10 Top Emerging Technologies Keywords You Need To Know Now
The emerging technologies world is full of obscure words. Experts, entrepreneurs, and large companies come up with new ones basically on a daily basis creating a bit of confusion even among insiders.
In a way, it is normal for this to happen, as we are dealing with a new kind of reality, which requires new words to explain it better. Augmented Reality and other immersive technologies alike are expected to completely transform the way we work, communicate, and interact in the real world across all sectors, providing the primary interface between us and the digital world. Mastering the basic jargon of this technological revolution can help everyone feel less overwhelmed by all the newness.
You may have heard by now terms, acronym, expressions like the range “AR, VR, MR,” or “spatial computing,” but do you know what they mean and how they relate to other emerging technologies? We have got you covered with this essential glossary on Augmented Reality ecosystem.
10 Top Emerging Technologies Keywords You Need To Know Now
The emerging technologies world is full of obscure words. Experts, entrepreneurs, and large companies come up with new ones basically on a daily basis creating a bit of confusion even among insiders.
In a way, it is normal for this to happen, as we are dealing with a new kind of reality, which requires new words to explain it better. Augmented Reality and other immersive technologies alike are expected to completely transform the way we work, communicate, and interact in the real world across all sectors, providing the primary interface between us and the digital world. Mastering the basic jargon of this technological revolution can help everyone feel less overwhelmed by all the newness.
You may have heard by now terms, acronym, expressions like the range “AR, VR, MR,” or “spatial computing,” but do you know what they mean and how they relate to other emerging technologies? We have got you covered with this essential glossary on Augmented Reality ecosystem.
1. Computer Vision
We could define the term as the ability of computer algorithms to interpret what a camera observes in the environment. Computer Vision allows AR applications to better lay the digital objects over the real world.
1. Computer Vision
We could define the term as the ability of computer algorithms to interpret what a camera observes in the environment. Computer Vision allows AR applications to better lay the digital objects over the real world.
2. Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality is the technology that allows you to lay virtual 2D and 3D objects in the form of widgets, hand-written annotations, or even desktop-like interfaces onto the real environment. You can visualize this information directly in your field of view (FoV) through the camera of your phone, tablet, or smart glasses. AR is not the same as VR, virtual reality. The latter delivers an entirely computer-rendered experience closed from the real world, which it may replicate for creative reasons.
The term was coined in 1990 by Thomas Caudel, a Boeing engineer, a fact that also depicts its closeness to the industrial sector where, since the beginning, proved its potential on the factory floors. AR offers real-time context-specific information delivered through interactive interfaces which enhances remote collaboration, makes it easier to create guided instructions, transfer knowledge from older, more skilled employees to young recruits, and makes on-the-job training more effective.
It has become popular among consumers thanks to applications like Snapchat and Pokémon Go game for smartphones released by Niantic which recently launched another AR game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
In the industrial sector, Augmented Reality is currently a great tool to enhance business processes, ranging from maintenance, repair, logistics to remote collaboration and training. JoinPad’s Smart Assistance and BrainPad AR platform, chosen by top 500 Fortune companies like ABB and Alstom, are perfect examples of how AR can simplify maintenance and remote assistance operations in complex industrial contexts delivering all the relevant information where and when the operators need it.
2. Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality is the technology that allows you to lay virtual 2D and 3D objects in the form of widgets, hand-written annotations, or even desktop-like interfaces onto the real environment. You can visualize this information directly in your field of view (FoV) through the camera of your phone, tablet, or smart glasses. AR is not the same as VR, virtual reality. The latter delivers an entirely computer-rendered experience closed from the real world, which it may replicate for creative reasons.
The term was coined in 1990 by Thomas Caudel, a Boeing engineer, a fact that also depicts its closeness to the industrial sector where, since the beginning, proved its potential on the factory floors. AR offers real-time context-specific information delivered through interactive interfaces which enhances remote collaboration, makes it easier to create guided instructions, transfer knowledge from older, more skilled employees to young recruits, and makes on-the-job training more effective.
It has become popular among consumers thanks to applications like Snapchat and Pokémon Go game for smartphones released by Niantic which recently launched another AR game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
In the industrial sector, Augmented Reality is currently a great tool to enhance business processes, ranging from maintenance, repair, logistics to remote collaboration and training. JoinPad’s Smart Assistance and BrainPad AR platform, chosen by top 500 Fortune companies like ABB and Alstom, are perfect examples of how AR can simplify maintenance and remote assistance operations in complex industrial contexts delivering all the relevant information where and when the operators need it.
3. Mixed Reality (MR)
In 1994, Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino defined Mixed Reality as “a particular subclass of VR related technologies that involve the merging of real and virtual worlds.” At first, it may seem they are describing Augmented Reality itself, but MR is a broader concept that encompasses VR and AR to envision the merging of the digital and real world. As a result, computers can interact with real environments through a wide range of inputs like sound, lighting, and location to create completely immersive experiences, whereas we can define Augmented Reality more simply as the simple visualization system.
MR technology is Microsoft‘s forte. Unless you lived under a rock in the last few years, you have likely heard about HoloLens, the most advanced MR headset for business. They released a second version in February at MWC in Barcelona amazing the world with its impressive features.
Another popular MR device which is more oriented towards consumers is the Magic Leap One. One of the default apps allows you to play around to create some fish tank or forest you can fill up with different types of virtual objects, ranging from corals, trees, and jellyfishes to spacecraft and T.Rex. Every object can interact with each other, so expect, for instance, that an alien spacecraft kidnaps your dinosaurs.
MR is still in its early stages, but the developer community is growing and its enabling technologies like 5G, spatial computing, and Artificial Intelligence as well.
3. Mixed Reality (MR)
In 1994, Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino defined Mixed Reality as “a particular subclass of VR related technologies that involve the merging of real and virtual worlds.” At first, it may seem they are describing Augmented Reality itself, but MR is a broader concept that encompasses VR and AR to envision the merging of the digital and real world. As a result, computers can interact with real environments through a wide range of inputs like sound, lighting, and location to create completely immersive experiences, whereas we can define Augmented Reality more simply as the simple visualization system.
MR technology is Microsoft‘s forte. Unless you lived under a rock in the last few years, you have likely heard about HoloLens, the most advanced MR headset for business. They released a second version in February at MWC in Barcelona amazing the world with its impressive features.
Another popular MR device which is more oriented towards consumers is the Magic Leap One. One of the default apps allows you to play around to create some fish tank or forest you can fill up with different types of virtual objects, ranging from corals, trees, and jellyfishes to spacecraft and T.Rex. Every object can interact with each other, so expect, for instance, that an alien spacecraft kidnaps your dinosaurs.
MR is still in its early stages, but the developer community is growing and its enabling technologies like 5G, spatial computing, and Artificial Intelligence as well.
4. Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented Reality is often confused with Virtual Reality. They both generate synthetic worlds but deliver different kinds of experiences. The VR user is completely immersed in an artificially created environment which can be fantastical or similar to a real location. Virtual Reality is much more widespread among consumers than AR simply because it has been the “big thing” in the gaming industry for many years and devices are less challenging to make. Among them, we recall here Facebook’s Oculus, Google Cardboard, and HTC Vive.
In the industrial sector, VR plays a major role in the areas of architecture, education, training, and prototype design.
4. Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented Reality is often confused with Virtual Reality. They both generate synthetic worlds but deliver different kinds of experiences. The VR user is completely immersed in an artificially created environment which can be fantastical or similar to a real location. Virtual Reality is much more widespread among consumers than AR simply because it has been the “big thing” in the gaming industry for many years and devices are less challenging to make. Among them, we recall here Facebook’s Oculus, Google Cardboard, and HTC Vive.
In the industrial sector, VR plays a major role in the areas of architecture, education, training, and prototype design.
5. Spatial Computing
According to Ori Inbar, one of the world’s leading expert in Augmented Reality, Spatial Computing is “a way to organize and interact with information in space rather than on a flat screen.” This new type of computing that will allow us to interact directly in the space with 3D virtual objects, thus imitating the natural way we live in the world. In the future, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers could become obsolete, replaced by smart glasses or AR contact lenses acting as the only human-machine interface we will need. It is bound to improve collaboration and knowledge formation that will be shared through the AR cloud.
5. Spatial Computing
According to Ori Inbar, one of the world’s leading expert in Augmented Reality, Spatial Computing is “a way to organize and interact with information in space rather than on a flat screen.” This new type of computing that will allow us to interact directly in the space with 3D virtual objects, thus imitating the natural way we live in the world. In the future, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers could become obsolete, replaced by smart glasses or AR contact lenses acting as the only human-machine interface we will need. It is bound to improve collaboration and knowledge formation that will be shared through the AR cloud.
6. AR Cloud
Ori Inbar who coined the term AR Cloud back in 2017 envisioned it as a way of organizing and sharing information that will be accessed contextually depending on the specific person, space, or object you are interacting with. Every aspect of the world will be represented through its virtual copy forming a complete 3D map of the world that will not enable users to share messages but also AR experiences and collaborate on projects. To Kevin Kelly, founder of Wired, it will resemble a so-called “Mirrorworld” describing it as a full-scale digital twin of anything there is the world.
6. AR Cloud
Ori Inbar who coined the term AR Cloud back in 2017 envisioned it as a way of organizing and sharing information that will be accessed contextually depending on the specific person, space, or object you are interacting with. Every aspect of the world will be represented through its virtual copy forming a complete 3D map of the world that will not enable users to share messages but also AR experiences and collaborate on projects. To Kevin Kelly, founder of Wired, it will resemble a so-called “Mirrorworld” describing it as a full-scale digital twin of anything there is the world.
7. Smart Glasses
Wearable technology could potentially replace personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches in 10-15 years from now, with Smart Glasses becoming the favorite substitutes. Early prototypes of AR and VR head-mounted displays (HDM) date back in the second half of the 20th-century, we recall here the Philco HeadSight of 1961, Sutherland’s Sword of Damocles of 1965 and the Air Force’s SuperCockpit of 1982.
Source: Philco HeadSight (sutori.com), Sutherland’s Sword of Damocles (dsource.in), Air Force’s SuperCockpit (roadtovr.com)
Since then, we have come a long way from such bulky models to smaller devices that are actual self-contained computer packed in an ever more comfortable, light-weight, and normal-looking pair of eyeglasses. The AR sector is brimming with well-designed, powerful models which have been spotted during the latest MWC and AWE (Augmented World Expo), from the HoloLens 2 and Lenovo ThinkReality A6 for enterprises to the more affordable NReal Light and Focals by North oriented towards consumers. Google is working on a new version of its previously failed Glasses, and Apple is currently market leader even if the company has only announced the release of an AR headset in 2020.
Sources: Microsoft Hololens 2, Magic Leap, Nreal Light
Augmented Reality Smart Glasses will connect users to the different immersive ecosystems and Cloud through AR interfaces, allowing them to see and interact hands-free with digital information presented directly in their field of view.
7. Smart Glasses
Wearable technology could potentially replace personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches in 10-15 years from now, with Smart Glasses becoming the favorite substitutes. Early prototypes of AR and VR head-mounted displays (HDM) date back in the second half of the 20th-century, we recall here the Philco HeadSight of 1961, Sutherland’s Sword of Damocles of 1965 and the Air Force’s SuperCockpit of 1982.
Source: Philco HeadSight (sutori.com), Sutherland’s Sword of Damocles (dsource.in), Air Force’s SuperCockpit (roadtovr.com)
Since then, we have come a long way from such bulky models to smaller devices that are actual self-contained computer packed in an ever more comfortable, light-weight, and normal-looking pair of eyeglasses. The AR sector is brimming with well-designed, powerful models which have been spotted during the latest MWC and AWE (Augmented World Expo), from the HoloLens 2 and Lenovo ThinkReality A6 for enterprises to the more affordable NReal Light and Focals by North oriented towards consumers. Google is working on a new version of its previously failed Glasses, and Apple is currently market leader even if the company has only announced the release of an AR headset in 2020.
Sources: Microsoft Hololens 2, Magic Leap, Nreal Light
Augmented Reality Smart Glasses will connect users to the different immersive ecosystems and Cloud through AR interfaces, allowing them to see and interact hands-free with digital information presented directly in their field of view.
8. 5G
The next network architecture is like the fast lane for data transmission and a fundamental enabler of smooth AR, MR, and VR experiences. The fifth generation wireless standard aims to transfer large amounts of data at high speed, allowing us to share 3D contents with many interconnected users in real time. It is also the infrastructure at the core of the IoT system within the smart factory as it will seamlessly connect and synchronize facility equipment, machinery, and embedded sensors.
8. 5G
The next network architecture is like the fast lane for data transmission and a fundamental enabler of smooth AR, MR, and VR experiences. The fifth generation wireless standard aims to transfer large amounts of data at high speed, allowing us to share 3D contents with many interconnected users in real time. It is also the infrastructure at the core of the IoT system within the smart factory as it will seamlessly connect and synchronize facility equipment, machinery, and embedded sensors.
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is a broad term referring to a wide range of abilities performed by a computer or a robot that resemble humans natural skills. AI is a core component of AR and the other immersive technologies as it sifts through and elaborates enormous amounts of data generating meaningful insights to carry out complex tasks. AI can be trained to recognize things and make sense of data – numbers, words, images, videos – autonomously through the so-called Machine Learning algorithms.
In the industrial field, AI systems use data from IoT sensors to perform predictive maintenance by forecasting potential equipment downtimes and other issues. Therefore, companies can benefit from costs reduction and better management of their plants.
The best examples of AI embedded in consumer products are perhaps autonomous vehicles or personal assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana on smartphones.
Many IT research centers are currently developing robots that look and act like humans. ICub, for instance, is an Italian humanoid robot with childlike features built by the Italian Institute of Technology, which can see, feel, touch and interact with the environment in an ever more sophisticated way as technology progresses.
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is a broad term referring to a wide range of abilities performed by a computer or a robot that resemble humans natural skills. AI is a core component of AR and the other immersive technologies as it sifts through and elaborates enormous amounts of data generating meaningful insights to carry out complex tasks. AI can be trained to recognize things and make sense of data – numbers, words, images, videos – autonomously through the so-called Machine Learning algorithms.
In the industrial field, AI systems use data from IoT sensors to perform predictive maintenance by forecasting potential equipment downtimes and other issues. Therefore, companies can benefit from costs reduction and better management of their plants.
The best examples of AI embedded in consumer products are perhaps autonomous vehicles or personal assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana on smartphones.
Many IT research centers are currently developing robots that look and act like humans. ICub, for instance, is an Italian humanoid robot with childlike features built by the Italian Institute of Technology, which can see, feel, touch and interact with the environment in an ever more sophisticated way as technology progresses.
10. Internet of Things (IoT)
If AI can be compared to a super intelligent and rational machine brain, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the nervous system made up of billions of sensors connecting and controlling as many objects and infrastructures. Smart cities and Industry 4.0 run on IoT networks that allow buildings, machines, devices, and every other equipment to collect, process, and communicate data with one another. In recent years, smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and smartwatches transmitting information to other home appliances or devices are examples of IoT systems that entered our daily lives.
10. Internet of Things (IoT)
If AI can be compared to a super intelligent and rational machine brain, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the nervous system made up of billions of sensors connecting and controlling as many objects and infrastructures. Smart cities and Industry 4.0 run on IoT networks that allow buildings, machines, devices, and every other equipment to collect, process, and communicate data with one another. In recent years, smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and smartwatches transmitting information to other home appliances or devices are examples of IoT systems that entered our daily lives.
11. Industry 4.0
Lastly, we thought it is important to mention one last keyword summing up the new technological paradigm in the industrial field.
Industry 4.0 depicts a smart, fully interconnected factory with high levels of automation, welding together a diverse range of emerging technologies among which there are Augmented Reality, Robots, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), Big Data and Cloud. In this space, machines, workstations and IT systems communicate and share data with one another across all process stages, from production to sales and marketing, which can be accessed real-time by workers through AR application on smart glasses to improve decision making. Enterprises will be able to manufacture small batches of personalized products quickly at low costs, optimizing at the same time quality and efficiency on the factory floor.
11. Industry 4.0
Lastly, we thought it is important to mention one last keyword summing up the new technological paradigm in the industrial field.
Industry 4.0 depicts a smart, fully interconnected factory with high levels of automation, welding together a diverse range of emerging technologies among which there are Augmented Reality, Robots, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), Big Data and Cloud. In this space, machines, workstations and IT systems communicate and share data with one another across all process stages, from production to sales and marketing, which can be accessed real-time by workers through AR application on smart glasses to improve decision making. Enterprises will be able to manufacture small batches of personalized products quickly at low costs, optimizing at the same time quality and efficiency on the factory floor.
We hope this little guide clarified a little bit the AR ecosystem for you. We wanted to keep it as simple as possible because as Leonardo da Vinci said, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” and it is also the best way to spread AR awareness among the broader public. We will keep updating this glossary as new terms appear, so stay tuned.
If you have any suggestions or want to request a specific word you didn’t read here, please let us know in the comments.
We hope this little guide clarified a little bit the AR ecosystem for you. We wanted to keep it as simple as possible because as Leonardo da Vinci said, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” and it is also the best way to spread AR awareness among the broader public. We will keep updating this glossary as new terms appear, so stay tuned.
If you have any suggestions or want to request a specific word you didn’t read here, please let us know in the comments.
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