Index
Spatial Computing
Spatial computing is a technology that combines the physical and digital worlds. Spatial computing is any of various 3D human–computer interaction techniques that are perceived by users as taking place in the real world, in and around their natural bodies and physical environments, instead of constrained to and perceptually behind computer screens. This concept inverts the long-standing practice of teaching people to interact with computers in digital environments, and instead teaches computers to better understand and interact with people more naturally in the human world. This concept overlaps with and encompasses others including extended reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, natural user interface, contextual computing, affective computing, and ubiquitous computing.
Spatial computing devices include sensors—such as RGB cameras, depth cameras, 3D trackers, inertial measurement units, or other tools—to sense and track nearby human bodies (including hands, arms, eyes, legs, mouths) during ordinary interactions with people and computers in a 3D space. They further use computer vision to attempt to understand real world scenes, such as rooms, streets or stores, to read labels, to recognize objects, create 3D maps, and more. Quite often they also use extended reality and mixed reality to superimpose virtual 3D graphics and virtual 3D audio onto the human visual and auditory system as a way of providing information more naturally and contextually than traditional 2D screens.
How it works
- Computer vision: Analyzes visual data to understand the layout of physical spaces
- Generative AI: Transforms 2D images into 3D animations
- Spatial sound: Enhances the immersion of the experience
Use cases
- Training: Simulates high-risk tasks to enhance muscle memory and neural connections
- Planning: Visualizes impacts and explores scenarios to minimize danger and costs
- Operations: Provides real-time data visualization and situational awareness
- Performance: Collects, integrates, and analyzes human performance data
Examples of spatial computing devices Microsoft's HoloLens and Apple's Vision Pro headset. Benefits of spatial computing
- Reduces risks and costs
- Provides superior results by enabling users to make faster, better informed decisions
- Enhances field team effectiveness
- Elevates human capabilities