Emerging Technology Series: Spatial Computing

​Hi. It’s Anna and I’m back again! Next up in the breakdown of our Emerging Technologies Series, we are breaking down spatial computing. Spatial computing is a series of technologies that can “see” and map the real world, understand it, and predict the next moves of objects within it. Spatial computing can be thought of as a blanket term that covers the combined capabilities of disruptive innovations in tech that are making their way in the world.

There is a lot to be said about the upcoming technologies present in the spatial computing landscape, all of which are paving the way to expand the digital and physical world into something that resembles a cohesive blend. These include, but are not limited to, positioning (GPS), artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and 5G. Think of it as our way of connecting the digital world to the real world and something that allows for the exchange of information and connectivity in today’s emerging technologies landscape.

The present landscape of Spatial Computing

AR/VR​​

In the current field of spatial computing, things are everchanging and evolving to meet the digital needs of consumers. They help build an infrastructure that allows for an expansion of the current landscape into bigger and better things. Currently, spatial computing can be found in a plethora of technologies that have been introduced already in all sorts of industries. One of the most well-known technologies in the present landscape are AR and VR, or Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, respectively. AR is a computer-generated simulation that integrates the real world, whereas VR is entirely self-contained. Augmented Reality adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smart phone. Examples of this include technologies like Snapchat lenses or Pokémon Go. Virtual Reality, however, implies a complete immersion experience that shuts out the physical world. VR can be found in gaming settings, training, creativity, engineering, education, and entertainment devices.

Digital Twins

Aside from AR/VR, Digital Twins are also taking the spatial computing world by storm. Digital Twins refers to a digital replica of physical assets (physical twin), processes, people, places, systems, and devices that can be used for various purposes. Digital representation provides both the elements and the dynamics of how an IoT device operates and lives throughout its life cycle. According to Accenture’s Technology Trends 2021, “87% of executives agree digital twins are becoming essential to their organization’s ability to collaborate in strategic ecosystem partnership.” Digital twins can be used in various ways to optimize asset performance and utilization, including monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics. The current technologies within the spatial computing realm are quickly paving the way for innovation and expansion of how we interact with these technologies.

The (Near) Future of Spatial Computing

AR Cloud

With an everchanging market, it is essential that technology changes with it. The near future of spatial computing is full of emerging technologies that take advantage of the innovation and creativity that exists within this realm. The first example of this near future technology is the AR Cloud.

An AR Cloud is a real-time 3D (or spatial) map of the world, overlayed onto the real world. AR Clouds enable information and experiences to be shared and tied to specific physical locations to manifest itself across apps and devices. According to INAP, the “United States Army is experimenting with augmented reality programs to be used in combat that would help soldiers distinguish between enemies and friendly troops, as well as improve night vision.” The possibilities within the AR cloud are endless, and the near future of technology further proves this.

​XR Sensing

Other than AR Cloud, XR Sensing is also an upcoming system used for spatial computing capabilities. XR Sensing, or Extended Reality (XR), refers to all real-and-virtual environments generated by computer graphics and wearables. XR Sensing is a space where physical and digital elements coexist and comprises three elements, namely, environment, human, and computer, which interact with each other. Image sensors and displays are the core elements of XR systems because visual information is important for recognizing and judging objects. Real-world applications of XR Sensing include entertainment and gaming industries, employee and consumer training and information, healthcare, real estate, and marketing.

Volumetric XR

Volumetric XR, on the other hand, is unique in its use with extended reality (XR) that allows for training software with live, immersive presentations. Volumetric Video Capture (VVC) is a technique within the realm of Volumetric XR that captures a three-dimensional space such as locations, people, and objects including depth. According to a recent report provided by The Foundry, “the volumetric video market is expected to grow from $578.3 in 2018 to $2.78 by 2023, in line with burgeoning tech to facilitate this.” Paired with today’s VR headsets, volumetric video transports audiences to new realities. This evolution of video capabilities enables capturing real people and real objects into the world of volumetric holograms, thus prompting the coining of the term volograms. Volograms bring full 3D content to life and creates a more immersive hologram experience that takes into consideration the dynamic of real-life properties.

The Long-Term Future of Spatial Computing

​3D Immersive Holograms

The future of spatial computing is everchanging and continually adapts to market needs and expands upon the capabilities of these technologies that already exist. Holography, to start, is a photographic technique that records the light scattered from an object, then presents it as three-dimensional. A 3D hologram is a virtual image of a real object that is not actually “there,” but it looks like it is, either floating in midair or standing on a nearby surface. 3D immersive holograms are shaping the future of spatial computing and allowing for further manifestations of this technology in numerous fields. Holograms have the potential to dramatically improve training, design, and visualization in many business settings and production facilities, being able to look at, zoom in and manipulate 3D versions of in-progress designs. This technology allows for upgraded and more efficient prototyping and real-time manifestations of designs and other creative outlets.

Examples of its future use include military mapping, information storage, medicine, fraud and security, and art. In military mapping, fully dimensional holographic images are being used for improved reconnaissance. Whereas in medicine, 3D immersive holograms are used as a tool for visualizing patient data in training students and surgeons. The future of integration of hologram technology in different sectors is thought to revolutionize certain industries in space research, medical research, information storage, architecture, non-photorealism and even entertainment.

To sum it all up

​As spatial computing technologies adapt to the needs of the continually changing workforce, it is important to acknowledge the progress that have been made thus far. Spatial computing is an integral field of taking advantage of holographic imaging and other systems that utilize data in unique ways. It is also important to understand the impactful future spatial computing has in everyday life and the advancement of the way we prototype, model, design, consume, and teach using these advanced technologies. The present landscape has provided a jumping off point for the expansion of this field and its multidimensional uses.

Spatial computing is significant in utilizing the digital world to expand the physical world, to work together to build a mixed reality that allows for new computing capabilities. There is endless room for innovation within the spatial computing realm, and the future holds a whole new world of intelligence that refines connectivity and exchange of information.

I’ll be back soon with another emerging tech post! In the mean time visit our YouTube channel and website for more #emergingtech content from TIL!

Works Cited

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Infiniteretina. “Infinite Retina: A Spatial Computing Agency.” InfiniteRetina.com, 29 Apr. 2019, infiniteretina.com/a-new-definition-of-spatial-computing-the-fourth-paradigm-2/.

Mackay, Kirsteen. “Spatial Computing: Investing in AI, Augmented Reality.” Value the Markets, 4 Mar. 2021, www.valuethemarkets.com/2021/03/04/spatial-computing-investing-artificial-intelligence/#:~:text=Spatial%20Computing%20is%20a%20blanket%20term%20that%20covers,refers%20to%20time%20as%20well%20as%20physical%20space.

Rooney. “6 Examples of Virtual Reality Applications and How It Works.” How to Create Apps, 26 Jan. 2021, howtocreateapps.com/examples-virtual-reality-applications/.

Vietmeyer, Laura. “7 Incredible Examples of Augmented Reality Technology.” INAP, 29 Oct. 2020, www.inap.com/blog/7-incredible-examples-of-augmented-reality-technology/.

“Volumetric Holograms in XR Storytelling: next-Level Storytelling with Real People in Immersive…” Medium, Volograms, 5 Nov. 2020, medium.com/volograms/volumetric-holograms-in-xr-storytelling-next-level-storytelling-with-real-people-in-immersive-b34f3bc84ced.

“Volumetric Video Capture: Challenges, Opportunities and Outlook for Production Pipelines.” Foundry, 28 Oct. 2020, www.foundry.com/insights/film-tv/volumetric-video-capture.

“What Can We Expect from Hologram Technology in the Future?” IQS Directory Resource Center, 21 Dec. 2020, www.iqsdirectory.com/resources/what-can-we-expect-from-hologram-technology-in-the-future/.