IDEM has been a pioneer in VR/AR headset rental since 1991.
Crédits photos : Microsoft
Founded in 1991 at the very beginning of the development of VR/AR, IDEM has been providing short- and long-term hardware rentals for over 30 years. Seeing the potential of immersion and its technologies, the Toulouse-based company also supplies virtual and augmented reality equipment. In particular, they are Microsoft’s partner in Europe for the rental of the well-known Hololens 2 headset. IDEM will be exhibiting at Laval Virtual on April 10-12, 2024, on booth B46. Interview with David Marty, Chief of Operations.
Can you introduce your company and the project you’ll be showing at Laval Virtual 2024?
IDEM, founded in 1991, is the pioneer in short-term IT equipment rental. From telephones and servers to laptops, screens, printers, tablets, VR and AR headsets, we offer short-term rental solutions throughout France and Europe, from 1 day to several months, and from 1 item to several hundred.
At Laval Virtual 2024, we’ll be presenting short-term rental solutions for the latest generations of virtual and augmented reality headsets. In addition, we are proud to be Microsoft’s Europe-wide partner for short-term rentals of the AR Hololens 2 headset.
What innovation do you think has most transformed the world of VR/AR?
I think the innovation that has most transformed the world of virtual and augmented reality is motion tracking technology. This technology allows users to move around a virtual environment in real time, greatly enhancing the user experience. Motion sensors are used to track head, hand and body movements, enabling users to move around a virtual environment in a natural and intuitive way. This technology has been used to create immersive games, training experiences, flight simulations and much more.
However, there have been many other important innovations in the field of virtual and augmented reality. For example, high-resolution displays have enabled the creation of more realistic and immersive virtual environments. Motion controllers have also enhanced the user experience, letting users interact with virtual objects in a more natural way. Finally, position tracking systems have enabled the creation of larger, more complex virtual environments, opening the way to applications such as virtual reality training for construction workers and aircraft pilots.
The baseline for our 26th edition is “Act For The Future”. How can immersive technologies impact tomorrow’s world?
Immersive technologies have the potential to transform many aspects of our daily lives. For example, virtual reality training experiences can help workers learn practical skills in a safe, controlled environment, which can improve safety and efficiency in the workplace. Virtual reality games can offer a more immersive and interactive gaming experience, while augmented reality applications can help users visualize information in real time, such as navigation instructions or product information.
Moreover, immersive technologies can also have an impact on creative industries such as film and music. For example, virtual reality can be used to create immersive cinematic experiences, while augmented reality can be used to create live concert experiences. Finally, immersive technologies can also have an impact on the way we interact with others. For example, virtual reality can be used to create virtual social environments, which can help people connect and interact with others at a distance.
