Spatial computing: What it means, it’s applications, and the benefits for your brand

What is spatial computing?

For some time, the term 'extended reality' (XR) served as an umbrella for 'virtual', 'augmented', and 'mixed reality'. Now, the emergence of 'spatial computing' begs the question: What sets it apart? Amidst the rapid evolution of these technologies, there's a certain fluidity in how these terms are applied, but we’ll do our best to make any distinctions clear in our writing.?

Initially coined following advancements in XR headsets, 'spatial computing' has become the new buzzword, encompassing the digitisation of activities involving machines, people, objects, and their environments to enable and optimise actions and interactions.

A whole lot of talk…

Spatial computing has been a subject of considerable discussion lately, but why? Does it offer utility beyond the gaming industry and a handful of leisure attractions? While early uses of VR in aerospace date back to the 1980s and AR aided broadcasters covering sporting events by 2003, the landscape has significantly evolved since then.

From virtual home assistants to GPS and QR codes, and the plethora of VR/AR apps utilising spatial computing, the applications are expanding. Yet, this merely scratches the surface of its potential, especially when considering its less mainstream industrial applications.

Digital twins are the focus of industry

Beyond consumer-oriented applications, the spotlight is on digital twins in spatial computing technology. Essentially virtual replicas mirroring real-world objects, digital twins have become indispensable business tools due to their efficiency. Through mixed reality, these models can overlay and interact with physical systems, offering a broad spectrum of industry benefits.

Overcoming resource limitations

Spatial computing has facilitated progress across various industries without the need for costly physical models. For instance, in advertising, where moving products can be expensive or during product development phases, spatial computing proves invaluable. Mercedes-Benz, for example, utilises spatial computing for virtual remote assistance in vehicle servicing, enhancing collaboration efficiency.

Removing geographical barriers

Spatial computing also addresses geographical limitations, fostering remote collaboration across vast distances. Examples include Meta Workrooms and a plethora of virtual experience platforms that enable brands to host engaging digital experiences and foster connections with a global audience.

Visualisation to revolutionise design

Industries such as Formula 1, aerospace, automotive, and interior design have leveraged spatial computing to enhance visualisation capabilities, leading to more informed decision-making. Whilst Formula 1 utilise spatial computing for aerodynamics visualisation and car design refinement, IKEA uses it to empower users to virtually position furniture, enhancing the digital customer customer journey.

Business value and future outlook

With its increasing accessibility and the evolving demands of modern business, spatial computing holds immense potential. By integrating digital information into physical spaces, it streamlines operations, enhances collaboration, and empowers decision-makers. Its application spans from AR for remote assistance to immersive training simulations, offering a competitive edge and fostering innovation.

The possibilities for how these benefits could filter down to the consumer are endless. Consumers are more empowered than ever through their interactive relationships with brands and their demand for contribution towards their own experience is facilitated by spacial computing technology. This can be seen in the example set by IKEA. The application of this technology gives the consumer an enhanced ability to visualise how the products will fit into their homes, undoubtedly increasing customer satisfaction. It is also easy to see how the attributes that have made this technology such an essential tool for training could be applied to customer service, or the possibilities for brands to gauge customers response to new concept designs.

Conclusion

It may still seem like the stuff of science fiction to some but we could be witnessing the shift from the digital world being seen as a separate entity, to a new reality where interacting with digital content away from screens is a part of everyday life. Just as mobile phones and the internet evolved from novelties to indispensable tools, spatial computing is poised to integrate seamlessly into everyday life. When we simply discuss the leisure and gaming application of spatial computing, it could easily be regarded as an optional extravagance for tomorrow’s consumers. Considering the industry applications however, we begin to uncover the reality of how this technology is, and will be, embedded into everyday life.?

Brands must adapt to this new digital landscape, ensuring their assets are designed with 3D and spatial computing compatibility in mind to ensure their presence in the vast and lucrative digital landscape isn’t inhibited by traditional photography.

If you want to understand how your brand can effectively access these digital spaces, get in touch with the Velvet Badger team at [email protected].?