New business fields opened up by the Metaverse
Although the temporary overheating boom has subsided, metaverse (virtual space) technology has steadily continued to evolve and is moving beyond the entertainment field to the implementation phase in real business. A new paradigm of spatial computing is being formed against the backdrop of improved performance and lower prices of VR/AR devices and the development of communication infrastructure (5G/6G).
Metaverse’s greatest business value lies in the sharing of ``immersive experiences’’ that transcend physical distance and time constraints. An example is the use of digital twins (technology that reproduces real factories and products in virtual space) in the manufacturing industry. It is increasingly being introduced for applications that directly lead to cost reduction and quality improvement, such as simulation at the design stage and equipment maintenance support from remote locations.
Usage examples in retail, education, and virtual offices
The construction of virtual stores is popular in the retail and apparel industry. Customers can navigate the store through their avatars, pick up 3D models of products, and enjoy shopping with friends. This is not just a replacement for e-commerce sites, but functions as a new customer contact point that deepens the brand experience.
The Metaverse can also be a powerful tool in the education and training field. The benefits of being able to repeatedly learn experiences that are difficult to implement in real life, such as surgical simulations in the medical field and safety training for dangerous field work, safely and at low cost, are immeasurable.
Additionally, as remote work becomes the norm, the introduction of “virtual offices” to encourage incidental communication between employees is also becoming commonplace. It provides a sense of presence similar to a physical office, helping to eliminate feelings of isolation and improve team engagement. The Metaverse is not just a “virtual world” but a powerful platform that expands real businesses and creates new value, and requires investment and strategy from a medium- to long-term perspective.