Tag: metaverse

What is the digital twin that is attracting attention in the manufacturing industry? Explaining the benefits and examples of implementation
Digital twin is a technology that uses digital technology to collect data in physical space and recreate the real world in virtual space “like a twin.” By using technologies such as AI and IoT, we simulate the future by acquiring data on places, people, things, etc. and recreating it in virtual space.
In this article, we will introduce digital twins in detail, including their benefits and usage examples.

What is a digital twin?
For example, by using digital twins to collect and analyze data related to problems in real time, it is possible to quickly correct the cause. In addition, by accumulating data that reflects usage status in a virtual space, it becomes easier to improve products. In this chapter, we will explain in detail what a digital twin is.
Digital twin is a technology that creates a copy of the real world in virtual space.
Digital twin is one of the latest technologies that is attracting attention in the manufacturing industry. This technology can reproduce physical elements such as real-world products and equipment in a virtual space.
There are many benefits to introducing this technology, but the major one is that it can improve the efficiency and productivity of equipment. Specifically, it helps troubleshoot and prevent maintenance on production lines. It can also be used for product quality control and new product development.
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ digital twin initiatives
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is proceeding with the construction of digital twins for local government facilities and buildings. This initiative is expected to enable disaster response and efficient facility management.
In the manufacturing industry, in addition to optimizing manufacturing processes, it can be used in various aspects such as quality control and new product development. Therefore, digital twins will become an increasingly important technology in the manufacturing industry in the future. In addition, it is expected that by being used in the public sector, as in the case of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, it will contribute to improving the efficiency of society as a whole.

Differences between digital twin, simulation, and metaverse
Some people may be confused because there are many similar concepts such as digital twin, simulation, and metaverse. From here, I will explain the differences between digital twins and other concepts.
How is it different from simulation?
Simulation refers to recreating what is happening in real space in another location. On the other hand, digital twin can be said to be a method of simulation, but the difference is that it is done in real time. Digital twins can be recreated in virtual space in real time. This makes it possible to instantly grasp the situation in real space with high precision and perform appropriate simulations.
Digital twins can be used to optimize product design and manufacturing processes before the actual car is manufactured. It is also possible to improve productivity by simulating the settings and operation methods of production line equipment.
How is it different from the Metaverse?
Digital twins can be used efficiently in product development, manufacturing, and maintenance by creating a physical model of a product or process and simulating its operation and behavior . On the other hand, the Metaverse is a virtual space that does not necessarily correspond to the real world and is used for various purposes such as business and entertainment.
In the manufacturing industry, the Metaverse is used in a variety of ways, such as virtually designing and simulating products on the Metaverse, or building a digital twin factory on the Metaverse to reproduce a production line and simulate it in real time.

5 benefits of digital twins in the manufacturing industry
Digital twins bring five benefits to the manufacturing industry:
- Improving production efficiency
- Strengthening quality control
- Development cost reduction
- Realizing on-demand production
- Supply chain optimization
Advantage 1. Improved production efficiency
By introducing a digital twin, it is possible to quickly create a highly accurate virtual model of a production line and design an optimal production process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming repetition of conventional trial-and-error improvement work, and is expected to improve production efficiency. In addition, since the entire production line can be understood, it leads to smooth coordination between processes and automation of work.
Advantage 2. Strengthening quality control
This makes it possible to detect abnormal values and defective areas during quality control and take prompt action. Furthermore, with the introduction of digital twins, quality control work that previously required on-site observation and measurement may become faster and more accurate.
Advantage 3: Reduced development costs
Utilizing digital twins can reduce the number of prototypes and prototypes required for product development. Additionally, by simulating product design and production processes, problems can be discovered and improved at an early stage during the development stage. This will make it possible to reduce development costs.
Advantage 4. Realization of on-demand production
By leveraging digital twins, you can achieve fast and flexible on-demand production. In conventional manufacturing, production lines were often designed for mass production, so small-lot production and customized production tended to be time-consuming and costly. However, by using a digital twin, product design and manufacturing processes can be virtually reproduced, making it possible to quickly and easily make design changes and optimize production lines. This allows us to handle small-lot and customized production, allowing us to respond more flexibly to customer needs.
Benefit 5. Supply chain optimization
Supply chain optimization is possible by utilizing digital twins. The supply chain is the flow from the procurement of raw materials to the shipment of products, and is a complex process that involves many elements such as production lines, logistics, and inventory.
By using a digital twin, data on each element can be collected and reproduced virtually, making it possible to improve the efficiency of the entire supply chain, such as inventory optimization and production line optimization. In addition, visualization of logistics and inventory will improve the accuracy of demand forecasting and inventory management, which will also lead to cost reductions.

Examples of digital twin usage in the manufacturing industry
It would be a good idea to refer to case studies when actually implementing digital twins. You can compare the points you can incorporate in your company in the future with specific plans.
Toyota | Used in demonstration experiments in smart cities
The aim is to build a smart city where cars, energy, buildings, etc. are linked, and digital twins are used for simulations by reproducing equipment such as vehicles and energy systems in virtual space. Based on this result, we were able to work on the development of self-driving cars and improve Toyota’s technological capabilities.
Renault | Used to improve efficiency of vehicle development process
Renault uses digital twins to streamline its vehicle development process. Using digital twins, it is now possible to perform verification and evaluation in a virtual space during the product development process.
Specifically, we use 3D digital twins to consistently manage everything from product development to manufacturing and maintenance. This makes it possible to optimize designs and production lines, contributing to shorter development times and lower costs.
Daikin Industries | Utilizing to create a “factory that never stops”
Daikin Industries is currently using digital twins to create a “non-stop factory” (a factory that minimizes production line stagnation). Using digital twins, we are working to predict and improve production line stagnation in factories and improve production efficiency. We reproduce the conditions of manufacturing equipment and assembly work in virtual space to monitor and troubleshoot production lines.
It can be said that the introduction of digital twins has minimized production line downtime and improved productivity.
DENSO｜Used to realize Maas
DENSO is working to realize MaaS (Mobility as a Service) services by utilizing digital twins. Specifically, the purpose is to provide appropriate services based on vehicle driving data and customer information, and to improve customer satisfaction. Utilizing digital twins enables more efficient vehicle management, leading to the provision of MaaS services.

Services that utilize digital twins | What is the supply chain optimization (SCO) service provided by Hitachi?
In the manufacturing industry, digital twins are a hot technology for optimizing supply chains and improving production efficiency. Hitachi’s supply chain optimization (SCO) services utilize digital twins to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, shorten lead times, optimize inventory, and improve customer service. What is attracting attention is that it is possible to simulate “production, logistics, and sales” as a set, rather than just production or logistics alone.
Specifically, we will reproduce the entire product cycle as a digital twin and optimize every step of the way, including product design, manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service. In addition, by collecting information on product inventory and logistics in real time and performing simulations on digital twins, we can improve supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.

Technologies used in digital twin
Digital twins in the manufacturing industry utilize IoT, AI, 5G, VR, etc. to improve production processes.
[IoT] for data collection
IoT is a technology primarily used to collect data in digital twins. By attaching cameras and sensors to machines and products on the production line, data on product conditions and production processes can be collected from factory equipment and equipment in real time. This allows it to be used in a wide variety of applications, such as product quality control and production process optimization.
For example, food manufacturers may use IoT to collect information such as product temperature, humidity, and vibration in real time to ensure product quality.
With the introduction of IoT, tasks that were previously done manually can be automated and more efficient production processes can be realized.
[AI] for data analysis
AI is a technology that collects collected data, learns from it, and performs advanced data analysis to identify problems and suggest improvements. By analyzing the data collected by IoT, it is possible to optimize production processes and predict problems.
For example, there are cases where AI is used to analyze production line data and predict and respond to the occurrence of defective products in advance, leading to improved production line efficiency and quality. The introduction of AI can significantly reduce the time it takes to analyze data and solve problems.
[5G] for sending and receiving data in real time
5G is a next-generation communication standard that enables high-speed and stable communication, and is a technology for performing advanced data analysis. In the manufacturing industry, equipment, robots, sensors, etc. in the factory may be required to send and receive data in real time. Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed and stable communications, making it possible to remotely control devices and achieve advanced automation.
For example, there is a case where remote operations using 5G were used to remotely carry out work in offshore oil fields, successfully reducing the number of personnel. The introduction of 5G will enable rapid response in product quality control and production line optimization.
[VR] for visualizing digital space
VR is a technology that enables more effective decision-making, such as digital twin simulation and troubleshooting, by visualizing digital space. In the manufacturing industry, factory equipment and processes can be reproduced and visually confirmed in 3D space.
For example, VR can be used to simulate the design and layout of equipment in a factory, leading to improved productivity and reduced manpower. Additionally, troubleshooting, which previously required manual on-site work, will now be able to be done remotely.
[Blockchain] for storing data safely and transparently
Blockchain is a digital technology that uses distributed ledger technology to store information securely and transparently, and to prevent tampering. Multiple computers distributed on the network approve transaction information and data, and the information is prevented from being tampered with by storing it in a chain-like data structure that connects collections of data called blocks.
Also, because it is on a network, there is no centralized administrator. This makes it highly secure and reliable, and is used in a variety of fields. Although it is known to be mainly used for virtual currency transactions, it is a technology that is expected to be applied in many other fields such as contract automation, voting systems, and supply chain management.
Digital Twin Introduction | Two Challenges
Digital twin is a technology that will bring about major changes in the manufacturing industry, but there are several challenges to implementing it. Above all, let’s consider the balance between implementation costs and ROI improvement, as well as security issues.
Balance between implementation cost and ROI improvement
Implementing a digital twin can be expensive. Therefore, when companies decide to introduce it, they need to consider the balance between implementation costs and ROI (Return On Investment). On the other hand, the introduction of digital twins can improve productivity, improve quality, and detect failures early, and can be expected to have significant economic effects from a long-term perspective.
security issues
With the introduction of digital twins, security issues are also emerging. Digital twins enable real-time monitoring of products and systems, making them potential targets for hackers and cyberattacks.

Future outlook for digital twins
In the manufacturing industry, where digital twins are attracting attention, collaboration between digital twins and metaverses is expected for the future. The impact that future technological advances will have on the manufacturing industry is also a hot topic.
Collaboration between digital twin and metaverse
The reason why digital twins and metaverses are expected to work together is that large-scale simulations that cannot be realized in the real world can be performed in virtual space. Using digital twin technology, it is possible to virtually reproduce real space in the Metaverse, which is expected to enable a realistic product experience.
For example, by linking detailed product design information provided by digital twins with virtual space display and operability provided by Metaverse, product design and performance improvements can be made more quickly and accurately.
Future technological advances and their impact on the manufacturing industry
As for the impact that future technological advances will have on the manufacturing industry, advances in technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G are expected to improve productivity, quality control, and supply chains in the manufacturing industry.
For example, automation using AI can make manufacturing processes more efficient and improve quality control, and blockchain can improve supply chain transparency, making the entire supply chain more efficient. can.
Summary
In the future, it is believed that the collaboration between digital twins and the metaverse, as well as advances in technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G, will make it possible for manufacturers to provide more efficient and high-quality products more quickly. However, it is also necessary to respond to new challenges and risks arising from technological advances, and it is important for the manufacturing industry to continue to respond to technological advances and achieve sustainable growth.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
July 6, 2024
What is the digital twin that is attracting attention in the manufacturing industry? Explaining the benefits and examples of implementation
Digital twin is a technology that uses digital technology to collect data in physical space and recreate the real world in virtual space “like a twin.” By using technologies such as AI and IoT, we simulate the future by acquiring data on places, people, things, etc. and recreating it in virtual space.
In this article, we will introduce digital twins in detail, including their benefits and usage examples.

What is a digital twin?
For example, by using digital twins to collect and analyze data related to problems in real time, it is possible to quickly correct the cause. In addition, by accumulating data that reflects usage status in a virtual space, it becomes easier to improve products. In this chapter, we will explain in detail what a digital twin is.
Digital twin is a technology that creates a copy of the real world in virtual space.
Digital twin is one of the latest technologies that is attracting attention in the manufacturing industry. This technology can reproduce physical elements such as real-world products and equipment in a virtual space.
There are many benefits to introducing this technology, but the major one is that it can improve the efficiency and productivity of equipment. Specifically, it helps troubleshoot and prevent maintenance on production lines. It can also be used for product quality control and new product development.
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ digital twin initiatives
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is proceeding with the construction of digital twins for local government facilities and buildings. This initiative is expected to enable disaster response and efficient facility management.
In the manufacturing industry, in addition to optimizing manufacturing processes, it can be used in various aspects such as quality control and new product development. Therefore, digital twins will become an increasingly important technology in the manufacturing industry in the future. In addition, it is expected that by being used in the public sector, as in the case of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, it will contribute to improving the efficiency of society as a whole.

Differences between digital twin, simulation, and metaverse
Some people may be confused because there are many similar concepts such as digital twin, simulation, and metaverse. From here, I will explain the differences between digital twins and other concepts.
How is it different from simulation?
Simulation refers to recreating what is happening in real space in another location. On the other hand, digital twin can be said to be a method of simulation, but the difference is that it is done in real time. Digital twins can be recreated in virtual space in real time. This makes it possible to instantly grasp the situation in real space with high precision and perform appropriate simulations.
Digital twins can be used to optimize product design and manufacturing processes before the actual car is manufactured. It is also possible to improve productivity by simulating the settings and operation methods of production line equipment.
How is it different from the Metaverse?
Digital twins can be used efficiently in product development, manufacturing, and maintenance by creating a physical model of a product or process and simulating its operation and behavior . On the other hand, the Metaverse is a virtual space that does not necessarily correspond to the real world and is used for various purposes such as business and entertainment.
In the manufacturing industry, the Metaverse is used in a variety of ways, such as virtually designing and simulating products on the Metaverse, or building a digital twin factory on the Metaverse to reproduce a production line and simulate it in real time.

5 benefits of digital twins in the manufacturing industry
Digital twins bring five benefits to the manufacturing industry:
- Improving production efficiency
- Strengthening quality control
- Development cost reduction
- Realizing on-demand production
- Supply chain optimization
Advantage 1. Improved production efficiency
By introducing a digital twin, it is possible to quickly create a highly accurate virtual model of a production line and design an optimal production process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming repetition of conventional trial-and-error improvement work, and is expected to improve production efficiency. In addition, since the entire production line can be understood, it leads to smooth coordination between processes and automation of work.
Advantage 2. Strengthening quality control
This makes it possible to detect abnormal values and defective areas during quality control and take prompt action. Furthermore, with the introduction of digital twins, quality control work that previously required on-site observation and measurement may become faster and more accurate.
Advantage 3: Reduced development costs
Utilizing digital twins can reduce the number of prototypes and prototypes required for product development. Additionally, by simulating product design and production processes, problems can be discovered and improved at an early stage during the development stage. This will make it possible to reduce development costs.
Advantage 4. Realization of on-demand production
By leveraging digital twins, you can achieve fast and flexible on-demand production. In conventional manufacturing, production lines were often designed for mass production, so small-lot production and customized production tended to be time-consuming and costly. However, by using a digital twin, product design and manufacturing processes can be virtually reproduced, making it possible to quickly and easily make design changes and optimize production lines. This allows us to handle small-lot and customized production, allowing us to respond more flexibly to customer needs.
Benefit 5. Supply chain optimization
Supply chain optimization is possible by utilizing digital twins. The supply chain is the flow from the procurement of raw materials to the shipment of products, and is a complex process that involves many elements such as production lines, logistics, and inventory.
By using a digital twin, data on each element can be collected and reproduced virtually, making it possible to improve the efficiency of the entire supply chain, such as inventory optimization and production line optimization. In addition, visualization of logistics and inventory will improve the accuracy of demand forecasting and inventory management, which will also lead to cost reductions.

Examples of digital twin usage in the manufacturing industry
It would be a good idea to refer to case studies when actually implementing digital twins. You can compare the points you can incorporate in your company in the future with specific plans.
Toyota | Used in demonstration experiments in smart cities
The aim is to build a smart city where cars, energy, buildings, etc. are linked, and digital twins are used for simulations by reproducing equipment such as vehicles and energy systems in virtual space. Based on this result, we were able to work on the development of self-driving cars and improve Toyota’s technological capabilities.
Renault | Used to improve efficiency of vehicle development process
Renault uses digital twins to streamline its vehicle development process. Using digital twins, it is now possible to perform verification and evaluation in a virtual space during the product development process.
Specifically, we use 3D digital twins to consistently manage everything from product development to manufacturing and maintenance. This makes it possible to optimize designs and production lines, contributing to shorter development times and lower costs.
Daikin Industries | Utilizing to create a “factory that never stops”
Daikin Industries is currently using digital twins to create a “non-stop factory” (a factory that minimizes production line stagnation). Using digital twins, we are working to predict and improve production line stagnation in factories and improve production efficiency. We reproduce the conditions of manufacturing equipment and assembly work in virtual space to monitor and troubleshoot production lines.
It can be said that the introduction of digital twins has minimized production line downtime and improved productivity.
DENSO｜Used to realize Maas
DENSO is working to realize MaaS (Mobility as a Service) services by utilizing digital twins. Specifically, the purpose is to provide appropriate services based on vehicle driving data and customer information, and to improve customer satisfaction. Utilizing digital twins enables more efficient vehicle management, leading to the provision of MaaS services.

Services that utilize digital twins | What is the supply chain optimization (SCO) service provided by Hitachi?
In the manufacturing industry, digital twins are a hot technology for optimizing supply chains and improving production efficiency. Hitachi’s supply chain optimization (SCO) services utilize digital twins to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, shorten lead times, optimize inventory, and improve customer service. What is attracting attention is that it is possible to simulate “production, logistics, and sales” as a set, rather than just production or logistics alone.
Specifically, we will reproduce the entire product cycle as a digital twin and optimize every step of the way, including product design, manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service. In addition, by collecting information on product inventory and logistics in real time and performing simulations on digital twins, we can improve supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.

Technologies used in digital twin
Digital twins in the manufacturing industry utilize IoT, AI, 5G, VR, etc. to improve production processes.
[IoT] for data collection
IoT is a technology primarily used to collect data in digital twins. By attaching cameras and sensors to machines and products on the production line, data on product conditions and production processes can be collected from factory equipment and equipment in real time. This allows it to be used in a wide variety of applications, such as product quality control and production process optimization.
For example, food manufacturers may use IoT to collect information such as product temperature, humidity, and vibration in real time to ensure product quality.
With the introduction of IoT, tasks that were previously done manually can be automated and more efficient production processes can be realized.
[AI] for data analysis
AI is a technology that collects collected data, learns from it, and performs advanced data analysis to identify problems and suggest improvements. By analyzing the data collected by IoT, it is possible to optimize production processes and predict problems.
For example, there are cases where AI is used to analyze production line data and predict and respond to the occurrence of defective products in advance, leading to improved production line efficiency and quality. The introduction of AI can significantly reduce the time it takes to analyze data and solve problems.
[5G] for sending and receiving data in real time
5G is a next-generation communication standard that enables high-speed and stable communication, and is a technology for performing advanced data analysis. In the manufacturing industry, equipment, robots, sensors, etc. in the factory may be required to send and receive data in real time. Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed and stable communications, making it possible to remotely control devices and achieve advanced automation.
For example, there is a case where remote operations using 5G were used to remotely carry out work in offshore oil fields, successfully reducing the number of personnel. The introduction of 5G will enable rapid response in product quality control and production line optimization.
[VR] for visualizing digital space
VR is a technology that enables more effective decision-making, such as digital twin simulation and troubleshooting, by visualizing digital space. In the manufacturing industry, factory equipment and processes can be reproduced and visually confirmed in 3D space.
For example, VR can be used to simulate the design and layout of equipment in a factory, leading to improved productivity and reduced manpower. Additionally, troubleshooting, which previously required manual on-site work, will now be able to be done remotely.
[Blockchain] for storing data safely and transparently
Blockchain is a digital technology that uses distributed ledger technology to store information securely and transparently, and to prevent tampering. Multiple computers distributed on the network approve transaction information and data, and the information is prevented from being tampered with by storing it in a chain-like data structure that connects collections of data called blocks.
Also, because it is on a network, there is no centralized administrator. This makes it highly secure and reliable, and is used in a variety of fields. Although it is known to be mainly used for virtual currency transactions, it is a technology that is expected to be applied in many other fields such as contract automation, voting systems, and supply chain management.
Digital Twin Introduction | Two Challenges
Digital twin is a technology that will bring about major changes in the manufacturing industry, but there are several challenges to implementing it. Above all, let’s consider the balance between implementation costs and ROI improvement, as well as security issues.
Balance between implementation cost and ROI improvement
Implementing a digital twin can be expensive. Therefore, when companies decide to introduce it, they need to consider the balance between implementation costs and ROI (Return On Investment). On the other hand, the introduction of digital twins can improve productivity, improve quality, and detect failures early, and can be expected to have significant economic effects from a long-term perspective.
security issues
With the introduction of digital twins, security issues are also emerging. Digital twins enable real-time monitoring of products and systems, making them potential targets for hackers and cyberattacks.

Future outlook for digital twins
In the manufacturing industry, where digital twins are attracting attention, collaboration between digital twins and metaverses is expected for the future. The impact that future technological advances will have on the manufacturing industry is also a hot topic.
Collaboration between digital twin and metaverse
The reason why digital twins and metaverses are expected to work together is that large-scale simulations that cannot be realized in the real world can be performed in virtual space. Using digital twin technology, it is possible to virtually reproduce real space in the Metaverse, which is expected to enable a realistic product experience.
For example, by linking detailed product design information provided by digital twins with virtual space display and operability provided by Metaverse, product design and performance improvements can be made more quickly and accurately.
Future technological advances and their impact on the manufacturing industry
As for the impact that future technological advances will have on the manufacturing industry, advances in technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G are expected to improve productivity, quality control, and supply chains in the manufacturing industry.
For example, automation using AI can make manufacturing processes more efficient and improve quality control, and blockchain can improve supply chain transparency, making the entire supply chain more efficient. can.
Summary
In the future, it is believed that the collaboration between digital twins and the metaverse, as well as advances in technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G, will make it possible for manufacturers to provide more efficient and high-quality products more quickly. However, it is also necessary to respond to new challenges and risks arising from technological advances, and it is important for the manufacturing industry to continue to respond to technological advances and achieve sustainable growth.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
July 6, 2024
Why is the Metaverse in the medical field attracting attenction? Introduction examples and future issues
The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.
Metaverse in the medical field is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030
The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is attracting attention. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.
In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.
Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention
There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.
Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality
In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.
Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.
Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.
In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.
What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.
Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.
In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.
Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
“I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”
Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.
In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.
Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse
The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:
- Medical (VR training)
- Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
- Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Medical (VR training)
In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.
Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.
For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.
Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.

How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?
There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.
D to D (Doctor to Doctor)
D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.
D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)
D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.

There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.
Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.
Safety issues
First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.
In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.
Security issues
Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.

Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care
In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.
Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)
Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.
VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)
As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.
Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)
MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.
Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)
Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.

Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine
In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.
Papers on cardiology
The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases
Papers on ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).
Papers on medical education
In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.
- Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
- Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
- Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
- In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms
Papers on gastroenterology
In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.
Papers on body transformation research cases
Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
Specifically, the following cases have been reported.
- When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
- Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
- Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.
In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.
Summary
It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
July 3, 2024
Why is the Metaverse in the medical field attracting attenction? Introduction examples and future issues
The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.
Metaverse in the medical field is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030
The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is attracting attention. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.
In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.
Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention
There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.
Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality
In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.
Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.
Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.
In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.
What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.
Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.
In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.
Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
“I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”
Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.
In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.
Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse
The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:
- Medical (VR training)
- Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
- Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Medical (VR training)
In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.
Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.
For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.
Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.

How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?
There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.
D to D (Doctor to Doctor)
D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.
D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)
D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.

There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.
Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.
Safety issues
First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.
In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.
Security issues
Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.

Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care
In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.
Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)
Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.
VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)
As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.
Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)
MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.
Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)
Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.

Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine
In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.
Papers on cardiology
The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases
Papers on ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).
Papers on medical education
In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.
- Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
- Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
- Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
- In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms
Papers on gastroenterology
In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.
Papers on body transformation research cases
Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
Specifically, the following cases have been reported.
- When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
- Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
- Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.
In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.
Summary
It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
July 3, 2024
Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues
The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.

Metaverse is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030 in the medical field
The use of the metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.
In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
The use of the Metaverse in the medical industry is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.
Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention
There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.
Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality
In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.
Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.
Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.
In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.
What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.
Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.
In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.
Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
“I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”
Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.
In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.
Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse
The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:
- - Medical (VR training)
  - Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
  - Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Medical (VR training)
In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.
Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.
For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.
Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.
How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?

There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.
D to D (Doctor to Doctor)
D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.
D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)
D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.
There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.
Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.
Safety issues
First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.
In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.
Security issues
Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.
Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care
In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.
Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)
Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.
VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)
As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.
Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)
MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.
Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)
Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.
Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine
In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.
Papers on cardiology
The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases the
Papers on ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).
Papers on medical education
In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.
- - Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
  - Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
- Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
- In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms
Papers on gastroenterology
In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.
Papers on body transformation research cases
Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
Specifically, the following cases have been reported.
- - When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
  - Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
- Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.
In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.
summary

It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
May 28, 2024
Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues
The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.

Metaverse is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030 in the medical field
The use of the metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.
In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
The use of the Metaverse in the medical industry is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.
Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention
There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.
Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality
In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.
Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.
Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.
In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.
What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.
Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.
In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.
Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
“I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”
Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.
In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.
Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse
The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:
- - Medical (VR training)
  - Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
  - Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Medical (VR training)
In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.
Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.
For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.
Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)
Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.
How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?

There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.
D to D (Doctor to Doctor)
D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.
D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)
D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.
There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.
Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.
Safety issues
First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.
In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.
Security issues
Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.
Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care
In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.
Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)
Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.
VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)
As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.
Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)
MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.
Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)
Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.
Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine
In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.
Papers on cardiology
The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases the
Papers on ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).
Papers on medical education
In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.
- - Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
  - Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
- Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
- In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms
Papers on gastroenterology
In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.
Papers on body transformation research cases
Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
Specifically, the following cases have been reported.
- - When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
  - Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
- Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.
In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.
summary

It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
May 28, 2024