1. Virtual reality

1.1 Definition and purpose

The technical and scientific field of "virtual reality" deals with issues arising from the association of two apparently opposing terms: the choice between the real and the virtual. For example, in a product design phase, the evaluation of the object's qualities can be based on its virtual representation (thanks to a digital model) or on a real prototype. Similarly, when designing assembly lines for parts using robots and operators, the operation of the line can be tested virtually. The engineer is therefore often faced with the dilemma of whether to test virtually using a model that can be parameterized, but may not be very realistic, or to evaluate a real, but fixed, product.

This is not a new question, but since the advent of...