It's not sci-fi: why spatial computing matters for your production

The Apple Vision Pro launched last month. Since then, we’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with this technology and running demos for innovative business leaders. Our prediction: we’re about to enter an era of spatial computing. Here’s how this technology stands out, how businesses can benefit, and what you can do to prepare.

– The AI Team at TXI

What makes spatial computing different from AR or VR?

Apple’s Tim Cook is set on making “spatial computing” a household term. So much so that Apple Vision Pro developers have to use the phrase in their App Store descriptions if they want to be approved. In other words, no AR or VR mentions allowed.

In one sense, this is a savvy marketing strategy: Apple could very well remove AR and VR from our lexicons. But is spatial computing different from its predecessors?

The short answer is yes.?

Spatial computing lets you interact with 3D virtual objects as if they were right in front of you. Picture a browser window above your desk that you can resize, move, and rotate at will. Or a virtual model of a robot arm that you can place in the corner of your office. You can still see and engage with your real-world surroundings. There’s just a virtual layer on top.

Contrast that with AR, for instance. You can view and interact with virtual objects, but only through a smartphone, tablet, or another camera-equipped device. The overall experience feels flat – both figuratively and literally.

VR also falls short. Most headsets offer a fully virtual experience that you can get lost in. That’s great if you’re playing a video game, but not if you need to work or alternate between virtual and physical tools. Some headsets do offer a “passthrough mode” that approximates your surroundings. But it’s often annoying to access, and the visual quality isn’t great.

The bottom line? Don’t dismiss spatial computing as mere marketing jargon. The technology offers a unique experience that blends the physical and the digital worlds. And there are plenty of ways leaders can use this technology today. We’ll get into some in the next section.?

The 3 most exciting ways to use spatial reality today

There’s been a lot of chatter about Apple Vision Pro’s consumer use cases. But what about its value for businesses??

We got our hands on a few models to find out. And we’ve already discovered some promising use cases. Three of our favorites:

1. Don’t just visualize your data—experience it: Spatial computing is a powerful tool for data analysis. Imagine being able to compare virtual molecular models right in your office. Or literally step into a 3D scatterplot, which lets you see a Z axis much more intuitively. Contrast that with traditional 2D formats, and making sense of the data in front of you is a lot easier.
2. Train employees risk-free: In-person training can be dangerous in certain industries, from manufacturing to biopharma. However, spatial computing makes it easy to train safely. Workers can interact with 3D models of a robot arm or the chemicals they’re most likely to see in a lab. The benefit: hands-on experience without the risk.
3. See maintenance triggers on the facility floor: With a spatial computing headset on, you can walk around a facility and view real-time IoT data as you walk past your equipment. If an HVAC unit looks like it’s overheating, you can virtually call a maintenance worker for immediate assistance.

We dive into these use cases and more in our latest blog. But it’s worth noting that this technology is still new—and we have a lot to learn. So if you have a use case that comes to mind, let’s experiment together. Your competition might already be doing the same.?

To tap into spatial computing, you need great data

Businesses can do a lot with spatial computing. But in order to get the most value out of it, you need great data.

Picture a 3D model (or “digital twin”) of an assembly line with a new robot arm. You can use it to simulate how assembly speeds vary based on where you place the arm. But if your data isn’t clean or up to date, your “insights” could be wildly off target. And you could wind up making an ill-informed business decision.

Not sure if your data is ready for spatial computing applications? Let’s talk. Our Data Maturity Accelerator can help you assess the state of your data and prepare it for this new technology. (The best part? It only takes a week.)

For your ears

Spatial computing is valuable for almost every organization, especially manufacturing and logistics companies. But it’s just one tool in a growing suite of Industry 4.0 technology. For more insights on Industry 4.0, check out TXI’s Modern Industrialist Podcast.?

In the latest episode, hosts Jason Hehman and Patrick Turley explore what it means to build a resilient supply chain with today’s industrial technology. It’s a great listen on your next springtime walk.