What will VR rendering look like in 5 years?

1 Ray tracing

Ray tracing is a technique that simulates the behavior of light rays, as they bounce off different surfaces and materials. Ray tracing can create realistic effects, such as shadows, reflections, refractions, and global illumination, that are difficult to achieve with traditional rasterization methods. Ray tracing is computationally intensive, and requires powerful hardware and software to run smoothly. However, recent advances in GPU technology, such as NVIDIA's RTX series, have enabled real-time ray tracing for VR applications. Ray tracing can enhance the immersion and realism of VR environments, especially for scenes with complex lighting and materials.

4 Machine learning

Machine learning is a technique that uses algorithms and data to learn from patterns and make predictions. Machine learning can enhance VR rendering in various ways, such as improving the image quality, generating realistic content, and optimizing the performance. For example, machine learning can be used to apply super-resolution techniques, which can increase the resolution and sharpness of the rendered image, without increasing the computational cost. Machine learning can also be used to create synthetic content, such as textures, animations, and sounds, that can match the style and context of the VR environment. Machine learning can also be used to optimize the rendering pipeline, by adapting the rendering parameters and techniques, based on the user's preferences and feedback.

5 Haptic rendering

Haptic rendering is a technique that creates tactile sensations and feedback for VR applications, using various devices and methods. Haptic rendering can enhance the immersion and interactivity of VR environments, by allowing the user to feel the shape, texture, temperature, and force of the virtual objects and scenes. Haptic rendering can use different types of devices, such as gloves, suits, vests, and controllers, that can provide different types of feedback, such as vibration, pressure, heat, and motion. Haptic rendering can also use different types of methods, such as kinesthetic, cutaneous, and thermal, that can stimulate different receptors and nerves in the skin and muscles.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?