“Total Recall” Realization

 

A report says that the alternative reality technology shown in the 1990 film Total Recall starring Arnold Schwarzenegger will be commercialized as early as five years from now. 

According to a report titled “Is the Total Recall possible in reality? The emergence of alternative reality” released by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) on January 21, alternative reality technology will be made available in 5 to 10 years. 

The technology in question is a method that lets humans perceive made-up memories or others’ experiences in virtual space as real by distorting cognitive processes. 

Currently, virtual reality technology is used in screen golf. But however sophisticated the tech may be, users can easily distinguish between what is real and what isn’t. Yet, KIET explained that there is a world of difference between the two technologies, since alternative reality technology enables people to perceive virtual reality as real. 

To realize the new technology, the convergence of existing virtual reality technology with cognitive and brain science is required. In fact, the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research succeeded in making subjects confuse video with reality in an experiment conducted in 2012, by putting head-mounted displays on the subjects. 

KIET anticipates that a basic experience-type technology that makes people perceive video as real experiences is likely to become mainstream within 5 to 10 years. However, complete alternative reality technology, where users, the surrounding environment, and other people interact with each other, will be made possible only after 2030. 

The basic experience-type alternative reality technology is not an advanced one, but it could be used in various fields. For example, the tech will be able to help treat patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression by letting them accept an artificial reality as real experiences. 

Furthermore, the technology is expected to be effective for educational purposes in many industries and the military. When used for performances, exhibits, games, or in advertising, a completely new type of content is likely to be created.

The institute said that the market for virtual reality tech, which forms the bedrock of the alternative reality method, is growing 13.9% per year worldwide, and 18% in Korea. In addition, the alternative reality technology is projected to generate 2.59 billion won (US$2.4 million) in production and create 16.3 million jobs per 1 billion won.

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