Paper Number
Panel 9
Abstract
Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) have been discussed for decades as transformative tools, yet large-scale organizational adoption has remained limited. Recent advances in computing power, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and telecommunications infrastructure are now enabling immersive technologies to move beyond consumer-focused virtual worlds into enterprise and industrial environments. This panel examines how organizations are quietly implementing these capabilities within what is increasingly described as the Industrial Metaverse, integrating XR with AI, IoT, and digital infrastructure to transform collaboration, simulation, and operational decision-making. Panelists from academia and industry will debate key issues including the shift from hype to practical deployment, immersive workspaces, intelligent systems, workforce transformation and potential deskilling, and the role of emerging telecommunications infrastructure such as 6G in enabling the next wave of immersive systems. The discussion aims to identify new challenges and research opportunities for the Information Systems field.
Recommended Citation
Collin, Jari; Rossi, Matti; French, Aaron; Heinonen, Hanna; and Luoma, Veli-Pekka, "BEYOND VIRTUAL WORLDS: HOW COMPANIES ARE QUIETLY IMPLEMENTING NEW INDUSTRIAL METAVERSE CAPABILITIES" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 9.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/panels/panels/9
BEYOND VIRTUAL WORLDS: HOW COMPANIES ARE QUIETLY IMPLEMENTING NEW INDUSTRIAL METAVERSE CAPABILITIES
Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) have been discussed for decades as transformative tools, yet large-scale organizational adoption has remained limited. Recent advances in computing power, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and telecommunications infrastructure are now enabling immersive technologies to move beyond consumer-focused virtual worlds into enterprise and industrial environments. This panel examines how organizations are quietly implementing these capabilities within what is increasingly described as the Industrial Metaverse, integrating XR with AI, IoT, and digital infrastructure to transform collaboration, simulation, and operational decision-making. Panelists from academia and industry will debate key issues including the shift from hype to practical deployment, immersive workspaces, intelligent systems, workforce transformation and potential deskilling, and the role of emerging telecommunications infrastructure such as 6G in enabling the next wave of immersive systems. The discussion aims to identify new challenges and research opportunities for the Information Systems field.
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