VR and AR assist naval and shipbuilding companies in delivering information in a more effective way. For instance, in addition to showcasing the final product to customers in life-like digital environments, these technologies are critical to assert final design parameters prior to the commencement of construction: by walking through life-size digital twins of the ship, engineers and designers can assess details such as sightlines, clearance, or headroom. This fundamental capability significantly enhances the design process while making the constructions process more efficient.

VR and AR have proven critical in providing modern and effective training to employees. Digitally enhanced training is vital in providing employees a safe and effective digital environment where they can improve their skills, without the risks involved in real-life. These technologies also provide significant cost benefits for organizations. By replacing real-world training with virtual world training, they can significantly reduce logistical costs and time involved.

The integration of computer aided design (CAD) programs with virtual reality and augmented reality interfaces, is a critical advancement in shipbuilding design review workflows. In virtual reality, for instance, designers and engineers can easily assess design mistakes delivering significant savings in time and money (specifically linked to rework). Within virtual reality, naval engineers can design ships and boats prototypes and modify the design before the fabrication phases.

VR and AR have proven critical in the assessment of the maintainability and operability of large ships. By using these technologies, naval engineers have at their disposal interfaces to immerse themselves in digital twins of the vessels. This is a critical feature that enables assessment of spaces and procedures that will be undertaken on the ship once built, like maintenance and safety.

VR applications and AR applications generate next generation collaboration across teams. Within the naval and shipbuilding industry, they enable the collaboration of engineers and designers from across the globe. Life-like virtual ships can be visited in virtual environments foster better communication, assessment and ensuring timeframes. This feature is particularly critical within military applications, where precision and delivery times are paramount.