Increased demand for XR

Tarvalley is one of the newer stars in Skellefteå’s digital firmament and was founded in 2015. The company transforms communication needs into virtual, augmented, and mixed realities. XR stands for Extended Reality and is the umbrella term for Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).

“Today, we work almost exclusively on XR projects. We believe in experience-based products, which make a bigger impact and are more enjoyable for the user than traditional methods,” says Niclas Lundmark, operations manager and creative director at Tarvalley.

– When we can’t meet in person, the need to find alternatives that mirror reality as closely as possible grows, and this is where XR comes in. For example, in the growing e-commerce sector, where competition is fierce, more companies are turning to XR. This could involve AR solutions that let you try on different shoes or clothes from home via your phone. Or in industries where AR is used to assist with remote maintenance, says Niclas.

He notes that XR will change the way we work and learn, as well as how we consume and experience things.

– If we look at XR in education, experience-based learning stays in the memory significantly longer compared to traditional passive learning. In VR, you can also practice handling dangerous or complicated situations that would be difficult and costly to carry out in reality, explains Niclas, citing the mining and metals company Boliden as an example.

– In one of the VR projects, you get a glimpse into various interesting professions and exciting projects. You learn about the electrification of the forklifts in Aitik and test the remote control of a mining machine. You also follow an exploration geologist who explains his work, culminating in a virtual room where the user gets to try out a work task themselves.

He believes there are good opportunities to work in the digital industry in Skellefteå.

“Absolutely, there is a great need for XR. From individual companies to municipalities and larger corporations. It’s just a matter of daring to invest in new technology and seeing the benefits it brings. Furthermore, the investment in game development programs in Skellefteå will help further strengthen the digital industry and its prospects.”