In a highly innovative announcement in late 2014, NASA announced the organization is attempting to develop virtual reality-fueled multisensory experiences in order to keep astronauts on long-term missions sane. Working on the development is the University of Dartmouth's Digital Arts Leadership and Innovation Lab (DALI), which just received a $1.6 million grant from NASA in order to fund the research.
With some drawing comparisons to Star Trek's holo decks, NASA hopes that in developing virtual reality environments such as a beach or meadow, it can invest in the mental health of its astronauts while they are on mission. The DALI team is also working on developing digital therapists to curb depression and anxiety faced by astronauts in space.
This intriguing use of virtual technology to target the emotional isolation of a space mission is likely to inspire similar uses of multisensory experiences on earth.
Galactic Virtual Therapy
NASA is Developing Multisensory Experiences to Keep Astronauts Sane
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality-fueled Multisensory Experiences - Opportunity for businesses to develop virtual reality environments that target mental health and emotional well-being.
2. Digital Therapists - Disruptive innovation opportunity to create digital therapists to address depression and anxiety in various industries.
3. Multisensory Experiences for Emotional Well-being - Potential for businesses to explore multisensory experiences to enhance emotional well-being in different contexts.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can leverage virtual reality and digital therapists to enhance mental health treatments.
2. Travel and Tourism - Opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to create immersive virtual reality environments for relaxation and stress relief purposes.
3. Technology - Technology companies can invest in developing virtual reality solutions and digital therapists for various applications.