Spatial computing solutions are capturing significant attention in today’s world.
Innovators in this landscape promise a future where interacting with computers and digital content will feel natural, intuitive, and fully immersive. Although spatial technology has existed for some time, companies like Apple have spawned new interest.
They believe spatial solutions, combining XR, AI, IoT sensors, and more will shape the future of the digital and physical world. As a result, the spatial computing market is growing, set to reach an incredible $544.6 billion by 2032.
So, if you want to be part of the spatial revolution, how do you compare the market and find the right vendor? Here’s a step-by-step guide for success.
Step 1: Understand the Principles of Spatial Computing
The first step in comparing spatial computing solutions is understanding what “spatial computing” means. Spatial computing isn’t just another word for an XR headset or experience. It’s an umbrella term referring to various technologies influencing how we interact with computer systems.
This includes XR headsets, sensors, artificial intelligence software, and cloud technology. To invest in a complete spatial computing solution, you’ll need tools that support:
- Sensing: The ability of computers to sense the environment around us is a crucial part of spatial computing. Sensors use IoT technology and can be built into everything from standalone systems to wearable headsets and smartphones.
- Data decoding: Spatial computing solutions need to understand our actions and decode the instructions we give through gestures, speech, and more. This requires the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.
- Interactivity: The key to spatial computing is ensuring you can interact with digital content and computer systems as intuitively as possible. This is where headsets, haptic feedback tools, cameras, and microphones come in.
Step 2: Define Your Spatial Computing Use Cases
Once you understand how spatial computing works, the next step is to identify how you want to use the technology. Some spatial computing solutions are designed specifically for enterprise environments and immersive collaboration. Tools like the Apple Vision Pro, combined with a collaboration tool like Microsoft Teams, link the real world to digital content. This paves the way for a more meaningful, powerful session between teams.
However, there are many different use cases for spatial computing. In the industrial metaverse and manufacturing, spatial computing solutions can help with product design and improve user safety. Companies can even use smart glasses to send instructions to field workers or IoT devices to control machines from a distance remotely.
In the healthcare landscape, spatial computing solutions can create anatomy maps for surgeons or offer unique ways to train new professionals in complex skills. Knowing what your use cases are will help to inform your decisions in the next step.
Step 3: Know your Hardware and Software Needs
As mentioned, spatial computing solutions aren’t just a single app or device. The term refers to many different technologies and tools which work together to improve human/machine interaction. If you’re investing in spatial computing experiences, you’ll need to define your requirements:
- Hardware: Spatial computing hardware can cover everything from the computer systems you need to access or mobile devices to wearable headsets (MR, VR, and AR), sensors, and even processing chips for hardware development.
- Software: From a software perspective, you’ll need to think about everything from solutions designed to help you build metaverse experiences to digital twin technologies. You might also need to work with developers to create unique experiences.
- Accessories: Accessories in the spatial computing space can include haptic gloves, spatial sound systems, cameras for collaboration, and microphones.
Step 4: Consider Interactivity and Immersion
The focus of spatial computing solutions is on improving the way people interact with machines. However, the interactivity options available from different vendors and systems can vary. Some organizations focus heavily on hand tracking. For instance, Ultraleap offers state-of-the-art hand-tracking tools to monitor even minute movements at your fingertips.
Other brands leverage eye tracking to help enhance user experiences in the extended reality world and even offer functionality like foveated rendering. Spatial computing systems can also respond to gestures and even voices through AI algorithms.
Alongside considering how you’ll interact with your spatial technology, it’s also worth thinking about how you can deepen the immersion for users. Spatial audio is an excellent way to engage more of the senses, particularly in an XR environment.
Step 5: Address Connectivity for Spatial Computing Solutions
One of the significant challenges in implementing spatial computing solutions is managing the demand these tools impose on bandwidth and data. AI, extended reality technologies, and IoT solutions all rely on a significant amount of computing power. Many smaller businesses will struggle to build and implement a comprehensive solution in-house with their data centers.
Fortunately, new solutions are beginning to emerge. For instance, the NVIDIA CloudXR 4.0 platform empowers developers to use advanced cloud streaming solutions. Like other leading solutions, this ecosystem offers access to 5G and cloud-edge connectivity.
When comparing spatial computing solutions, make sure you know how much computing power they need and how you can manage the demand. If you’re building an experience from scratch, consider looking into Metaverse as service opportunities.
Discovering the Best Spatial Computing Solutions
Spatial computing solutions combine the virtual and physical worlds seamlessly, transforming our interactions with technology. Countless companies are beginning to explore this landscape, from Microsoft and Apple to Unity and Magic Leap.
The key to choosing the right solution for your needs will be extensive research. Learn about the potential of spatial computing and define your use cases. Then, look for vendors and innovators who can help you overcome the challenges in this realm.
Working with market leaders who can help you address everything from VR sickness, to the complexity of building metaverse experiences will pave the way for rapid adoption.
