From 4 to 8 April 2018, a genuine virtual reality trade show was held in Laval, in the Pays de la Loire region. There were two types of stand during this event: those offering entertaining activities, and others whose aim was to communicate about branded products.
Video games: putting on a virtual reality headset is no longer enough
If for you putting on a VR headset and entering a new virtual world is already impressive, that is nothing compared with the new innovations presented during the event.
The first striking example is that of “arcade” activities. By adding a few extra accessories, it is possible to simulate elements so that the game comes closer and closer to reality. So we have a mat under our feet that is able to simulate walking or running in order to move around like the character in the game. This accessory therefore makes FPS games more realistic and more enjoyable to play.
But it is also possible to simulate sensations! One stand offered a VR sledging game. All you had to do was sit on a sledge, itself placed on a machine, put a headset over your eyes and switch on a powerful fan at the front, and the descent was simulated!
VR for commercial purposes
As you might have guessed, virtual reality is not only used for video games. Major companies were present to combine their products with VR.
There was, for example, Renault, which offered to let you put on a virtual reality headset in order to feel as though you were behind the wheel of a car. There was also DELL, which showed its products to customers in virtual reality without even setting them up.
Presenting a product or a service in VR is nothing new: companies in the property sector today offer viewings of flats thanks to this system. IKEA, thanks to its “Place” application, offers the chance to visualise an IKEA product in your home using your smartphone camera, and Airbus uses VR to train its technicians in certain areas.
This trade show is full of stands using VR in lots of different ways. The 2018 edition of Laval Virtual welcomed 323 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors across more than 9,000 m².
Do share your experience of Laval Virtual with us if you went! We are curious to know your opinion on the show’s innovations: is this the future? Or is it just a gimmick? Tell us on social media!
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