virtual surgical procedures.
  • Industrial safety: Simulation of interventions in hazardous environments (nuclear power plants, construction sites).

LBVR: much more than just entertainment

LBVR is a strategic tool for businesses, educational institutions, and training organizations.

  • For industry, it reduces costs, saves time, and improves collaboration.
  • For education, it represents a true pedagogical revolution by making learning immersive and effective.

At Immersion, we offer turnkey LBVR solutions, notably through our Shariiing Workroom offering, to facilitate the adoption of virtual reality and rethink the way we work, learn, and innovate.

How do you envision integrating LBVR into your field? Contact us to discover our solutions and personalized support!