There are numerous technologies used to successfully create an interactive and immersive virtual reality museum experience. The true talent in implementing these technologies is having a thorough awareness of each technology’s capabilities and limits, as well as masterfully mixing them to give the most engaging experience for all museum visitors. This is something Fusion VR has consistently proved in all of its museum projects around the country.
Museums have been embracing modern technology since the 1990s when computer and communication technologies became more widespread and accessible. Many new technologies have contributed to the expansion of digital and virtual museum experiences, notably over the last decade. Virtual and augmented reality are driving the evolution of traditional museums into modern, high-tech digital museums. We shall no longer think of museums as somewhere we go with our kids to see antique items on rare occasions. With this transition, Museum 2.0 represents the new paradigm for 21st-century museums.
Virtual reality is an incredible technology that allows us to observe a fully recreated digital world through an effectively designed headset that entirely isolates us from the real world around us. The headset contains optics, displays, and some Amazon hardware and programming, allowing us to perceive the digital world. As we turn around, the scene changes to reflect the real world around us. One can move around in this virtual world using hand controllers and execute activities. The incredible thing about virtual reality is that it convinces our brains that we are in the actual world. This feature of virtual reality is what makes it ideal for developing engaging exhibits and experiences. Let’s examine what other technologies are required to create VR exhibits in museums.
One of the most essential technologies is the software tools used to create 3D models, such as Blender, Maya, and Zbrush. These applications are required for developing 3D objects for usage in a variety of virtual reality applications. Blender, for example, may be used to model as well as render 3D objects. It is also open-source and quite powerful. Maya is another application that aids in 3D modeling, visual effects, and animation, whilst ZBrush aids in the construction of detailed models using advanced sculpting techniques. Photogrammetry, which captures high-definition photos of an object from numerous perspectives, is also used to create 3D models. It then employs advanced software such as Agisoft Metashape or RealityCapture to produce a detailed 3D model. In museums, this is a safe and accurate method for creating highly realistic models of the most valuable antiques. For example, the British Museum in London, UK, uses Blender and Maya to produce 3D models of important artifacts. The Smithsonian Institution used the process to make incredibly detailed 3D scans of the Apollo 11 command module, which transported astronauts to and from the moon. These are only a handful of the proven applications of these technologies around the world.
The next group of technologies in museums is gaming engines, which are required for virtual reality development. They offer real-time rendering and provide powerful visual effects, resulting in some of the most visually striking and realistic virtual reality settings. The Anne Frank House offers VR tour experiences created using Unity. The Vatican Museums have also created virtual reality tours that give visitors an immersive experience of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
When you walk into the Louvre, you will notice that they are using Oculus VR headsets for their Mona Lisa VR experience center. Today, several critical technologies are driving incredible hardware, such as VR headsets, which have become lighter and more cost-efficient over the last decade. Companies such as Oculus, HTC, and Playstation have contributed to the development of these technologies, making VR more accessible to museums and the general public. The most recent technologies capture head movements and deliver a more realistic virtual experience. These businesses are also exploring with spatial computing technologies that reduce the need for handheld controllers and provide a more realistic experience.
Technologies that enable VR development are also on the rise. For example, Open XR is developing itself as a standard for cross-platform virtual reality development opportunities, as well as assisting in the provision of a common API across multiple types of VR devices. This platform promotes ease of development and increased interoperability within the VR technology ecosystem. Furthermore, Software Development Kits (SDKs) such as the SteamVR SDK and Oculus SDK offer a diverse set of libraries and tools to help developers properly use the many functionalities available with their gear. The Guggenheim Museum employs Oculus SDKs, while the Virtual Reality Museum of Immersive Experiences uses the Open XR platform to integrate immersive audio elements that assist create exceptional visitor experiences in their VR museum exhibits.
The audio experience is an important component of creating a realistic immersive experience with VR. Spatial audio technology tools, such as Wwise and FMOD, aid in the creation of realistic sound environments or soundscapes. This audio design technology enables humans to detect sounds as they occur in natural environments, including accurate recognition of direction, distance, and intensity. Voiceover is also a key part of the VR museum experience, as it provides direction and information that is relevant and appropriate.
The global expansion of 5G networks has increased demand for VR technology in museum experiences. Virtual museums that replicate real-life museums are accessible to a global audience. These museums display their antiquities for absolutely no cost. High-speed connectivity ensures a flawless and smooth experience, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate these artifacts for an endless period of time. Technologies such as WebXR and WebVR allow VR museums to be experienced through web browsers, eliminating the need for any specific software. WebXR is used by the Louvre Museum to provide a virtual museum experience. Multiple people can also engage with each other using technology frameworks like Photon and Mirror. These characteristics enable user collaboration and social interaction.
The market for VR in museum applications in general, and specifically for museums, is quickly expanding. This desire is driving the development of technologies that provide more realistic, immersive, and engaging visitor experiences. The work includes both software and hardware for virtual reality exhibits. A plethora of new technologies for displays, optics, and electronics are emerging to assist the delivery of high-quality shows. Fusion VR stays up to date on technology developments and advances in virtual reality to assist our clients and potential customers. As one of India’s leading digital museum solutions providers, we provide governmental and private customers with appropriate technology guidance, allowing them to make better decisions for their target audiences.
Virtual reality and the technology that enables the development of applications, as well as the construction of exhibits and experiences, are critical for preserving priceless historical artifacts. VR is an excellent tool for both immersive and interactive museum experiences, as well as for educating the nation’s youth. These displays allow for a better knowledge and appreciation of the events that affected the course of our country. Fusion VR is contributing to the creation and expansion of Museum 2.0, as well as the virtual reality educational and commercial ecosystem in India.
