Yes, you've heard it right- almost all of us use spatial computing every day but, do you know what is spatial computing and how it works? It's a term that describes how a human interacts with a computer; it's like a bridge between the physical and digital realms. Spatial computing is the key to engaging with digital content. In this blog, we will explore how spatial computing works, what are its benefits, and use cases.
What is Spatial Computing?
Spatial Computing refers to the processes and tools we use to understand and interact with 3D data using components like virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, AI, IoT, and more. Spatial computing is all about an immersive experience where we step into the digital world of the computer rather than just interacting with it from a distance. It is also known as the new age of the Internet or Web 3.0.
How does spatial computing work?
In simple words, spatial computing mimics how we interact with everything in the real world, including living and non-living objects, etc. Here's how it works:
The first step is to make a 3D model of the real world using technologies like Photogrammetry, Lidar, and Radar. Photogrammetry helps you create 3D models from photographs, and it can also blend multiple images from multiple sources. There's a new AI technique known as neural radiance fields (NeRF), and it is capable of creating better representation from fewer images. Radar and Lidar use radio waves and laser reflections to determine the distance between objects.
Your next step is to analyze the 3D data you gathered using analysis techniques like machine vision. This will help you identify objects and find any defects, problems, and patterns in them.
Your third step is where spatial computing takes action. For instance, let's say you have a smart home security system with face recognition technology installed at your home. Now when you approach the front door of your house, the system recognizes your face and automatically opens the door for you.
Benefits of spatial computing
- It makes driving and navigation safer by offering directions and real-time information on traffic using GPS.
- It helps you test products or new features before it gets market-ready.
- It offers an immersive learning experience utilizing AR/VR technology.
- It can boost real estate projects with virtual 3D tours.
- E-commerce giants and startups are using AR/VR to offer a 3D try-on option to their customers.
- Designers and architects are leveraging spatial computing to create virtual models of their projects.
Examples of spatial computing devices
- VR headsets top the list for taking humans into a virtual realm where they can interact with the objects and characters within the virtual world.
- AR glasses are next on the list, which help in projecting data and images.
- Many smartphones and tablets come equipped with AR capabilities.
- A mixed reality headset brings AR & VR together and lets you experience digital content laid over the real world.
Industry use cases of spatial computing
- Architectural and design firms use spatial computing to create virtual representations of their real-world projects with immersive walkthroughs.
- It also offers interactive and immersive learning experiences with realistic simulations.
- Spatial computing plays a role in medical training, surgical planning, and more.
- Needless to say, spatial computing improves our gaming experience.
- It boosts the e-commerce industry by offering virtual try-on options.
- Virtual property tour is made possible with spatial computing.
- Product design, prototyping, and various other manufacturing sector are now utilizing spatial computing.
- Self-driving cars also use spatial computing.
What's keeping us from fully adopting spatial computing?
Adaptation stands as the key challenge for spatial computing. Businesses resist adopting new technologies since they are already comfortable with their existing system and technologies. Once businesses start evaluating the benefits of spatial computing systems, they will slowly start adopting them. But spatial computing technology is far from perfect, it still needs time and work before it's ready for a unified environment.
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