Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two distinct but related computing paradigms. Compared to virtual reality, augmented reality occurs in the real world. Augmented reality users have command over their physical presence, whereas virtual reality users are at the mercy of technology.

As of 2023, there are 65.9 million VR users and 110.1 million AR users in the U.S.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are frequently used interchangeably. AR apps, games like Pokemon Go, and VR headgear, like Meta Quest 2 and the Valve Index, are becoming increasingly common. They have a similar ring to them, and as technology advances, they blend in many ways. This is obvious in Apple’s forthcoming Vision Pro headset (release date: early 2024).

However, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are still not the same thing.

What Is AR?

Augmented reality is more effective than virtual reality as a branding and gaming tool since it is accessible to virtually anybody with a smartphone. The camera or video viewer on a smartphone is used to project digital images and characters onto the real world, transforming it into a vibrant, surreal environment. Simply said, augmented reality enhances the user’s current surroundings. To fully use AR, you need to use certain gadgets. For instance, Smart Glasses are often used to get the info through Smart Glasses software.

What Is VR?

The global virtual reality (VR) is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.5% from 2023 to 2030

The next level of these components is achieved in virtual reality by creating a computer-generated representation of a different universe. Using technology like computers, sensors, headphones, and gloves, these simulations can transport the player to practically any setting they can imagine.

Virtual reality is all about making a new world seem real. With a VR screen, the person can see and communicate with the digital world. Two lenses must be put between the person and the screen for this to work. They figure out what the eye movements mean and change how the person moves to fit the VR. So, in this case, a lot of gear is needed to cut the person off from the real world.

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Jobs in the VR and AR Industry

It has created innumerable opportunities for businesses and workers. Virtual reality and augmented reality are revolutionizing several fields, including computer programming, graphic design, scientific study, and more.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science might help you learn how the technology works. People who work with AR and VR must know how to use tools like 3D MAX and Autodesk 3D and be familiar with video game creation systems like Unreal and Unity that recreate environments in 3D.

Read: What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented or Virtual Reality? A direct comparison!

• The two technologies—AR and VR—differ significantly. This striking contrast does not, however, suggest that one technology is superior to the other. Instead, each technology excels in a distinct field of use:
• While VR transports users to an imaginary realm, AR adds digital details to the actual world.
• Virtual reality is 75% virtual whereas augmented reality is just 25% virtual.
• Virtual reality headsets are necessary for use, although augmented reality devices are not.
• Virtual reality (VR) users move in an entirely fabricated environment, whereas augmented reality (AR) users interact with the actual world.
• More bandwidth is needed for AR than VR.
• The goal of augmented reality is to make both the digital and physical worlds better. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that simulates an alternative environment to improve video games.
• Both AR and VR employ a real-world environment, whereas VR is entirely simulated.
• Users of augmented reality have command over their physical presence, whereas those of virtual reality are at the mercy of the technology.
• While virtual reality headsets are required to experience AR, all you need is a smartphone.
• While virtual reality can only improve upon an artificial reality, augmented reality can improve upon both.

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The Synergy Between Augmented and Virtual Reality

When augmented reality and virtual reality are used together, they form a harmonious system. They each function independently, but when used together, they provide a richer, more exciting experience for the user. The idea is to build a fictitious setting that is open to outside influences.TeamViewer provides excellent software options for integrating AR and VR into your business.

Future-Oriented Thinking

As mixed reality becomes more prevalent among VR headsets, the border between augmented and virtual reality will blur temporarily if not permanently. Over time, advancements in outward-facing camera and environment-scanning technologies will allow you to see more clearly while wearing a headset, transforming any virtual reality headset into a mixed reality headset.

Read: AI and Machine Learning Are Changing Business Forever

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Bango is pleased to announce the expansion of its partnership with Sam Media to offer its extended reality (XR) subscription services through the Digital Vending Machine (DVM). Resellers, such as telcos, that have standardized on the Digital Vending Machine to bundle subscriptions, can now add Sam Media’s XR content to their consumer offers.

This new collaboration extends the recent Direct Carrier B****** partnership between the two companies, and opens up new avenues for telcos and various resellers to differentiate their services by offering groundbreaking XR content. XR replicates the real world in a digital format, delivering state-of-the-art entertainment and immersive experiences for users. Sam Media’s groundbreaking technology makes XR content accessible to everyone, irrespective of their device, eliminating the need for costly equipment. A smartphone with internet access is all users require to delve into this innovative realm.

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Among the XR content offerings is SingSpace, powered by Stingray Karaoke – a virtual reality platform redefining the karaoke experience. SingSpace brings music enthusiasts together globally in an interactive metaverse, fostering a vibrant community where user-generated content is celebrated. Singers can share their performances, engage with others, and showcase their talent on various social platforms.

One connection to the Digital Vending Machine® delivers swift market entry and scalability for both content providers and resellers. Content providers can effortlessly tap into new global audiences through a network of resellers. Resellers, including telcos, banks and retailers can now offer the latest and most captivating subscription content, allowing for an array of bundles, discounts, and offers to attract and retain customers.

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“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Sam Media through the Digital Vending Machine® to extend the reach of their cutting-edge XR content to a global audience. This collaboration enables resellers to provide unique and compelling subscriptions, enticing new users.” Anil Malhotra, CMO of Bango.

“Enabling quick and easy access to our XR content through the Digital Vending Machine is a crucial part of our mission to make our content available to everyone on any device. Empowering resellers to bundle our content plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.” Alexis Bartelds, CEO of Sam Media.

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In an industry first, Yambo, a pioneering technology firm, is set to redefine the interactive marketing landscape through its innovative use of immersive digital and in-real-life (IRL) experiences. Leveraging its patent portfolio, Yambo aims to integrate Apple’s visionary approach to virtual reality (VR) and OpenAI’s ambition for artificial intelligence (AI) in gamification, delivering unparalleled interactive experiences to consumers worldwide.

Yambo’s groundbreaking technology seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds, creating digital and physical “pop-up experiences” that are not only engaging but also deeply memorable. These experiences are designed to captivate audiences, merging the enchantment of gaming with the tangible aspects of the real world, thus setting a new benchmark in immersive marketing.

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“At Yambo, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” says Mike Onghai, CEO of Yambo. “Our core gaming patent is the cornerstone of our strategy, allowing us to create immersive, interactive experiences that will provide gamification for today’s tech, as well as Apple and Meta’s VR tech of the future. This unique amalgamation enables us to bring the magic of gaming into real-world marketing in a way that has never been done before.”

Yambo’s approach is not just about creating buzz; it’s about forging deep, meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Through its immersive pop-ups, Yambo provides a platform for companies to interact with their customers in a dynamic environment, enhancing brand loyalty and creating unforgettable experiences.

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The company’s vision goes beyond traditional marketing tactics, aiming to create a world where virtual and physical realms coalesce, offering endless possibilities for engagement and interaction. This vision aligns with the future directions of giants like Apple and Meta, positioning Yambo at the forefront of the next wave of digital transformation.

As Yambo prepares to launch its first series of interactive pop-up experiences across major cities worldwide, the industry is watching closely. With its disruptive approach and cutting-edge technology, Yambo is not just participating in the evolution of interactive marketing; it is leading it.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Yambo is rolling out one of its first alpha level interactive experiences in partnership with a leading cafe and pastries brand, “Sip, Dine and Chat”,  and rewarding players who successfully beat the game.

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Cedars-Sinai Grants VRx Health Exclusive Licensing of Xaia Technology

VRx Health, pioneers of medical extended reality, announced the launch of Xaia (eXtended reality Artificially Intelligent Ally), a first-of-its-kind app combining spatial computing with AI for personalized mental health. Xaia’s technology has been exclusively licensed from Cedars-Sinai to VRx Health, to bring immersive AI therapy to the world.

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Currently, Xaia is available as an application on Apple Vision Pro headsets. Designed to take advantage of the powerful capabilities of visionOS, Xaia is experienced via spatial computing on Vision Pro and visualized as a human-scale, 3D robot. She has an empathetic and understanding voice, is available 24/7, and can support users with any mental health subjects they need help with. Imagine discussing your aspirations with Xaia and finding yourself on the beach at sunrise, exploring feelings of isolation and suddenly being surrounded by the Northern Lights, or doing breathwork and meditation next to a creek-side meadow. Xaia has multi-disciplinary training in areas including cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive talk therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention therapy, among the most common forms of therapy for mental health issues in the US today.

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Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS, and Omer Liran, MD, co-founded VRx Health.

“Today there are 58 million people in the United States struggling with mental illness and our health care systems simply cannot meet up with demand. There’s a supply and demand mismatch between the availability of psychotherapists and the overwhelming epidemic of mental distress in America,” said Dr. Spiegel, director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai

Xaia is currently available on Apple’s Vision Pro headset, where users can buy subscription packages and can add additional minutes in bundles.

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Virtualware, the European leader in virtual reality has signed a partnership agreement with GE21 Realidade Virtual to boost VIROO’s presence in Brazil.

The Brazilian VR company, which is part of the GE21 group, has officially joined the VIROO partner program. This represents a strategic partnership focused on expanding the reach of the Enterprise VR platform VIROO especially in mining, geosciences, and engineering industries.  This collaboration began last October at the largest annual nursing event in Latin America, CBCENF celebrated in João Pessoa, Brazil where both companies were showcasing VIROO,  presenting the benefits of using VR in medical training.

“We are eliminating the complexities and barriers often associated with VR technology, thanks to VIROO. At GE21 Realidade Virtual, we are assisting companies and institutions in contextualizing their processes by applying VR and AR technologies.” Pablo Reinhardt, Founder & Director of Grupo GE21.

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GE21 Realidade Virtual has more than 12 years of experience and expertise working with companies such as Samarco, BHP Billiton, Anglo American, AECOM, VLI, and the leader of implementing the Virtual Reality Center VALE.

“Adding GE21 Realidade Virtual to our Partner Programme enriches our collaborative ecosystem and brings specialized expertise to the Brazilian market” says Jesus Garrido, Global Sales Manager at Virtualware.

Headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, Virtualware is a global pioneer in developing virtual reality solutions for major industrial, educational, and healthcare conglomerates. Since its founding in 2004, the company has garnered widespread recognition for its accomplishments. In 2021, Virtualware was acknowledged as the world’s most Innovative VR Company and since April 2023 the company has been listed on the Euronext Access Paris stock exchange.

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Virtualware’s flagship product, VIROO, is redefining the realm of enterprise VR, driving its adoption forward, leveraging innovative and sustainable strategies. Recognized for its pioneering approach in the immersive technology sector, VIROO is rapidly becoming the global benchmark for the development and deployment of multi-user VR applications in industry and education.

The VR as a service platform is already used by over 40 companies and institutions worldwide including GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation, Gestamp, ADIF, the Spanish Ministry of Defense, Invest WindsorEssex, McMaster University, University of El Salvador, Conalep and EAN University.

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Virtual and augmented reality have long been touted as exciting new technologies that could upend platforms firstly in gaming, like PC and console. But mass market adoption has so far been a challenge.

Meta has gradually been building a market of millions of users – the Meta Quest range has sold approximately 20 million headsets to date – but it’s been a slow burn, with reported low levels of engagement and retention from owners becoming a critical issue.

Meanwhile, augmented reality has yet to take off for gaming. Niantic’s multi-billion dollar hit Pokémon GO is the clear flagship title for the technology, but to date, no other title has been able to match that success, or even come close. As for AR headsets, any attempts to launch consumer hardware have failed.

One of the main selling points for AR and VR is immersion, whether in an augmented real-world environment or an entirely virtual space. Along with graphical fidelity, artificial intelligence (AI) is key to creating these experiences.

AI is being used to create different worlds and characters that respond and adapt to the user’s presence, thereby increasing immersion. Cracking this element is one of the keys to building VR’s killer app.

A new generation of immersion… Lead by gaming

Non-playable characters (NPCs) and enemies are powered by AI, and how they interact with players can shape the entire gaming experience and make or break immersion.

Slowly, we are seeing the introduction of NPCs across other industries. In simulation situations, often for training purposes,  virtual agents are used who have characteristics, abilities, and actions that closely mirror those of NPCs in games. The characters are assigned certain behaviors, which they then exhibit within the simulation. In the recruitment process or training simulation they can bring a once dry and formulaic experience to life. As the adoption of AI in business grows, NPCs will be used in areas of the business that require an injection of creativity to drive engagement.

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While NPCs are not to be confused with bots, AI is also set to change the evolution and experiences possible through the use of chatbots, which are often used in customer help desk situations. Meta recently launched Messenger for its AI studio, which allows companies to create AIs that reflect their brand’s values and improve customer service experiences. While this product is currently in Alpha testing, celebrities, such as Snoop Dogg, Kendall Jenner, and many more, are said to be available as AI characters to test. This will make AI chatbots more personable and interactive and strengthen customer brand engagement and experience.

AI can also be used for creating more dynamic experiences, such as cueing dynamic music based on actions, or for raising and lowering difficulty levels in simulation training. It can even take things a step further, adapting the simulation or training, based on progression, play styles, and preferences.

Generative AI is a cutting-edge technology, which most recently became widely popular through large language models like ChatGPT and image generators e.g Midjourney – but the capability of the technology is so much more. The technology can be harnessed to create unique responses to prompts and actions to build unique experiences and is being used across a wide range of industries. However, ethical issues around images and data used without consent (which is a possibility for some models) are a grey area that has caused contention across many industries and is something that governments globally are looking to address with regulation for wider global implementation and innovation to be driven through the technology.

AI agents are already being used across several sectors – from architecture (Chinese architectural AI XCool recently launched LookX) to automotive, with examples in leading brands like Tesla where AI is used for innovative safety features. AI can dynamically interact with users based on predefined actions and responses, choosing the most appropriate reaction for the situation. This can be utilized for a variety of experiences, such as guided tours or even simply customer support. In VR, where immersion is a key selling point, the opportunity to have more individualized and personable interactions with NPCs and other AI agents could help improve this further.

There are also other possibilities once generative AI tools make it into developer workflows. Whether based on external or internal content libraries, the technology can power the creation of new art assets, visual effects, and more, assisting artists with their work in crafting immersive worlds.

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Building killer apps

For AR, AI is used to help seamlessly add augmented content to our surroundings in the virtual space. For many, the introduction of AR was led by the launch of Pokémon Go in 2016, played on mobile and allowing users to interact with objects in the real world around them, to monsters scaling and destroying buildings or just artwork on a wall, AI is the critical element in AR simulation adapting to the physical world.

Developments around AI come at an interesting time for the VR and AR markets. Meta has been leading the charge in the VR market, with a third iteration of its Quest headset due to be launched imminently. Apple is stepping into the sector with its mixed reality – or as it calls it, ‘spatial computing’ – headset Apple Vision Pro, which itself could be a game-changing moment.

Niantic and a host of other tech giants and start-ups are also hard at work developing new, groundbreaking AR technology that can power future experiences on headsets and smartphones. We are also starting to see a breakthrough in the consumer fashion/tech space with the recent announcement from Ray-Ban on its smart glasses with two 12-megapixel cameras by each eye and an LED light that flips to alert others that you’re recording. The next iteration of this product will include AR technology.  With the ability to livestream through the glasses to friends and family and over 150 design options, the glasses will retail at around $300, a similar price to much of the brands’ standard range.  We will then finally start to see the cost of VR/AR products to the consumer market reducing over time to become more accessible.

While the AR and VR market ultimately became one that was too expensive or complicated, we are certainly seeing a resurgence, with AI powering the next generation of killer apps that AR and VR sorely need to improve engagement and hit the mass market with several exciting applications outside of the gaming world.

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Hi, Dan. Welcome to the Interview Series. Please tell us about your role at HTC VIVE.

I am the General Manager of the HTC VIVE Business for the U.S. region which is inclusive of Product Management, Sales, Marketing, and Operations. I have oversight and responsibility to deliver our full portfolio of HTC VIVE Products, Services, and Solutions for all our Consumer and Enterprise customers.

What has changed in the AR VR technology development landscape in the last three years?

I think it’s safe to say that for all tech, advancement and miniaturization go hand in hand. The XR industry is starting to hit its stride in this regard, with smaller and more powerful devices coming to market. HTC VIVE released the first glasses-style VR headset, VIVE Flow, in 2021. We followed it this year with VIVE XR Elite, which is also foldable and compact, but much more powerful.

Mixed reality (MR) is also in the spotlight these days. That’s largely thanks to improvements in passthrough technology, and the addition of depth sensors to headsets. VIVE XR Elite was our first headset with a sharp, color passthrough that makes MR not only practical but also fun. We’re starting to see some groundbreaking applications developed by our partners Taqtile, HAVIK, and more. But we’ve only scratched the surface of MR; there will be advancements in cameras and computer vision techniques in the coming years to bring these experiences even closer to natural human eyesight.

There are also big changes happening on the wireless infrastructure side. You need powerful, high-throughput connections to run immersive content in a secure environment – much more than what’s needed to stream movies. 5G and eventually 6G antennas will be integrated right into VR headsets. In the interim and to meet market needs, we’ve developed a Private 5G solution called REIGN CORE that can blanket a 10,000 m2 warehouse in a secure 5G signal. Recently, we attended the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) demonstrating secure XR training solutions for defense, military, and law enforcement.

Connectivity was part of every conversation as government organizations looked to implement training solutions and scale in a secure environment. This Private 5G solution then enables organizations to run VR training with almost no latency.

Could you tell us about the XR product roadmap at HTC Vive? Which industries are you currently focusing on?

We count a lot of great partners in the defense vertical, as well as in healthcare and training. The technology trends I mentioned before – miniaturization and better passthrough – lend themselves well to all different types of training scenarios.

At I/ITSEC, we had up to 30 partners showcase their immersive training simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, giving trainees a safely controlled space to learn and advance their skill sets for mission-critical procedures on VIVE devices. 

In terms of products, we launched our newest device, the VIVE Ultimate Tracker recently. It’s a “self-tracking” tracker which means it knows its own position in 3D space and can thus be used to track your body parts in VR precisely. You can also attach it to physical objects and bring them into VR experiences. This is extremely useful for a lot of different vertical partners: healthcare, industrial training, defense, design, and more.

According to HTC VIVE’s latest report, 80% of active military-duty trainers said that XR enhances their education plans and empowers trainers to be more effective. Can you please explain what this means for realism-based training programs in critical operations?

XR training is kinesthetic in nature. It’s the most effective learning method for lots of people, as opposed to reading or listening to lectures. According to the National Training Laboratory, the retention rate for VR learning is 75% compared to 10% for textbooks and only 5% for lectures. In other words: humans learn by doing. XR makes it possible to go through potentially dangerous scenarios in the headset, without any actual safety risk, and get better prepared for real-world missions.

How is HTC VIVE eliminating work silos in remote settings? 

We have an enterprise platform called VIVERSE for Business, which lets employees with all different kinds of roles collaborate remotely. We built it with enough features to make it as powerful as you need – for example, for group visualization of 3D objects – but also with many core productivity features like scheduled meetings, support for 2D video calls on Zoom and Teams, and Microsoft Office file support.

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The whole idea is for VIVERSE to be an extension of the conventional office, particularly for globally distributed and remote teams.

Sales and Marketing organizations are steady users of XR technology for their lead-gen campaigns. How do your customers use VR to improve their lead gen operations?

It’s a great question as we use the workflow tools from VIVERSE for Business applications for our meetings as well as reviewing the content and preparing presentations for our customers and training on new products. We are also integrated with Salesforce in our VIVERSE for Business application and we can review customer information and engagement plans and strategy in our XR Headsets. In addition, we have integrated over five MDM partners as well as our own native solution for commercial customers looking to bring better management and security. Overall, we’re seeing great results with training, collaboration, and integration of useful applications like Salesforce. There’s a lot more to come on applications we are integrating and how we’ll continue improving workflows and efficiencies.

Your predictions on the future of AI in the XR industry that requires highly optimized and CX-driven workflow automation: 

AI will make our interactions with XR technology easier and more natural. Working with virtual input methods like keyboards is tricky, with a learning curve. AI can help us more naturally interact in VR through speech and gestures, in a human-centric way. Soon, we’ll probably be able to speak things into existence – like virtual objects and worlds. This means that the advent of AI will make it much faster and easier for businesses to develop intuitive, customer-first workflows.

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Thank you, Daniel! That was fun and we hope to see you back on AiThority.com soon.

[To share your insights with us, please write to sghosh@martechseries.com]

• About Daniel
• About HTC VIVE

About Daniel

Daniel O’Brien is a seasoned business and technology executive with over 20 years of experience delivering revenue growth, leading strategic business initiatives and partnerships, managing P&L, brand building, and maximizing operational excellence for extended reality (XR) and augmented reality (AR) technology companies. He brings a breadth of experience in market-defining and pioneering wireless technologies, mobile devices, and XR products, and has a strong understanding of sector economics, multi-million dollar/multi-level development lifecycles, and integrated product and application implementations. Daniel has introduced inaugural VR products, Android Smart Phones, Windows Phones, and World Phones into the marketplace on behalf of numerous leading mobile operators.

About HTC VIVE

HTC VIVE is the premier virtual reality (VR) platform and ecosystem that creates true-to-life VR experiences for businesses and consumers. The VIVE ecosystem is built around premium VR hardware, software, and content. The VIVE business encompasses best-in-class XR hardware; VIVEPORT platform and app store; VIVE Enterprise Solutions for business customers; VIVE X, a US$100M VR business accelerator; and VIVE ARTS for cultural initiatives.

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Transfr, an emerging leader in virtual reality-based skills training for middle-skilled careers, announced a $40 million investment . The Series C growth capital investment round was led by ABS Capital to further develop Transfr’s virtual reality (VR) simulation and training platform and to expand its programs to accommodate its rapidly growing customer base, which has more than doubled year over year from 2019-2023. JPMorgan Chase Impact Finance and Advisory joined the Series C round along with existing investors: Lumos Capital Group, who led the Series B; Akkadian Ventures, Spring Tide Capital, and Firework Ventures, who led the Series A; and Album, who led the Series Seed. This round brings the total investment in Transfr to over $90 million since its founding in 2017.

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“We believe that Transfr and its experienced management team are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the tailwind from the challenges in the labor market by providing innovative training solutions that can efficiently bring qualified candidates to market.”

Middle-skills careers are defined as jobs that require more training and education than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree and are considered the backbone of America’s workforce. This category makes up more than half of the U.S. labor market, while only 43 percent of the labor force has the training required to fill these roles. The lack of training currently available to those looking to fill these jobs presents an opportunity for the private and public sectors to invest in solutions that make it easier to close the skill gap.

“About two-thirds of the American workforce do not have a college degree.¹ There is a massive opportunity for both private and public entities to utilize VR training programs to create alternative pathways to employment,” said Bharani Rajakumar, Transfr founder and CEO, and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. “This $40 million investment enables Transfr to continue to invest in undiscovered talent by developing more simulations and solutions to connect the classroom to career pathway with our partners in education and industry and hire the talent we need to scale and achieve our mission.”

Transfr’s mission is to scale access to quality education and employment for everyone, regardless of their background or location. The company developed an innovative VR-based platform, which hosts over 300 simulations that focus on careers that do not require a four-year degree. It has established a first-mover advantage in the Career Training and Education (CTE) market, with VR simulation training seeing $263 billion in global spending annually with an opportunity for rapid growth.

Transfr is now deployed in over 1,000 locations nationwide, including community colleges, trade schools, employers, prisons, and K-12 schools across Automotive, Aviation, Construction, Diesel, Electrical, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, and Healthcare. With this diverse industry set, Transfr has increased its user base by 10x over the last year, with trainees having completed over 400,000 simulations, helping incumbent workers, job-seekers, and students leverage the company’s virtual reality platform to build the skills needed to excel in middle-skills careers.

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ABS Capital Partners Phil Clough will join Transfr’s board of directors, and Jennifer Krusius, also a Partner at ABS Capital, will serve as a board observer. Clough says, “We believe that Transfr and its experienced management team are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the tailwind from the challenges in the labor market by providing innovative training solutions that can efficiently bring qualified candidates to market.”

Krusius added, “Transfr’s VR platform offers a cost-effective alternative in the educational landscape that can reach many workforce candidates that otherwise would not have had access to this level of training and coaching.”

Transfr plans to leverage the capital investment to further build out its executive leadership team and scale its platform and impact, enabling more people to explore, learn, and connect with career opportunities in high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare. The funding will also be used to invest in developing new training simulations that cover a wider range of skills and scenarios, as well as to enhance existing ones with more features, including offering training in Spanish.

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