What is spatial computing, and why is it suddenly capturing so much attention in the business world?

It might seem like a nascent concept, but spatial technology is already a standard part of our everyday lives. Every day, we use tools like virtual home assistants, GPS, QR codes, and even VR/AR apps that utilize spatial computing.

Yet, despite this, few people fully understand spatial computing and how it works. The term, coined by MIT researcher Simon Greenwold in 2003, has only begun gaining traction, largely thanks to Apple’s reveal at WWDC 2023.

The leading technology company promised to transform the extended reality space with an innovative MR headset and the world’s first spatial computing operating system.

So, what is spatial computing, and what does it bring to the business space?

What is Spatial Computing: Defining Spatial Computing

Spatial computing is often a complex term to define because it’s an “umbrella” concept covering a variety of technologies. In the age of hybrid work, spatial technologies are increasingly popular as companies look to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

While spatial computing involves a variety of concepts, from natural language processing to deep neural networks, its core focus is empowering human/computer interactions. Spatial computing takes us away from the clunky interactions we had with computers and mobile devices in the past. It places us within the computing environment.

It’s a way of changing how we interact with digital content and tools to make computer interactions feel more immersive and natural.

Spatial computing makes the traditional desktop more invisible by integrating user interfaces into our physical environment. Think of how your GPS app can provide directions in augmented reality or how you might interact with documents in VR.

In collaboration, companies like Microsoft Teams are even leveraging spatial technologies to bring staff members closer together through metaverse environments, avatars, and extended reality headsets.

By taking advantage of our natural spatial capabilities as human beings, this technology aims to improve the productivity, efficiency, and the way we access, share, and use knowledge.

How Does Spatial Computing Work?

Spatial technology leverages a variety of tools to merge computing into our everyday world. Sensors capable of automatically switching lights on when you enter a room are examples of spatial computing. IoT solutions monitoring processes in a factory are another example.

In fact, instances of spatial computing appear throughout virtually every industry. For instance, in the construction world, sensors, photogrammetry, and AI can provide computer systems with real-time insights into data from a product, environment or process. This information is then processed, and used to support users with intuitive applications and automated workflows.

In the extended reality space, spatial computing solutions are changing how we interact with others and computers alike. Headsets like the new Apple Vision Pro allow users to interact with apps in an infinite landscape without needing a desktop screen.

Solutions like Alcatel-Lucent’s SHARESPACE allow teams to collaborate in immersive environments, as systems capture sensory and motor function data to feed input to computers.

The human brain thrives in a three-dimensional physical environment, something we lack when using 2D screens on desktop computers and phones. Spatial technology taps into this natural environment, bringing digital content into a landscape that aligns with human cognitive abilities.

While the capabilities of spatial apps and tools can vary, the ecosystem is built upon three core pillars:

  • Technology that allows us to perceive 3D content in the real world, such as AR/VR or mixed reality headsets, smart glasses, and AR apps.
  • Tools that allow us to interact naturally with the content we see, such as voice control systems, hand/body tracking, haptics, and eye tracking.
  • Solutions that enhance the spatial experience, such as lighting, photogrammetry, artificial intelligence, spatial sound, sensors, and 3D UX design.

Examples of Spatial Computing in the Modern World

Spatial computing won’t just dramatically change our lives in the years to come. It has already had a significant influence on how we live today.

We’re part of the spatial computing revolution whenever we use filters or location tags on social media, interact with a GPS, or speak to an intelligent assistant. While spatial technologies significantly impact our day-to-day lives, they also influence the business world.

For instance, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are the two technologies most likely to be associated with spatial computing. With spatial computing, developers can explore the world of “extended reality”, where we manipulate digital content in a non-digital format.

With augmented reality, adding aspects of the digital world into our real-world surroundings is possible. For instance, in the industrial world, you might use an AR app or smart glasses to overlay information about a machine’s internal features onto the outside of that device.

The Boeing aircraft company used basic AR technology to help engineers determine where wiring needed to go within an aircraft. This newly augmented workflow resulted in a 30% improvement in wiring installation times.

With VR, we can place ourselves into digital worlds and interact with 3D content within those environments. This paves the way for exceptional collaboration, as well as training opportunities. Studies indicate that trainees with virtual reality environments to learn in are 20% faster and 230% more successful than their peers.

The Benefits of Spatial Computing: What Can Spatial Computing Do?

While many of the benefits of spatial technology can already be seen in the XR space, the revolution expands beyond AR and VR. Spatial solutions  connect the dots between digital twins, IoT, AI, the metaverse, and more.

Spatial tools can also help guide people (and robots) through complex processes, from repairing a machine to packaging goods for a consumer. It’s even influencing the healthcare industry. Tools like ProjectDR allow users to display MRI and CT scans on a patient’s body, improving surgical accuracy.

With the right technology, we can create experiences that improve the world around us. For instance, when GE equipped its technicians with AR glasses, they achieved a 34% improvement in productivity for each worker.

Use cases for spatial computing

Just some of the incredible use cases for spatial computing include:

  • Enhanced training: Spatial tools pave the way for more engaging training experiences and simulations. They allow team members to interact with scenarios securely, safely, and innovatively.
  • Product design: Spatial computing is already having an impact on product design. Companies use digital twins, and 3D visualization tools to explore product ideas and align global employees.
  • Workplace design: Spatial solutions could play a role in tomorrow’s office environments. They help to align hybrid teams through XR and improve the layout of office spaces. Automated lighting and environmental controls can even improve employee comfort.
  • Collaboration: Spatial computing will directly impact the hybrid meeting room and evolving world of work. It allows people to collaborate efficiently through the metaverse and XR.
  • Productivity: Spatial technology brings crucial information and assets into an accessible space. It can help team members overcome technical hurdles by providing direct hands-free access to information.
  • Customer service: Even the CX landscape benefits from spatial technology. Sensors can capture information about customers and help companies build more personalized experiences. Plus, employees can use spatial devices to deliver customer service.

Spatial solutions make virtually every environment we interact with more innovative, from warehouses and factories to cities and towns. Whether in the consumer, business, or healthcare environment, spatial computing can help us accomplish more and make better decisions.

Spatial Computing Companies: Brands Investing in the Tech

Though spatial computing might be a new concept, it has only recently begun to earn significant business attention. As we move into the new era of work, defined by the metaverse, web 3.0, and hybrid employment, spatial computing will grow.

The market is currently growing at a rate of 18.3% CAGR to a projected value of $620.2 billion by 2032. Numerous companies are getting involved as 5G and edge computing make spatial solutions more efficient and effective.

Apple has announced its new MR headset and accompanying operating system as part of its investment in the spatial computing world. The company also leverages various sensors and biometric authentication tools for solutions like the iPhone.

Microsoft has explored the world of spatial computing with Microsoft Mesh, the HoloLens headset, and even immersive experiences for Microsoft Teams. Elsewhere, Meta is investing in spatial technologies to bring life to its vision of the metaverse. The company constantly explores new products and solutions to make workplace interactions more immersive.

The Future of Spatial Computing

Spatial computing is already here, and it’s significantly impacting every industry. Examples of spatial computing are everywhere, from manufacturing companies like Ford, using spatial technologies to create safer vehicles, to tech giants like Meta exploring the metaverse.

However, this landscape is set to grow significantly in the years ahead, thanks to the introduction of new and improved technologies. 5G and edge computing tools pave the way for more advanced XR experiences with reduced latency and lag. The IEEE protocol for Web 3.0 offers a technical standard to help developers unify spatial solutions for apps and tools.

Even headsets and wearable devices are becoming more advanced, allowing us to create new physical, natural workflows. Going forward, spatial computing will provide the tools companies need to leverage more data, automate crucial functions, and connect the dots between humans and computer systems.

In the future, we’ll see more seamless digital experiences become commonplace and more intelligent tools designed to help us unlock our true potential.

 

 

 

 



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