A study of the potential uses and applications of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality and the challenges it may bring in Malta

Abstract

Virtual and Augmented Reality have been getting a lot of attention recently as their applications in different sectors is being realised. This study sets out to investigate the potential uses and applications of this technology in Malta, while also pointing out the challenges that this may bring. Through qualitative research, the study looks at four different sectors: Tourism, Medicine, Education and Retail in an effort to get a wide view of the technology locally from the perspective of these sectors. The general findings were that all sectors are aware of this technology and most have considered using it as part of their business processes. Specific findings found that different sectors have adopted the technology differently in variety and volume and to different levels, varying from almost nothing to having one project after another lined up. Challenges faced when adopting the technology are both general and area specific. When benchmarked with the position of other countries on the technology, some sectors seem to be doing well while others are lagging behind. There seems to be a need of more awareness about the potential of this technology across all areas, with some more than others, for the technology to become widely adopted. Certain challenges need to be addressed first before this is made possible and further ethical issues need to be considered.