teh Future of AI: Shaped by XR and Spatial Computing
Table of Contents
- 1. teh Future of AI: Shaped by XR and Spatial Computing
- 2. XR and AI: A Powerful Synergy
- 3. The Stakes for the US Leadership
- 4. Real-World Applications
- 5. Conclusion
- 6. The Future of AI: Why XR Data is Key
- 7. A New AI Paradigm
- 8. The Power of Spatial Data
- 9. Applications Across Industries
- 10. A Call to Action
- 11. The Godmother of AI and the Future of Spatial Computing
- 12. A Vision for AI in Our World
- 13. American Leadership in XR
- 14. A Call for Continued Investment and Collaboration
- 15. America’s Future leaders: Why Investment in XR Innovation is Critical
- 16. Embracing XR’s Transformational Potential
- 17. Future Insights: Beyond Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
–>
Large Language Models (LLMs) will play a pivotal role in shaping future XR experiences. Imagine a seamless integration where AI-powered virtual assistants tailor immersive experiences and respond authentically in real-time. Imagine collaborating with colleagues immersed in shared VR environments, engaging in brainstorming sessions that transcend geographic boundaries.These are glimpses into a future where XR transforms not only our interactions with technology but also alters the very fabric of how we live, work, learn, and connect with the world around us.
Failing to invest in this transformative technology
would imperil America’s future in the global economic landscape. American leadership, bold vision, and strategic investment can ensure XR’s prosperity, paving the path towards a future defined by innovation and progress
XR Technology: The Next Frontier in AI Development
The United States faces a crucial challenge: maintaining its leadership in extended reality (XR) and spatial computing to secure a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). XR, encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is not merely about immersive experiences; it forms the foundation for training AI that seamlessly interacts with our physical and digital environments.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between XR and AI
as the World Bank has already demonstrated, XR extends beyond entertainment and games, holding immense potential for policy assessment and evaluating social outcomes. It offers a unique platform for AI training by allowing it to learn and adapt within richly simulated environments.
“XR hardware will likely have an even bigger impact on how society interacts with the physical world than AI alone. The Internet and mobile phones transformed our engagement with information.Spatial computing and XR will redefine how we engage with the physical world, how we engage with each other, as well as human-computer interaction. It will expand computing into the physical world via AI.”
This symbiotic relationship between XR and AI has profound implications for various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to education. Imagine surgeons practicing complex procedures in a virtual operating room or architects collaboratively designing buildings in a shared AR space.
Leading the Way with OpenXR
To solidify its position as a leader in this burgeoning field,the United States must champion open standards and interoperability. The Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act (H.R.3211) and the leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2024 are steps in the right direction, fostering education and research in XR.The development of an open standard like openxr, a protocol that ensures compatibility across XR devices regardless of their manufacturer, is crucial for driving innovation and widespread adoption.
Beyond the Horizon: The Next Mobile revolution
While discussions around DeepSeek and its impact on the US technology sector are prominent, it’s essential to recognize the broader technological shift underway, the race to replace the mobile phone. Just as the iPhone revolutionized the world with its introduction, new hardware paradigms could reshape the global economy and business landscape as dramatically as the advent of mobile devices.
Call to Action: Investing in XR and spatial computing is not just about technological advancement; it’s about economic prosperity and societal progress. By fostering innovation, supporting research, and embracing open standards, the United States can solidify its position as a leader in this transformative field, shaping the future of AI and its impact on our daily lives.The Rise of Spatial Computing and AI: An American Opportunity
The world is on the cusp of a technological revolution driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and spatial computing. This new era,characterized by immersive,3D experiences powered by AI,has the potential to reshape countless industries and redefine how we interact with technology and the world around us.
A New Frontier in Computing
The foundation for this transformative shift lies in the rapid advancement of software that enables seamless interactions within virtual and augmented realities. “It’s time for the US government to prioritize this innately American technology to stay competitive in the next frontier – a fundamentally spatial, immersive, 3D and AI-driven era rooted in American innovation in a highly complex geopolitical context,” advocates a leading voice in the field.
This new frontier promises not only economic prosperity but also the evolution of AI itself. Large Language Models will continue to advance, while new categories of AI, such as Large Action models, Large Vision models, and Large world Models, will emerge, ushering in a new era of sophisticated AI capabilities.
leading the Way in a Global Landscape
Image from the Nvidia CES 2025 Keynote showing the path to physical AI.
the US government has a crucial role to play in shaping this technological future. By collaborating with international partners, fostering innovation, and establishing ethical guidelines, the US can ensure that these powerful technologies are developed and deployed responsibly for the benefit of all.
Investing in the Future
- 18. Embracing the Convergence
- 19. How can societal concerns about job displacement due to AI advancements in XR be addressed?
- 20. An American Future in XR and AI: An Interview with Leaders
- 21. Dr. Emily Carter, AI Research pioneer ___ mr. Alex Ramirez, XR Industry Visionary
- 22. Charting the Course
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly permeating every aspect of our lives,from streamlining work tasks to aiding everyday decisions. But the future of AI hinges on the quality of the data it’s trained on. And much of this crucial data will stem from cutting-edge hardware advancements in areas like spatial computing, extended reality (XR), and on-device AI.
XR and AI: A Powerful Synergy
The convergence of XR and AI is poised to revolutionize how AI interacts with the physical world. XR devices, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), capture vast amounts of real-world data that can be used to train more sophisticated, context-aware AI models. As Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, astutely observed, “AI’s true gold isn’t in the UI or model—they’re both commodities. What breathes life into AI is the data and metadata that describes the data to the model—just like oxygen for us.”
These devices won’t just gather data passively; they will actively shape the way AI perceives and interacts with its surroundings. Imagine AI-powered virtual assistants that can understand and respond to your real-world gestures and movements, or smart devices that can adapt to your individual needs and preferences based on your spatial context.
The Stakes for the US Leadership
The United States currently holds a leading position in XR and spatial computing innovation. Though, complacency could have significant consequences. if the US doesn’t continue to prioritize these areas, it risks falling behind in defining the future of AI and its integration into the physical world.
Think of the impact of the iPhone. Its arrival ushered in an era of mobile computing and transformed how we interact with technology.Similarly, advancements in XR and spatial computing have the potential to reshape our relationship with AI, creating a more immersive, intuitive, and responsive digital experience.
Real-World Applications
the potential applications of this convergence are vast and far-reaching. Consider:
- Healthcare: XR-based simulations can train surgeons with unprecedented realism, while AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze patient data in new ways, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses.
- Education: Immersive learning experiences powered by XR and AI can revolutionize education, making it more engaging and interactive.
- Manufacturing: XR can overlay digital instructions onto physical objects, guiding workers through complex tasks, while AI can optimize manufacturing processes for greater efficiency.
Conclusion
The future of AI is inextricably linked to our ability to harness the power of XR and spatial computing. By investing in these areas, the United States can continue to lead in shaping the growth of AI and its transformative impact on our world. it’s a race that demands our attention, innovation, and unwavering commitment to unlocking the full potential of this groundbreaking technology.
The Future of AI: Why XR Data is Key
The emergence of new AI models like DeepSeek, a Chinese large language model (LLM) app, underscores the global race for AI dominance. DeepSeek’s capabilities demonstrate the immense potential of LLMs, but it’s the high-quality, real-world data from extended reality (XR) systems and spatial devices that will truly fuel the next generation of AI architectures and applications.
A New AI Paradigm
Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, recently predicted that within five years, we will likely see entirely new AI architectures. This rapid evolution is driven by the convergence of open-source and closed-source software, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.
“The competition between these approaches fosters innovation, discovery, and collaboration,” said LeCun. “Beyond operational efficiencies, AI has the potential to unlock unprecedented avenues for discovery and innovation.”
The Power of Spatial Data
AI that understands physical places and things requires a different kind of data – data that captures the spatial relationships and context of the real world. this is where XR systems,including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR),come into play. XR devices generate vast amounts of spatial data, providing AI models with a richer understanding of their surroundings.
Fei-Fei Li, a pioneer in AI and often referred to as the “godmother of AI,” emphasizes the importance of this spatial data. “XR data is crucial for training AI models that can interact with the physical world in meaningful ways,” she explains. “It’s the key to unlocking the full potential of AI in robotics, spatial intelligence, and beyond.”
Applications Across Industries
The applications of XR-powered AI are vast and varied. Imagine robots that can navigate complex environments with ease, AI-powered assistants that can interact with physical objects, or AR applications that overlay digital information onto the real world. These are just a few examples of the transformative possibilities that lie ahead.
As a notable example, in healthcare, XR-powered AI could revolutionize surgical procedures, allowing surgeons to visualize complex anatomical structures in 3D and plan surgeries with greater precision. In manufacturing, XR-powered AI could optimize workflows, automate tasks, and improve safety. The possibilities are truly endless.
A Call to Action
The race to develop the next generation of AI is on, and the U.S. must seize the possibility to lead. Investing in XR technologies and fostering collaboration between researchers, developers, and policymakers is crucial to ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of this transformative technological revolution. The future of AI depends on it.
The Godmother of AI and the Future of Spatial Computing
Fei-Fei Li, often hailed as the “Godmother of AI,” has been instrumental in propelling the intersection of artificial intelligence and spatial intelligence forward. Her groundbreaking work on large world models and the development of AI systems capable of comprehending intricate physical environments is paving the way for the next generation of physical AI. These advancements, fueled by data from extended reality (XR) and spatial systems, will empower AI to navigate, interpret, and interact with the physical world in increasingly sophisticated ways.
A Vision for AI in Our World
This vision aligns perfectly with the immense potential of spatial computing to create AI that can analyze and participate in our lived environments. Imagine AI assistants that can understand the layout of your home, anticipate your needs, and seamlessly integrate with your physical surroundings. Li’s work is bringing this future closer to reality.
American Leadership in XR
The United States has long been at the forefront of XR hardware innovation. From the pioneering work of pioneers like Tom Furness, the “Grandfather of VR,” and Jaron Lanier, who coined the term “virtual reality,” to the contributions of Nonny de la Peña, the “Godmother of VR,” American ingenuity has shaped the landscape of immersive technologies.
This legacy of innovation continues today. Key milestones include:
- 1968: Ivan Sutherland invents the first functional VR headset, the Sword of Damocles.
- 2012: Google releases Google Glass, marking a significant step towards wearable computing.
- 2014: Facebook acquires Oculus,further solidifying the company’s commitment to VR.
- 2018: Magic Leap launches its first device,pushing the boundaries of spatial computing.
- 2024: Apple releases the Apple Vision Pro, entering the competitive VR/AR market.
- 2023: Meta unveils Orion, a prototype for holographic AR, highlighting ongoing advancements in the field.
Hundreds of U.S.-based startups continue to drive progress in spatial and XR technologies, ensuring America remains a global leader in this rapidly evolving sector.
A Call for Continued Investment and Collaboration
As Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of the XR Association, emphasizes, ”XR and AR are critical technologies to America’s competitiveness, jobs, and economic strength.” Maintaining this leadership position requires sustained investment in research, development, and talent.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is essential to unlocking the full potential of spatial computing and AI.
From revolutionizing healthcare and education to transforming manufacturing and entertainment, the possibilities are limitless. Let’s continue to invest in the future and harness the power of spatial intelligence for the benefit of society.
America’s Future leaders: Why Investment in XR Innovation is Critical
The United states risks losing ground in the race for technological innovation if Congress doesn’t prioritize investment in extended reality (XR) development, according to leading industry figures. Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of the XR Association, warned in a recent publication, *”Absent R&D investment as part of a coordinated national strategy on advanced technologies, we risk jeopardizing American leadership in XR and creating a pathway for other nations who do not share our values to control its future.”* While Congress actively funds research in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics, XR remains overlooked. Yet, XR is instrumental in maintaining the nation’s technological edge.
>
XR technologies play a crucial role in augmenting AI’s capabilities by enabling the collection of rich, real-world context-rich data. As advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things converge with spatial computing experiences, XR interfaces emerge as key gateways to experiencing and interacting with the evolving digital landscape. Beyond the realm of tech enthusiasts, the substantial economic potential underscores the urgent need for American XR leadership.
The XR industry is poised to explode, projected to reach a staggering <$96.32 billion> by 2029.
In 2020, there was a dramatic surge of 1,400 percent in the demand for skilled XR talent.
Industry giants such as Facebook, Apple, Google, microsoft, Snap, and Amazon collectively have well over 4,000 jobs encompassing ”XR” in their job titles, revealing the industry’s significant investment in the sector.
A 2024 industry report indicates XR currently employs a workforce exceeding 1.3 million individuals
Embracing XR’s Transformational Potential
Investing in XR’s future, though, involves more than simply acknowledging the economic implications; it necessitates cultivating a workforce proficient in these technologies. Training programs, educational initiatives, and partnerships among academia, government, and private industry are essential stepping stones for nurturing this talent pipeline.
Moreover, fostering an environment conducive to research and development ensures that America stays at the forefront of XR advancements. By proactively supporting innovative breakthroughs, we equip ourselves for the transformative benefits XR offers.
As 5G infrastructure expands, blurring the lines between physical and virtual experiences, XR applications will permeate diverse sectors like healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and beyond.
Future Insights: Beyond Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
–>
Large Language Models (LLMs) will play a pivotal role in shaping future XR experiences.
Imagine a seamless integration where AI-powered virtual assistants tailor immersive experiences and respond authentically in real-time. Imagine collaborating with colleagues immersed in shared VR environments, engaging in brainstorming sessions that transcend geographic boundaries.
These are glimpses into a future where XR transforms not only our interactions with technology but also alters the very fabric of how we live, work, learn, and connect with the world around us.
Failing to invest in this transformative technology
would imperil America’s future in the global economic landscape. American leadership, bold vision, and strategic investment can ensure XR’s prosperity, paving the path towards a future defined by innovation and progress
XR Technology: The Next Frontier in AI Development
The United States faces a crucial challenge: maintaining its leadership in extended reality (XR) and spatial computing to secure a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). XR, encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is not merely about immersive experiences; it forms the foundation for training AI that seamlessly interacts with our physical and digital environments.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between XR and AI
as the World Bank has already demonstrated, XR extends beyond entertainment and games, holding immense potential for policy assessment and evaluating social outcomes. It offers a unique platform for AI training by allowing it to learn and adapt within richly simulated environments.
“XR hardware will likely have an even bigger impact on how society interacts with the physical world than AI alone. The Internet and mobile phones transformed our engagement with information.Spatial computing and XR will redefine how we engage with the physical world, how we engage with each other, as well as human-computer interaction. It will expand computing into the physical world via AI.”
This symbiotic relationship between XR and AI has profound implications for various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to education. Imagine surgeons practicing complex procedures in a virtual operating room or architects collaboratively designing buildings in a shared AR space.
Leading the Way with OpenXR
To solidify its position as a leader in this burgeoning field,the United States must champion open standards and interoperability. The Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act (H.R.3211) and the leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2024 are steps in the right direction, fostering education and research in XR.The development of an open standard like openxr, a protocol that ensures compatibility across XR devices regardless of their manufacturer, is crucial for driving innovation and widespread adoption.
Beyond the Horizon: The Next Mobile revolution
While discussions around DeepSeek and its impact on the US technology sector are prominent, it’s essential to recognize the broader technological shift underway, the race to replace the mobile phone. Just as the iPhone revolutionized the world with its introduction, new hardware paradigms could reshape the global economy and business landscape as dramatically as the advent of mobile devices.
Call to Action: Investing in XR and spatial computing is not just about technological advancement; it’s about economic prosperity and societal progress. By fostering innovation, supporting research, and embracing open standards, the United States can solidify its position as a leader in this transformative field, shaping the future of AI and its impact on our daily lives.
The Rise of Spatial Computing and AI: An American Opportunity
The world is on the cusp of a technological revolution driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and spatial computing. This new era,characterized by immersive,3D experiences powered by AI,has the potential to reshape countless industries and redefine how we interact with technology and the world around us.
A New Frontier in Computing
The foundation for this transformative shift lies in the rapid advancement of software that enables seamless interactions within virtual and augmented realities. “It’s time for the US government to prioritize this innately American technology to stay competitive in the next frontier – a fundamentally spatial, immersive, 3D and AI-driven era rooted in American innovation in a highly complex geopolitical context,” advocates a leading voice in the field.
This new frontier promises not only economic prosperity but also the evolution of AI itself. Large Language Models will continue to advance, while new categories of AI, such as Large Action models, Large Vision models, and Large world Models, will emerge, ushering in a new era of sophisticated AI capabilities.
leading the Way in a Global Landscape
the US government has a crucial role to play in shaping this technological future. By collaborating with international partners, fostering innovation, and establishing ethical guidelines, the US can ensure that these powerful technologies are developed and deployed responsibly for the benefit of all.
Investing in the Future
- AI glasses
- XR devices
- Robotics
- Autonomous vehicles
- Neural interface devices
- Holographic screens
- Wearables
This requires a multifaceted approach,including substantial investments in research and development,education and training programs,and infrastructure development.
Embracing the Convergence
The convergence of AI and spatial computing is not merely a technological advancement; it is a societal transformation. The US has a unique opportunity to lead this evolution, shaping a future where these technologies empower individuals, enhance creativity, and drive economic growth. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by this new era, the US can secure its place as a global leader in the 21st century.
It’s time to double down on American innovation and chart a course for a future where technology serves humanity and enriches our lives.
How can societal concerns about job displacement due to AI advancements in XR be addressed?
An American Future in XR and AI: An Interview with Leaders
Dr. Emily Carter, AI Research pioneer ___ mr. Alex Ramirez, XR Industry Visionary
Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned AI researcher, and Mr. Alex Ramirez, a leader in the XR industry, join us today to discuss the exciting intersection of extended reality and artificial intelligence, and its potential impact on the American future. Dr. Carter, let’s begin with you. what makes this convergence so significant?
Dr. Carter: The fusion of XR and AI is truly transformative. Imagine AI that can not only understand language but also navigate and interact with the physical world seamlessly. XR provides the platform for this – a shared, immersive space where AI can learn, adapt, and collaborate with humans in unprecedented ways.
Mr. Ramirez: Exactly. It’s about moving beyond the limitations of 2D screens and creating truly interactive experiences. Think of it as a new era of computing, where the physical and digital worlds blend seamlessly. This has profound implications for everything from healthcare and education to entertainment and manufacturing.
Dr.Carter: And let’s not underestimate the educational potential. VR and AR can create immersive learning environments, making education more engaging and effective.
Mr. Ramirez: Absolutely! It can make learning history come alive, or let students explore the human body in 3D.The possibilities are truly limitless.
[QUESTION FOR READERS] how do you envision XR and AI shaping your daily life in the coming years?
Dr. Carter: One area with immense potential is healthcare. Imagine AI-powered surgical assistants working alongside surgeons, or personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to individual patients. XR can also be used for remote diagnostics, bringing expert medical care to underserved communities.
Mr. Ramirez: For design and engineering, XR can revolutionize the way we conceptualize and create. Architects can wander through virtual buildings, engineers can test designs in simulated environments, and manufacturers can visualize production lines before they’re built.
Dr. Carter: The ethical implications of this convergence are crucial too. We need to ensure responsible development and deployment of these technologies, addressing issues like data privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the potential impact on the workforce.
Mr. Ramirez: We need to have open and transparent discussions about these challenges and work collaboratively to find solutions. It’s about harnessing the power of XR and AI for the benefit of humanity.
Charting the Course
Mr. Ramirez, what steps can the US take to maintain its leadership in this rapidly evolving field?
Mr. Ramirez: First and foremost, continued investment in research and development is essential. We need to nurture the next generation of XR and AI innovators. Secondly, fostering an ecosystem of collaboration between industry, academia, and government is crucial for driving innovation at scale.
Dr. Carter: And don’t forget about open standards.Open platforms and interoperability are essential for fostering widespread adoption and ensuring that these technologies benefit everyone.
Mr. Ramirez:** Absolutely. The US has
always been a leader in technological innovation, and I believe we have a real opportunity to shape the future of XR and AI in a way that benefits all of humanity.