AR/VR Business Applications | Real-World Cases in Manufacturing, Training, and Sales

AR and VR Are Transforming Business Operations

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have moved far beyond entertainment, rapidly penetrating business environments across industries. AR overlays digital information onto real-world views, enabling work instructions and navigation, while VR constructs fully immersive virtual environments for training and simulation. In Tokyo's technology hubs, including the Shinagawa district, pilot projects and full-scale business deployments of these technologies are accelerating.

AR in Manufacturing: Remote Maintenance and Assembly Guidance

Manufacturing is one of the industries benefiting most from AR technology. In remote maintenance scenarios, on-site technicians wearing AR glasses receive real-time guidance from off-site experts, dramatically reducing repair and inspection times. During assembly processes, AR visually guides workers on component placement and procedural steps, significantly reducing human error. One automotive parts manufacturer reported a 40 percent reduction in assembly errors after implementing AR-assisted workflows.

The Impact of VR Training: Safety Education and Skill Transfer

VR-based training delivers experiential learning that traditional OJT and e-learning cannot replicate. For safety education in hazardous environments—such as working at heights, handling chemicals, or operating heavy machinery—VR allows trainees to safely experience accident scenarios, dramatically improving hazard awareness. Additionally, VR enables the recording and reproduction of expert knowledge and techniques, addressing the critical challenge of skill transfer from experienced workers to the next generation.

VR Showrooms and AR-Powered Sales Support

In real estate, VR showrooms enable virtual property tours, making it far easier to reach distant customers and international investors. The retail industry is being transformed by AR-powered virtual try-ons and furniture placement previews that revolutionize the consumer experience. In B2B sales, AR enables complex products to be displayed as interactive 3D models during client presentations, providing intuitive demonstrations that improve deal closure rates.

Hardware Comparison: HoloLens, Meta Quest, and More

Choosing the right AR/VR hardware is critical to project success. Microsoft HoloLens 2 is the leading enterprise AR device, offering excellent hand tracking and spatial awareness, though its price point of approximately 500,000 yen is substantial. Meta Quest 3 provides outstanding cost performance as a standalone VR headset, popular for training and simulation applications. Apple Vision Pro delivers high-fidelity mixed reality experiences and is increasingly being deployed in showrooms across Shinagawa and other Tokyo business districts for demonstrations and experiential marketing.

AR/VR Development Costs and Timelines

AR/VR application development costs vary significantly based on content complexity and interaction design. Simple VR training content typically ranges from 2 to 5 million yen, while fully featured AR applications with 3D modeling can cost 5 to 20 million yen or more. Development timelines generally span two to six months, though requirements definition and content production can extend this considerably.

Keys to Successful AR/VR Implementation

Successful AR/VR adoption requires clear objective-setting and a phased implementation plan. The recommended approach is to start with a focused proof of concept targeting a specific operational challenge, validate results with measurable data, and then scale up accordingly. Oflight Inc., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, provides one-stop support for AR/VR projects—from initial planning and development through post-deployment operations. Whether you are looking to optimize manufacturing workflows or modernize your training systems, reach out to us for a consultation.