Aruvana Explains the Use of Immersive Technology for Disease Recovery

Immersive technology startup Aruvana has just released a VR device called "Vinera" to support stroke recovery. This device was developed together with two strategic partners, namely PT Media Brain Sejahtera and dr. Hendry Gunawan, Sp.N (medical advisors).

Contacted separately by DailySocial.id, Co-Founder and CEO Aruvana Indra Haryadi explained in more depth about the development of his immersive technology. From the research conducted, he said that this technology could contribute to overcoming problems in the health sector.

In the clinical aspect, immersive technology can be used for disease recovery. In the initial stage, Aruvana worked on the Vinera product to help with the therapy process for stroke patients. Patients can focus on recovering from home with supervision from health workers (nakes).

"Most neurologists and physiotherapists work in hospitals or clinics. Many patients have problems getting there. Immersive technology can help the therapy process without reducing supervision from health workers, data can continue to be monitored," said Indra.

Vinera is equipped with a gamification system, allowing patients to carry out therapy exercises independently and with more fun. The training module is designed comprehensively consisting of tasks and games to improve the patient's motor function, and will be monitored by therapists remotely.

Stroke has been recorded as the number 1 cause of death and disability in Indonesia since 2013, and is the most common disease with the number of sufferers reaching around 2,9 million patients in Indonesia, with a prevalence rate of around 10,9%.

"We have done in-depth research on how VR can have an influence on stroke recovery. There have been many findings from journals that stroke recovery with the support of VR devices can have a positive effect, especially for the upper body," he added.

Vinera is one of ten selected participants related to innovation in the Health Innovation Sprint Accelerator 2023 program, the result of collaboration Ministry of Health and East Ventures.

For the initial stage, Aruvana has only partnered with two health facilities for research and development of Vinera. The target is that by 2024, Vinera can be used in 100 health facilities to cover 20.000 stroke patients who want to undergo therapy.

In non-clinical aspects, products with immersive technology can also be used to support the learning process. For example, the practice of forensic science. Indra admits that the development of immersive products in Indonesia is still very early because the technology is still new and use case exploratory in nature. However, the need and potential are enormous.

Development of immersive technology

Aruvana develops immersive products for three key sectors, viz healthcare, safetyand education. It is believed that these three sectors can have a big impact on society in Indonesia. His party is working closely with stakeholders in these three sectors to better understand the problems being faced.

In segment safety, the product is used to support simulations in emergency situations. Meanwhile in the education segment, Aruvana is collaborating with UGM to utilize immersive products in the learning/practice process of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing (FK-KMK).

Asked about the cost aspect, Indra said that the price of VR devices marketed to retail/individuals is now 10 times more affordable than in 2019 - even cheaper than an iPhone.

However, he considers that the costs of developing technology and equipment can be said to be relatively dependent on its use. He gave an example, the method of learning laparoscopic procedures with immersive devices can cut costs by 10% compared to procedures carried out conventionally.

"Technology and product costs can be more affordable because we achieve the same results without having to pay the same costs. However, we can reduce risks or repetitive processes. If it is a simulation [without immersive products], we have to look for patients, there are Yago's defensive effort and costs incurred. Once you put it in the right perspective, the price of tools and technology can be very cheap."