In recent years, with the birth of the concept of spatial computing, some spatial computing products have emerged, such as Apple Vision Pro. And many people also regard 2024 as the inaugural year of spatial computing.

Not long ago, Cathy Hackl, co-founder of the global design and innovation studio Journey and known as the "godmother of the metaverse," along with Irena Cronin, an expert in the immersive space field and Senior Vice President of Product at DADOS Technology, jointly authored "Spatial Computing: The New Business Revolution Driven by Artificial Intelligence." Based on their profound understanding of how spatial computing technology will completely change various industries, the book was published by CITIC Publishing Group.

Recently, DeepTech engaged in a conversation with the two authors on the topic of spatial computing.

Representing the next generation of human-computer interaction platforms after smartphones, it is expected to change human life and production in the next decade.

Spatial computing refers to digital representation and interaction with objects and environments in a context-aware and integrated manner with the physical world.Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely virtual environment, or Extended Reality (XR) that encompasses both Augmented Reality (AR) and VR, spatial computing seamlessly integrates digital information with our physical environment.

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Therefore, it requires the use of technologies such as AR, AI, and geospatial analysis to create a coherent, context-aware layer that enhances the experience of the real world.

From the cover of the book, it can be seen that spatial computing is considered as "the next generation of human-computer interaction platform after the mobile phone."

The reason is that it changes the way we interact with digital information. No longer confined to screens, it brings data into the physical environment, making interaction more intuitive and natural.

This shift allows people to engage with technology more immersively, efficiently, and meaningfully, opening up new possibilities for innovation in fields such as healthcare, education, and retail.Taking education, work, and shopping as examples, we can see that spatial computing is expected to change daily activities in significant ways.

Specifically:

In the field of education, spatial computing will create immersive and interactive learning experiences. Students can conduct virtual science experiments and interact with 3D models, making learning more engaging and effective. Teachers, by using spatial computing tools, can create customized and adaptive learning experiences to meet the needs of individual students.

In the workplace, spatial computing will enhance remote collaboration and productivity. Virtual workspaces will allow teams to collaborate in a 3D environment, making remote meetings more interactive and engaging. Additionally, spatial computing will also facilitate better training and onboarding processes by creating realistic simulations and interactive tutorials.

In the field of shopping, spatial computing could revolutionize the retail experience by integrating AR (Augmented Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality) technologies into both online and in-store environments.Consumers can interact with products in a more immersive way, such as trying on clothes virtually; retailers can create virtual stores, making it easy for customers to browse and purchase products as if they were physically present, thereby enhancing convenience and personalization.

It is important to understand that in the development and implementation of spatial computing, AI plays a key role.

Firstly, it allows for highly personalized experiences in spatial computing.

Secondly, it promotes the development of autonomous systems in spatial computing.

Thirdly, it makes real-time processing and analysis of large amounts of data possible.Fourthly, AI algorithms will enhance spatial mapping and environmental understanding, enabling devices to better interpret the physical world and interact with it.

Fifthly, it provides predictive analytics and supports decision-making processes across various industries.

Sixthly, it improves security and monitoring in spatial computing environments.

Seventhly, it simplifies the creation and management of content within spatial computing platforms.

In summary, AI is an indispensable part of the development of spatial computing, and the integration of the two will bring more breakthrough developments, thereby shaping the future of human-computer interaction.In the view of the two authors of the book, the advancement and trend of spatial computing in the next decade are expected to completely change many aspects of our daily life, industry, and the interaction between technology.

That is to say, technologies related to spatial computing will not only become more accessible and affordable, driving profound changes in human experience and capabilities, but also enhance the way we interact with the world, improve efficiency in various sectors, and create new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Collaboration across multiple industries is crucial for the deployment of spatial computing, but it is also necessary to address the associated risks and challenges.

After understanding the importance of spatial computing to human society, companies should also pay attention to the fact that cooperation between different industries (such as technology, retail, and healthcare) is very key to promoting spatial computing.For example, in the field of technology, companies can develop foundational hardware and software that powers spatial computing, which includes advancements in technologies such as AI, AR, and MR.

Take the healthcare sector, for instance. Collaboration with tech companies can enable the development of advanced diagnostic tools, AR-guided surgeries, and MR-based training simulations for medical professionals. Retail companies can also facilitate access to these technologies for healthcare providers and patients by designing user-friendly interfaces and applications.

However, implementing spatial computing in businesses also faces numerous risks and challenges, and addressing these issues is essential to ensure the successful adoption and integration of the technology.

A major challenge is the high cost of developing and deploying spatial computing technology. Businesses not only need to make substantial investments in hardware, software, and infrastructure but also have to bear the ongoing costs associated with maintenance, updates, and training employees to effectively use these technologies.

Another challenge is the technical complexity involved in integrating spatial computing into existing business systems. This requires not only specialized skills and expertise but also a significant amount of time and resources to develop customized applications for specific business needs and ensure seamless interaction and data exchange between different systems.The adoption and training of users also represent key challenges to be addressed. For instance, employees might resist the use of new technologies due to unfamiliarity or a perception of complexity. Additionally, prolonged use of AR and MR devices could potentially subject users to physical and psychological impacts.

Data privacy and security issues are significant risks associated with spatial computing. The collection and processing of vast amounts of personal and sensitive data, such as location information and biometric data, involve privacy concerns. Therefore, companies must implement robust data protection measures while also adhering to relevant regulations and standards to prevent unauthorized access and violations.

Lastly, ethical considerations and social impacts must be taken into account. This is because the use of spatial computing may raise ethical issues related to surveillance, consent, and the digital divide.

So, how can we address the ethical considerations and potential privacy issues related to spatial computing?

First and foremost, transparency and consent are crucial. This means ensuring that users are fully informed about the data being collected, how it will be used, and obtaining their explicit consent before any data collection begins.Secondly, let's minimize data collection. This involves only collecting data that is absolutely necessary for the functionality of the application, in order to reduce the risk of privacy breaches.

Next, anonymization techniques for user data should be adopted, making it impossible to trace back to individuals, thus protecting their identity and privacy.

Again, secure data processing should be carried out. During transmission and storage, robust encryption methods should be used to protect data, ensuring sensitive information is safeguarded from unauthorized access.

At the same time, adhere to ethical design principles. The design of the system should actively seek to identify and mitigate biases, ensuring fair and just treatment of all users.

Additionally, spatial computing applications must also comply with data protection laws and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).Finally, develop AI systems with a transparent decision-making process and adhere to ethical guidelines in AI development to promote responsible and ethical use of AI in spatial computing.

Not just a concept for the future, but also a transformative tool available now.

It is understood that it was curiosity about how technology can change people's perception and interaction with the surrounding world that prompted the two authors of this book to embark on a journey to explore spatial computing.

They observed how companies use spatial computing to create immersive experiences, optimize logistics, and enhance decision-making processes. Based on this, they began further investigation, examining case studies and interviewing pioneers in the field to understand the practical applications and future impact of these technologies.

In terms of the book "Spatial Computing: The New Business Revolution Driven by Artificial Intelligence," it provides insights on how to integrate spatial computing into various business models, the challenges brought by spatial computing, and the tremendous opportunities it brings, dedicated to helping businesses better develop in an increasingly digital and spatially aware world.By understanding spatial computing and integrating it into business models, leaders can maintain a leading position, create more immersive and engaging experiences, optimize operations, and make wiser decisions.

Therefore, this book is not only a technical guide but also a strategic roadmap for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology experts.

And by reading this book, readers will also learn that AI, AR, VR, and geospatial analysis, as part of spatial computing, are not just concepts for the future but transformative tools available now.