What Is Spatial Computing?
An exploration of spatial computing and its impact on the tech world.
How Academia And Tech Companies Have Defined Spatial Computing
Spatial Computing is a term that has been around for a while, with its academic roots dating back to Simon Greenwold's 2003 MIT master thesis. Greenwold defines spatial computing as the interaction between humans and machines in which the machine retains and manipulates real objects and spaces. Magic Leap, a prominent tech company, also described spatial computing as a new form of computing that blends virtual content into the physical world through AI and computer vision.
Other tech giants, such as Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, have their own definitions of spatial computing. Apple sees it as seamlessly blending digital content with the physical world, while Microsoft emphasizes the ability of devices to be aware of their surroundings. Amazon Web Services defines it as the combination of the virtual and physical worlds to interact with digital content in a natural and intuitive way.
Spatial computing is an evolving field that encompasses technologies like AI, XR, IoT, and sensors. It allows for a more immersive and impactful form of human and computer interaction, ultimately expanding computing beyond screens and into the physical environment.
So, What Is Spatial Computing?
Spatial Computing is an evolving 3D-centric form of computing that uses AI, Computer Vision, and extended reality to blend virtual experiences into the physical world. It breaks free from screens and allows almost any surface to serve as a spatial interface. It enables humans, devices, computers, robots, and virtual beings to navigate through physical 3D spaces.
Spatial computing has the potential to revolutionize human-to-human and human-computer interaction, enhancing how we visualize, simulate, and interact with data in physical or virtual locations. It goes beyond traditional AR and includes elements of ambient computing, ubiquitous computing, and mixed reality.
This technology has the power to make us more productive, efficient, and creative. It allows our devices to better understand, map, and navigate our physical environment, creating a more intuitive and natural interaction with the virtual world.
Why You Should Pay Attention to Spatial Computing
Spatial computing is a rapidly growing field with the convergence of various enabling technologies like AI, AR, VR, XR, and MR. It blends the physical world with virtual experiences, enabling new ways of interaction and communication between humans and machines.
This technology has the potential to expand computing into everything we can see, touch, and know. It offers businesses the opportunity to digitally transform and stand out in a blended virtual and physical world. With advancements in AI, optics, and miniaturization, spatial computing is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
As we enter the age of AI hardware, smart glasses, and spatial computing, it's essential to pay attention to this evolving field and understand its potential impact on business and society. Spatial computing presents new opportunities for innovation and can shape the future of how we engage with technology.
