Edge IoT Industrial Immersive Technologies and Spatial Computing Continuum, Release 1
AIOTI WG Research and Innovation has published the paper on the “Edge IoT Industrial Immersive Technologies and Spatial Computing Continuum, Release 1“.
This aims to provide the vision of the convergence of edge IoT, AI, digital twins, intelligent mesh connectivity, IoT of senses and spatial computing technologies to create the industrial real-digital-virtual continuum.
The convergence of these technologies into industrial immersive solutions advances the integration and application of edge intelligent immersive technologies combining augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR) with concepts like metaverses, omniverse, multiverses, next generation spatial web, Web 4.0 as part of future virtual worlds. This convergence can dramatically transform industrial manufacturing, production operations, training, maintenance, design, collaboration, data visualisation, mobility and logistics.
The convergence of industrial immersive technologies at the edge can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, enhance safety, and better decision-making in industrial settings. It presents challenges like robust hardware, data security, and effective industrial workflow integration. As technology advances, the adoption of edge immersive technologies in industry is expected to grow, offering transformative benefits across various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and healthcare.
The EU recognises Web 4.0 as a revolutionary technological shift toward an immersive, seamlessly interconnected world, viewing virtual worlds as a critical transition component. Swift technological progress in edge IoT, AI, immersive technologies, and enhanced connectivity infrastructure have enabled the feasibility of virtual worlds. These virtual environments are the key to Europe’s Digital Decade, influencing how individuals live, work, create, and share content and how businesses function, innovate, produce, and engage with consumers.
Edge IoT industrial immersive technologies create or imitate the physical world through digital simulation (Phygital) and virtual sensations giving the user a unique experience of the three-dimensional (3D) spatial computing environment. Phygital is a mix of “physical” and “digital,” combining the physical and digital worlds to complete one mixed experience.
Edge spatial computing (ESC) is a novel computing paradigm focusing on understanding and interacting with the physical world in a 3D space close to the source. Spatial computing encompasses the processes and tools for capturing, processing, and interacting with 3D data. These technologies enable human-computer interaction that simulates interactions in real-world physical environments rather than being limited to screens and machines.
ESC enhances the capabilities of autonomous edge IoT devices, robotics, and machines to interact more naturally with humans. It integrates with VR, AR, MR, XR, natural user interface, contextual, affective, and ubiquitous computing in a 3D space, utilising computer, and machine vision (AI, ML, DL) to comprehend real-world scenarios. ESC combines edge technologies to create immersive and interactive experiences, integrating digital and virtual information with the user’s (humans and/or machines) physical environment.
The topics presented in this AIOTI position paper on edge IoT industrial immersive technologies are aligned with the AIOTI Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and illustrate the evolution of these topics into convergence ingredients of edge industrial immersive technologies.