Searching for real growth, US companies turn to virtual reality

A visitor uses Oculus virtual reality goggles at the exhibition stand of German Research Center for Artificial Inteligence at the world's biggest computer and software fair CeBit in Hanover, Germany, March 14, 2016. REUTERS/Nigel Treblin/Files

NEW YORK: A growing number of US companies are counting on virtual reality for real profits. 

With growth hard to come by amid the lethargic economy, companies ranging from snowmobile manufacturers to furniture sellers are incorporating virtual reality that so far has mostly been found in videogames. Their bet: that the trendy headset-based technology can help them build sales and cut costs.