The Chinese government has announced an action plan on integrating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into the lives of Chinese citizens. The plan will include the development of an open metaverse platform for the public and research on several technologies, including odor simulation technology.
Chinese government includes odor simulation research in virtual reality plan
On November 1, the Chinese governmentannounced a planthat outlines the development of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and metaverse technologies in the country over the next four years. The plan mentions the production of 25 million headset devices each year until 2026 and also calls for research to make these devices more functional.
The document calls for research into simulation technologies that encompass new areas that have been largely undeveloped. This research includes “gesture tracking, eye tracking, facial expression tracking, full body motion capture, immersive sound fields, highly accurate environmental awareness, and 3D reconstruction techniques.” It even includes odor simulation, which aims to literally bring a new sensory experience to what these devices can currently offer.
The plan further calls for the establishment of 10 VR parks across the country so that people can be directly exposed to the aforementioned technologies and explore the various possibilities that headset devices may bring to the Chinese public.
Mainstream Metaverse
The plan mentions developing open social platforms where citizens can perform tasks and collaborate. China wants the Metaverse to reach more people, and one of the government’s keygoalsis to improve the supply capacity of the entire industrial chain, allowing more comfortable headsets to be produced for the market. However, the document does not establish steps to achieve this goal.
The Chinese government’s focus on this research may affect the future reach of Metaverse technology; companies like Meta are currently working to bring Metaverse to the mainstream level, but the available funding and the Chinese government’s influence on the public may make some sectors could advance the adoption of this technology. However, the document is unclear about the level of spending for the plan and does not mention the amount of funds that will be directed toward its completion.
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