Why Early Adopter Companies Are Embracing Spatial Computing Now
Cathy Hackl
AI & Emerging Tech Strategy & Solutions | Futurist, Tech Exec, & Speaker | Gaming, Virtual Worlds, Next-Gen Consumer, Multimodal On-Device AI, XR & Spatial Computing | Host Adweek’s TechMagic | Ex-AWS, Magic Leap, HTC
The AI-human workplace has arrived. In my chapter for Harvard Business Review’s THE YEAR IN TECH 2025, I explore how cutting-edge technologies like spatial computing are reshaping industries. My chapter examines how early adopter companies embrace new technologies like the Apple Vision Pro to prepare for the future.?
The goal for companies is to think about how to incorporate spatial computing, no matter which device they use - especially as Google and Samsung revealed their mixed reality device. The adoption of spatial computing will expand computing into everything businesses can see, touch, and know.
The Rise of Spatial Computing
As I wrote in HRB What Leaders Need To Know About Spatial Computing, spatial computing is the next big shift in how we interact with technology, seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds. Spatial computing also gives machines the capability to navigate and understand our physical environment in new ways by using a wide range of technologies.?
Spatial computing gives machines the ability to navigate and understand our physical environment, powered by technologies like AI, computer vision, and extended reality. Devices will evolve to interact more naturally with humans. Think of Apple Vision Pro’s eye-tracking and blink-to-select features which eliminate the need for mice or controllers. Eventually, we won’t need mice or controllers to interact with the virtual elements in our world. Spatial computing will change how customers try out products to how companies conduct business. Spatial computing will inspire new waves of innovation across industries, expanding into everything businesses see, touch, and know.
Lessons from Early Adopters
In THE YEAR IN TECH 2025, I explain spatial and immersive strategies from Lowe’s, e.l.f, the PGA Tour, and HANIFA. They range from using spatial computing for immersive retail to connecting with consumers and disrupting fashion. Plus, learn how spatial computing expands computing beyond screens into the physical environment. These companies demonstrate that early adoption isn’t just about technology—it’s about reimagining business strategies for a spatial future.
Looking Ahead: How to Prepare for the Future?
Prepare for the future with Harvard Business Review’s THE YEAR IN TECH 2025. See how companies are experimenting with spatial computing, AI, and the human-AI workplace. Develop strategies for integrating AI with physical-world applications and train teams to work with spatial intelligence technologies.
Embracing Spatial Computing: Your Blueprint for the Future
Spatial computing is the next platform for how we interact with technology and the world around us. It will redefine industries, reshape consumer experiences, and unlock new opportunities for innovation. As we prepare for a seamless human-machine world, understanding spatial computing’s implications is essential for staying ahead.
For deeper insights into how technologies like spatial computing and AI shape the future, read HBR’s The Year in Tech 2025.?
The Year in Tech 2025 on Amazon
The Year in Tech 2025 on Harvard Business Review
Certainly a compelling case, thanks. Interacting with machines is quickly becoming so much more intuitive and natural!
AI Strategy & Innovation Executive | Pioneering AI Models & Commercialization at UCI | Bridging Cutting-Edge AI Research with Market Success
2 个月Fantastic insights, Cathy! Your points resonate strongly with what we’re exploring at UCI and at NarrA.I.tive. In our work, we’ve seen how early experiments with spatial computing—especially in training, education, and storytelling—can reshape both how teams collaborate and how audiences engage with immersive content. By blending emerging XR tools and AI-driven narrative design, we’re pushing beyond traditional flat-screen experiences to create more impactful, data-rich environments. It’s exciting to see organizations recognizing the potential of spatial computing to transform workflows, spark innovation, and ultimately build more meaningful connections between people and technology.
AI Voice Technology Pioneer | Transforming Enterprise Communication with LLMs & Generative AI | Co-Founder @ Reves.AI | 80% Cost Reduction for Fortune 500 Companies
2 个月It’s exciting to see how spatial computing is shaping the future of customer interactions and innovation. Great share, Cathy.
Near Futurist since 2019 | AI & Spatial Computing Speaker | Founder & CEO, Redding Futures
2 个月It's time for spatial computing to move beyond "early" adopters. Too much evidence of value and ROI in too many contexts — especially training and education.
Senior Project Manager Turned Innovative Software Developer | Passionate About Generative AI & Machine Learning, Turning Complex Data into Scalable Solutions
2 个月I agree! ???????