Immersive technologies between technicization and human dimension: general aspects and applications

Aim. The paper offers an overview of the most studied and used immersive tech- nologies to date, considering the main applications and possible related experiments. In recent years, the technological revolution is profoundly changing humanity’s way of life. Immersive Technologies, in particular Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), are changing the relationship between humans and technology. Methods. Immersive technologies are introduced starting from a historical point of view, through a possible definition and concepts that describe in particular AR and VR, towards the recent developments. Results. Industry, the entertainment sector, marketing, medicine, education and training are considered as main fields of application. Then the focus goes on the disci- pline of Public Speaking, considering its challenges, techniques and benefits. Conclusions. The potential benefits of AR and VR in the considered application fields are highlighted, and a discussion of a study conducted at the University of Padova (Italy) relating to Public Speaking, are indicated. Negative aspects related to issues such as pri- vacy and control are also highlighted.