Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
07:09
Virtual Reality Experiments with Physiological Measures
Published on: August 29, 2018
Evaluating 360-degree virtual reality live streaming for remote workplace inspections: a cross-sectional pilot study
Hajime Ando1, Shizuka Kurosaki1, Yuta Akiyama1
1Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Environmental and Occupational Health Practice
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) live streaming offers a viable solution for remote workplace inspections by occupational health physicians, overcoming previous limitations in video transmission and viewing angles. This technology shows promise for improving hazard assessments despite challenges with visual acuity and environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Remote Sensing Technologies
Background:
- Occupational health physicians in Japan face resource constraints when conducting mandatory workplace inspections.
- Current regulations require in-person workplace inspections, limiting remote assessment capabilities.
- Existing remote solutions have limitations such as restricted viewing angles and significant transmission delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using virtual reality (VR) live streaming in 360-degree video as a solution for remote workplace inspections.
- To address and overcome limitations of previous remote assessment methods, including viewing angles and latency.
- To assess the effectiveness of VR live streaming compared to traditional remote viewing methods.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional experimental study was conducted in a simulated factory setting.
- Four occupational health physicians participated in the study.
- Three assessment conditions were compared: on-site inspection with remote VR guidance, remote VR viewing of on-site filming, and remote personal computer (PC) viewing of on-site filming, utilizing a 360-degree camera and VR headset for 4K live streaming at 5 fps.
Main Results:
- Video latency was significantly reduced to 1-3 seconds, a substantial improvement from previous studies.
- Participants using VR headsets identified an average of 21.0 inspection points, compared to 19.25 points via PC.
- A decrease in visual acuity to 0.1-0.2 was observed for all participants using VR.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality (VR) live streaming is a feasible and promising approach for conducting remote workplace inspections.
- Reduced visual acuity in VR presents a limitation but may offer benefits for balancing workplace visibility and confidentiality.
- Environmental factors (noise, odor, temperature, humidity, glare) were not fully captured, indicating a need for supplementary tools and further research on diverse applications and long-term effectiveness.
