Virtual Reality can take you places you’ve never been. Show you things you’ve never seen. Open your mind to worlds the likes of which you have only dreamed. And this is only the beginning. With each day, the utility of VR becomes more evident. From mock surgeries to architectural design to therapeutic applications, virtual reality has the potential for more than just engaging entertainment.

This is where Samsung sees abundant opportunity. As a pioneer in creating new experiences through technology, our goal is to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible to make the world a better, more connected place with virtual reality as a central component.

From our new Gear 360 and Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus, to the Samsung Milk VR service that curates premium, 360-degree content, we’re constantly creating ways for people to immerse themselves in the magic of virtual reality. Why invest so much into technology that is arguably still in its infancy? We believe that the advent of VR will have far-reaching implications in our day-to-day lives, as evidenced by the impact the technology has already had in the following examples.

Take, for instance, the work Samsung has done through our #BeFearless program to help people overcome their fears. In these training sessions, we exposed people to virtual yet immersive situations that help them be more productive in real life.

And look at the amazing work being done in the U.S. by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society with the help of virtual reality. Those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease that often strikes suddenly to leave its victims with impaired mobility and unable to engage in activities they enjoy most, can now experience them again thanks to VR technology.

The National MS Society developed two films that show how virtual reality can ameliorate some of the challenges MS patients face. Off My Wave features Steve Bettis, diagnosed with MS in 2006, riding the waves once again with help from the Samsung Gear VR and professional surfer, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver.

In Exit Stage Never, dancer Amy Meisner, who grew up gracing the stages of New York City, explains the challenges she has faced since her MS diagnoses in 1997. Professional dancer LaTonya Swann helped create an entirely new dance experience for Amy. One made possible by the power of VR.

Samsung believes that virtual reality is the ultimate empathy machine, and through this technology, we can make lasting change in the world. As VR evolves and we realize its full potential, not only can we use it to entertain, we can use it improve the lives of people like Steve and Amy, who are all too aware of reality’s limitations.