VR/AR Technology for Healthcare Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global VR/AR Technology for Healthcare Market is segmented By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Technology (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality), By Application (Surgical Applications, Simulation & Diagnostics, Wound Care Management, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Training & Medical Education, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), Others), By End-User (Hospitals & Specialty Clinics, Surgical Diagnostic Centers, Others) and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

The Global VR/AR Technology for Healthcare Market reached US$ 3.75 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 12.14 billion by 2031 growing with a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Augmented Reality (AR) in healthcare refers to the combination of digital information with the physical environment. This technology supports healthcare professionals by delivering contextual data and three-dimensional visualizations during diagnoses, surgical procedures, and patient treatment, thereby improving decision-making and the precision of medical interventions.

Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in entirely simulated digital environments. In the healthcare industry, VR is employed for a range of purposes, such as medical training, treatments, and enhancing patient engagement. This technology enables realistic simulations that enhance both educational experiences and treatment results.

However, for the successful integration of AR/VR in healthcare, providers must ensure smooth implementation and optimal performance. To prevent disruptions during critical medical procedures, communication via AR/VR technologies requires a robust and dependable network infrastructure.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics: Drivers

Increasing usage of AR/ VR technologies in healthcare

Multiple factors drive the demand for global VR/AR technology in the healthcare market. One of the primary factors driving the market is the increasing usage of AR/ VR technologies in healthcare and the expanding applications of these technologies across various domains within the industry. 

The healthcare sector has undergone significant changes owing to the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies alongside advanced medical devices. These technologies are currently utilized in a variety of medical applications, such as surgical and pre-surgical planning and navigation, simulating procedures before actual surgeries, and visualizing intricate anatomical structures to aid surgeons during operations.

Moreover, AR and VR are employed in physical therapy and rehabilitation, as well as in helping patients effectively manage chronic conditions. When implementing AR/VR technologies, healthcare professionals need to weigh the advantages for their practice and patients alongside the technological requirements necessary for effective integration.

Medical institutions and hospitals around the globe are increasingly adopting AR and VR technologies for various purposes, including medical training, research, disease diagnosis, patient care, and more. These technologies are particularly utilized in training for laparoscopic surgeries and procedures such as knee replacements.

For instance, in June 2022, MediSim VR, a med-tech company specializing in healthcare simulation, established India's first fully automated Virtual Reality (VR) lab at the Puducherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). This lab is designed for MBBS students to enhance their essential medical skills and prepare them for future challenges in the field.

In addition, key player strategies such as partnerships and collaborations help to drive this market growth. For instance, in March 2024, the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation collaborated with VyVoxel International Firm, a global company specializing in AR/VR/MR technologies, to launch a comprehensive course on AR/VR programming. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for the rapidly evolving fields of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), providing them with the expertise needed to advance in this area.

Restraints

Factors such as the high cost of treatment, limited adoption & awareness among people, cybersecurity & privacy threats, ethical & legal concerns,  lack of assessment tools, and lack of standardization are expected to hamper the market.

Market Segment Analysis

The global VR/AR technology for the healthcare market is segmented based on component, technology, application, end-user, and region.

The augmented reality segment accounted for approximately 59.4% of the global VR/AR technology for healthcare market share

The augmented reality segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. Augmented Reality (AR) technology overlays digital images or information onto the user's actual surroundings, creating a virtual layer that complements the real world.

Moreover, key players in the industry more focus on incorporating technology into the healthcare industry and key developments in patient care that would help to drive this segment in the market. For instance, in February 2024, a team of doctors and biomedical engineers from Stanford Medicine became trailblazers by integrating a novel augmented reality tool into surgical practices. This technology, called Apple Vision Pro, is a headset that enhances human-computer interaction, allowing users to explore their surroundings by merging real-time visual information with virtual components.

Similarly, in June 2023, Amrita Hospital in Kochi, India, pioneered the development of a groundbreaking Extended Reality (XR) ecosystem in healthcare. This innovative system harnesses the power of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies to significantly elevate patient care, medical training, and research capabilities. The integration of this cutting-edge technology into clinical practice represents a significant milestone in the Indian healthcare industry, marking a transformative leap forward.

In addition, key player's strategies such as partnerships & collaborations, and technological advancements drive this segment's growth in the market. For instance, in December 2023, EON Reality, a global leader in creating Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences for education and industry, proudly announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). This collaboration emphasizes their mutual dedication to employing innovative AR/VR technologies to revolutionize pediatric healthcare education and improve the patient experience.

Market Geographical Share

North America accounted for approximately 44.6% of the global VR/AR technology for healthcare market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the increased adoption of AR/VR technologies, major R&D investments, and government initiatives driving this market growth in this region.

Moreover, in this region, a major number of key players' presence, well-advanced healthcare infrastructure, and technological advancements would propel this market growth in this region. For instance, in April 2024, OrthoIndy made a significant advancement in surgical innovation by introducing augmented reality (AR) into its procedures. Dr. Gregory Poulter, a prominent spine surgeon, performed Indiana's first spinal surgery using Surgical Theater's state-of-the-art eXperiential Reality (XR) technology.

 OrthoIndy is among only five locations worldwide employing this advanced method. The pioneering spinal fusion procedure utilized the Surgical Theater SyncAR Spine platform, which integrates Microsoft HoloLens headsets to provide an enhanced visual experience during surgery.

Also, in  April 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced a new initiative called Home as a Health Care Hub, which aims to utilize augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to enhance health equity by reimagining the home as a component of the healthcare system. To facilitate this transformation, the FDA has contracted an architectural firm that specializes in designing health-focused buildings to assess what is necessary to convert a home into a healthcare environment.

Market Segmentation

By Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

By Technology

• Augmented Reality
• Virtual Reality

By Application

• Surgical Applications
• Simulation & Diagnostics
• Wound Care Management
• Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
• Training & Medical Education
• Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals & Specialty Clinics 
• Surgical Diagnostic Centers 
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • The rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the VR/AR technology for healthcare market include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CAE Inc., EON Reality, Inc., InfiVR Solutions, Vection Technologies, Siemens Healthcare S.A.E., Fundamental Surgery, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Novac Technology Solutions, and Softeq Development Corp. among others.

Key Developments

• In March 2024, Siemens Healthineers launched an app tailored for the Apple Vision Pro, allowing users such as surgeons, medical students, and patients to explore immersive, interactive holograms of the human body derived from medical scans within their real-world surroundings. This app, Cinematic Reality, aims to aid in surgical planning, enhance medical education, and assist patients in visualizing upcoming procedures. It is now available for download on the Apple App Store.
• In October 2023, Surgical Theater proudly announced a significant milestone in collaboration with Stanford Medicine—successfully executing the first spine surgery utilizing their augmented reality technology. This innovative procedure employed the Surgical Theater SyncAR Spine system, which integrates Microsoft HoloLens headsets to enhance the surgical experience.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global VR/AR technology for healthcare market segmentation based on component, technology, application, end-user, and region and understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the VR/AR technology for the healthcare market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping is available in excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global VR/AR technology for healthcare market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 65 figures, and 183 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies